Acute Pyelonephritis : Diagnostic Studies

• Diagnostic Studies
  • History and physical examination
    • Palpation for CVA pain
  • Laboratory tests
    • Urinalysis
    • Urine for culture and sensitivity
    • CBC with WBC differential
    • Blood culture (if bacteremia is suspected)
  • Ultrasound
  • CT Scan
• Interprofessional Care
  • Hospitalization for patients with severe infections and complications
    • Such as nausea and vomiting with dehydration
  • Signs/symptoms typically improve within 48 to 72 hours after therapy starts
  • Drug therapy
    • Antibiotics
      • Parenteral administration in hospital to rapidly establish high drug levels
    • NSAIDs or antipyretic drugs
      • Fever
      • Discomfort
    • Urinary analgesics
  • Relapses may be treated with 6-week course of antibiotics
    • Antibiotic prophylaxis may be used for recurrent infection
    • Follow-up urine culture and imaging studies
  • Urosepsis is characterized by bacteriuria and bacteremia
    • Close observation and vital sign monitoring are essential
    • Prompt recognition and treatment of septic shock may prevent irreversible damage or death