Evaluation of Urinalysis Using Reagent Strip Test as a Predictor of Morbidity After Urodynamic Study

• Grant number: 25/04382-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Maternal and Child Health
• Principal Investigator: Emerson de Oliveira
• Grantee: Bruno Sampaio Marcellos
• Host Institution: Centro Universitário FMABC (FMABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as any involuntary loss of urine and affects about 50% of women over their lifetime, with an increased prevalence as age rises. For a better evaluation of UI, urodynamic studies are used. Despite the use of sterile techniques during the examination, the use of catheters raises concerns about the risk of urinary tract infections (UTI) if there is, for example, pre-existing bacteriuria. The "Best Practice Policy on Urodynamic Antibiotic Prophylaxis," published in 2017, recommended urine analysis with reagent strips for all patients undergoing this examination, aiming to detect bacteriuria. However, the efficacy of this practice is debated concerning the symptoms reported by patients, since a single urinary tract symptom can indicate up to a 50% probability of UTI, rising to 90% with multiple symptoms such as dysuria and increased urinary frequency, without irritation or vaginal discharge. Testing with reagent strips has a positive predictive value of 79% and negative of 76% for UTI in cases presenting hematuria and nitrite, making it less effective in asymptomatic patients. Despite this, the use of reagent strips to detect asymptomatic bacteriuria is questioned, as treatment for this condition is not recommended in most populations. Thus, the objective of this study will be to evaluate the capacity of urine analysis through reagent strips, before the urodynamic study, in order to predict the risk of complications after the procedure.