INCIDENCE OF ASCENDING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS IN ELDERLY PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE MEDICAL ICU

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common nosocomial infections, particularly in elderly patients admitted to the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). These infections, often ascending in nature, can lead to severe complications such as sepsis and multi-organ failure. This study investigates the incidence, risk factors, microbiological profile, and clinical outcomes of ascending UTIs in elderly ICU patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 500 elderly MICU patients over a two-year period (2022–2023). The incidence of ascending UTIs was 28%, with Escherichia coli (55%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (25%) being the predominant pathogens. Prolonged catheterization, diabetes, and immunosuppression were identified as major risk factors. 32% of affected patients developed sepsis, and the mortality rate was 12%. Our findings highlight the urgent need for improved infection control measures, judicious catheter use, and antibiotic stewardship programs to reduce the burden of UTIs in critically ill elderly patients.