Urosepsis in the critical care unit.

ABSTRACT

Critical care unit patients show a higher risk of developing a bloodstream infection than ward patients. The urinary tract is the main source of hospital-acquired secondary bloodstream infection. Nosocomial urinary tract infection is promoted by bladder catheterization in the vast majority of cases. Aerobic gram-negative bacilli are the prevalent agents of bloodstream infection secondary to a nosocomial urinary tract infection. Sepsis and septic shock are severe complications of these infections in the critical care patient. Management of patients with a septic process of urinary source calls for the combination of adequate life-supporting care, an appropriate antibiotic therapy, and innovative adjunctive measures. Accurate catheter care is the best measure to adopt for the prevention of urosepsis.