Epidemiological profile of acute pyelonephritis in the university hospital of Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora

Abstract

Urinary tract infection is the most common type of bacterial infection, presenting as a variety of clinical entities. Acute pyelonephritis (AP) stands out for its morbidity. Data referring to this condition’s epidemiology are essential for correct diagnostic suspicion and definition of its therapy, which is empirical and based on patterns peculiar to each population. Objective: in this study we aimed to determine the epidemiological and microbiological profiles of acute pyelonephritis in the University Hospital of the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. Methods: retrospective analysis of the records of inpatients diagnosed with AP through a positive result of urine culture, seen from January 1999 to July 2003. Results: AP accounted for 1.63% of all hospitalizations. AP predominantly occurred in females and in most cases the typical clinical and laboratory findings were found. Sepsis criteria were present in 22% and gram-negative bacteria were isolated in the great majority of the cases. Conclusion: We found the characteristic clinical profile of AP in our population, making it easy to suspect the diagnosis of this potential life-threatening condition.