Failed Removal of Indwelling Urinary Catheters in Patients With Acute Stroke: Incidence and Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Reducing the incidence of indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) use and early removal of the devices that are inserted are appropriate priorities for quality patient care. Just like symptomatic bacteriuria, failed catheter removal as a complication of IUC use is associated with considerable morbidity. In the ideal setting, patients who need IUCs have them, and patients who do not need them will have them removed safely, with the goal of reducing medical complications and facilitating the rehabilitation phase of care.

Objective: To determine the incidence of failed removal of IUCs and the factors associated with failed removal in persons hospitalized with acute stroke.

Design: Retrospective review of medical records and associated clinical data collection platforms.

Setting: Comprehensive stroke center at a tertiary care hospital.

Patients: The study cohort included 175 stroke patients admitted to the hospital and managed with IUCs. Mean age was 66.1 years (standard deviation = 15), 55% were female.

Methods: Univariable and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Variables assessed included age, gender, race, duration of hospital stay, stroke subtype, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and 6-Clicks Scale, which is a measure of functional status.

Main outcome measurements: The dependent variable was occurrence of a failed attempt at removal of an IUC, defined as removal followed by a catheter reinsertion.

Results: During the study period, 175 of 432 patients with acute hospital admission for new stroke had an IUC removal event. Of these patients, 46 (26%) experienced a failed catheter removal. On univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with failed removal included presence of a hemorrhagic stroke (P = .005), lower level of physical function (by 6-Clicks and NIHSS scores), hospital length of stay (P < .001), and discharge location (P = .005). Bedside bladder ultrasound testing by nursing staff was used more frequently in the group of patients who had unsuccessful IUC removals (95% confidence interval 4.56-21.67, P < .001). Length of stay (P < .001), white race (P = .001), and hemorrhagic stroke (P = .009) were associated independently with failed catheter removal after adjustment for other clinical variables.

Conclusions: This single-site study identified a high incidence of failed urinary catheter removal in patients with stroke, along with factors associated with failed removal. This is the first step in developing a predictive model that could reduce the incidence of this adverse event. Policies, penalties, and protocols designed to reduce catheter days must be sensitive to the special situations in which IUCs are medically necessary and equal consideration given to identifying the patients for which catheter removal poses a greater risk than continued catheter use.

Level of evidence: III.