Urinary tract infections remain a major problem for patients during inpatient hospital stays. The risk is higher in patients who use indwelling catheters to clear the bladder of urine. Technological advances in medicine have allowed for the development of silver-coated catheters. The presence of silver has been found to lower the risk of contracting a urinary tract infection with catheter use.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are prevalent in both the outpatient and inpatient settings. The use of catheters and the spread of infectious microorganisms raise the risk of urinary tract infections in the hospital. Many bacterial species are capable of causing infections of the bladder and urinary tract. Although urinary tract infections can resolve on their own, most patients will require a treatment course with antibiotics.
Catheter-associated Urinary Tract Infections
Many different factors contribute to the higher risk for developing a urinary tract infection with the use of catheters. Patients who require the use of catheters frequently have long periods of stagnant and pooled urine inside the bladder that promotes bacterial growth. In addition, insertion of a foreign catheter compromised the physical integrity of the urinary tract and may introduce foreign bacteria. Patients who are located in a hospital setting are highly susceptible to the spread of infectious organisms from staff, equipment and other patients.
Silver-coated Catheter
The development of urinary catheters has shown benefits in reducing the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. According to the Bard Foley Catheter web site, the rate of urinary tract infections is 3.7 times higher in patients using a standard catheter versus patients who use a silver alloy-coated catheter. Unfortunately, silver-coated catheters are more expensive than standard urinary Foley catheters and they can cause an allergic reaction in patients who are sensitive to silver.
Silver Antibacterial Properties
According to an article published in "Infection Control Today" in 2000, Sandra K. Watson and colleagues reported that silver-coated catheters can reduce the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections by inhibiting the ability of bacteria to attach and proliferate on catheter surfaces. They also reported that a review of current literature found that the use of silver-coated catheters significantly lowered the incidence of urinary tract infections versus standard catheters. Patients should speak with a physician with concerns regarding catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
References
- Bard Medical: Experience the Clinical and Economic Benefits of Bardex® I.C. Infection Control Foley Catheter Systems
- "Infection Control Today"; Technology vs. the Most Common Nosocomial Infection; Sandra K. Watson, RN, BSN, et al. (Aug. 2000).
- MayoClinic.com: Urinary Tract Infections
