Der unkomplizierte Harnwegsinfekt in der ambulanten Versorgung
Behandlungsstrategien und Symptomverlauf
Uncomplicated urinary tract infection in primary care
Treatment strategies and symptom progression
by Stephanie Strube-Plaschke née Plaschke
Date of Examination:2021-07-01
Date of issue:2021-06-18
Advisor:Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Himmel
Referee:Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Himmel
Referee:Prof. Dr. Lutz Trojan
Referee:Prof. Dr. Thomas Meyer
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Abstract
English
Increasing resistance rates of uropathogenic germs require a rational use of antibiotics in the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections. In addition to antibiotic treatment strategies, symptomatic therapy options with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are now available in accordance with guidelines. The extent to which these options are used by the physicians and whether medical and actual treatment at home correspond is poorly understood. Furthermore, it is not known whether there is a correlation between treatment and symptom progression. To answer this question, a reliable symptom questionnaire is desirable. Such a questionnaire should be analyzed for reliability and convergent and divergent validity. In a prospective observational study in 18 primary care practices, 120 female patients with uncomplicated urinary tract infection were interviewed over eight days about symptoms, impairment, and quality of life. Women were able to rate the severity of the main symptoms of UTI (urgency, dysuria, frequency, lower abdominal pain) on a five-point response scale in the symptom questionnaire. Laboratory results and treatment strategies were collected from the practice documentation. Physicians prescribed antibiotic therapy in 102 patients (87%). Only 60% (72/120) of the patients actually took an antibiotic. Although rarely recommended by physicians, 43% chose to take an analgesic. Women taking an antibiotic had a total symptomscore of 2.96; women not taking an antibiotic 2.71 (p = 0.12). Women taking an analgesic had a mean score of 3.11; women without an analgesic 2.68 (p = 0.0062). There were no differences in symptom progression between women with and without antibiotic use. The developed questionnaire was found to have excellent reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.86) and satisfactory convergent validity (correlations of 0.43-0.54) and divergent validity (correlation 0.28). Patients are quite receptive to non-antibiotic therapeutic measures. Also, the experience of many patients in this study that symptomatic treatment leads to a rapid resolution of symptoms could motivate physicians and other patients to a more restrictive use of antibiotics. With the developed symptom questionnaire, a valid measurement instrument in German language will be available in the future.
Keywords: Urinary tract infection; Treatment strategies; Primary health care; Quality of life; Symptom assessment