Complicated urinary tract infections

The term complicated urinary tract infection is usually used to convey an i nfection that occurs in a patient with a structural or functional abnormali ty impeding urine flow, or in a host with altered defences. The distinction between complicated and uncomplicated infections is important because, whe n complicating factors are present, antimicrobial resistance is more common and the response to therapy is often disappointing, even with agents activ e against the causative microbial pathogen. In addition, severe complicatio ns frequently occur which may lead to urosepsis, renal scarring or even end -stage disease. Drug treatment of complicated urinary tract infections ofte n must be complemented with endoscopic and/or surgical intervention. Only a few well designed treatment studies have been published acid therefore sou rces for definitive therapeutic guidelines remain inadequate. g 2000 Elsevi er Science B.V. and International Society of Chemotherapy. Ail rights reser ved.