ABSTRACT
Background: Urinary tract infection is more common among diabetic patients. Aim: To describe the frequency and features of urinary tract infection among diabetic patients admitted to a medicine service in Colombia. Material and Methods: Review of a database of diabetic patients aged over 18 years, admitted to a Medicine Service in Colombia. The medical records and hospital evolution of those with urinary tract infections were reviewed. Results: Data from 470 patients aged 65 +/- 13 years (50 percent females) were reviewed. Urinary tract infections were detected in 68 (14 percent), all community acquired. A culture was done in 50 (73 percent), which was positive in 80 percent. The most common microorganisms isolated were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in 52 and 18 percent respectively. Twenty eight percent of E Coli strains were resistant to extended spectrum beta lactamases and 14 percent of K pneumoniae strains were resistant to ampicillin. Complications were observed in 28 percent of these patients and 6 percent died, mainly due to septic shock. Glycosylated hemoglobin levels in patients with and without urinary tract infection were 9.2 and 8.5 percent respectively (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Urinary tract infection is common among hospitalized diabetic patients and associated with complications and higher mortality.