Influence of inadequate antimicrobial therapy on prognosis in elderly patients with severe urinary tract infections.

Abstract Background Inadequate empirical antimicrobial therapy (IEAT) in intensive care unit (ICU) is associated with adverse outcomes. However, the influence of IEAT on prognosis for elderly patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) in non-ICU settings is unknown. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study of elderly patients admitted to a non-ICU ward in a university hospital with a primary diagnosis of UTI over a 3-year period was done. Data relating to age, sex, background comorbidities, severity of infection, bacteremia, microorganisms isolated in urine, treatment given, length of stay and prognosis were obtained using chart review. Cases were segregated according to the adequacy …