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Review
. 2024 Dec;38(4):713-729.
doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2024.07.006. Epub 2024 Sep 10.

Urinary Catheter-Associated Infections

Elizabeth Scruggs-Wodkowski  1 , Ian Kidder  2 , Jennifer Meddings  3 , Payal K Patel  4
Affiliations
Review

Urinary Catheter-Associated Infections

Elizabeth Scruggs-Wodkowski et al. Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2024 Dec.

Abstract

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common and costly hospital-acquired infections, yet they are largely preventable. The greatest modifiable risk factor for developing a CAUTI is duration of catheterization, including initial indwelling catheter placement when it may not otherwise be necessary. Alternatives to indwelling urinary catheters, including intermittent straight catheterization and the use of external catheters, should be considered in applicable patients. If an indwelling urinary catheter is required, aseptic insertion technique and maintenance should be performed. Through the use of collaborative, multidisciplinary intervention efforts, CAUTI rates can be successfully reduced.

Keywords: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection; Healthcare-associated infection; Infection prevention; Urinary catheter.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures Dr Meddings has reported receiving honoraria from hospitals and professional societies devoted to complication prevention for lectures and teaching related to prevention and value-based purchasing policies involving catheter-associated urinary tract infection and hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. Dr Meddings also serves as an Associated Editor for the Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases journal.

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