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. 2011:2011:419213.
doi: 10.4061/2011/419213. Epub 2011 Oct 1.

Purple urine bag syndrome: an alarming hue? A brief review of the literature

Fahad Khan  1 , Muhammad A Chaudhry, Noorulain Qureshi, Benjamin Cowley
Affiliations

Purple urine bag syndrome: an alarming hue? A brief review of the literature

Fahad Khan et al. Int J Nephrol. 2011.

Abstract

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a unique disease entity characterized by an alarming purple discoloration of the urine secondary to recurrent urinary tract infections with indigo- and indirubin-producing bacteria. It is usually associated with prolonged urinary catheterization and chronic debilitated states. We hereby present a concise review of this rare phenomenon with historic perspectives, epidemiology, emphasizing on current concepts of etiology, pathogenesis, relevant clinical associations, treatment modalities, prognosis, and future directions in PUBS. In addition, we highlight an interesting occurrence of this intriguing phenomenon in a 39-year-old gentleman at our institution.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Biochemical pathway of conversion of tryptophan to indigo and indirubin.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Purple discoloration of the urine with similar changes in the urine bag and tubing.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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