Correlation of microbiological cultures with renal profiles in patients suffering from chronic UTI in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.

Abstract

Objective: To correlate outcomes of urine culture with renal function tests in patients suffering from chronic UTI with the aim to detect early renal compromise associated with any specific pathogens. Study Design: Cross-sectional, Observational. Setting: Sadaf Yahya Hospital, Daska and Bahria University College of Medicine, Islamabad. Period: 15^th January 2025 to 30^th August 2025. Methods: The sample included adult female patients aged more than 18 years, with a history of chronic or recurrent UTIs. Demographic data, medical history, and past episodes of UTI were noted. Midstream urine specimens were inoculated and cultured. Microorganisms identification was done through gram staining, biochemical assays or automated identification systems. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant to assess renal function. Results: A total of 158 female patients were included in this study. The comparison of renal function parameters between chronic UTI patients was done using independent sample t-test. The serum Creatinine levels were significantly higher in the patients with positive culture [99.28 (18.12) µmol/L] compared to culture-negative patients [83.47 (14.41) µmol/L] with the p value less than 0.001. Comparison of renal function parameters among patients with chronic UTIs according to the type of urinary pathogen identified on culture using one-way ANOVA. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference in serum creatinine across pathogen groups (p < 0.001) whereas differences in serum urea and eGFR were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Patients with chronic UTI were associated with higher serum creatinine.