No association between elevated post-void residual volume and bacteriuria in residents of nursing homes

Objective. To evaluate the concept that increased post-void residual urine volume (PVR) is a risk factor for bacteriuria. Design. Cross-sectional study. Setting. Three nursing homes in Jonkoping, southern Sweden. Subjects. A total of 147 elderly residents in municipal nursing homes. Main outcome values. PVR volumes measured with a portable ultrasonic bladder scan, urine specimen, and questionnaire data on incontinence, immobility, impaired cognition, neurological diseases, and medications. Results. Mean age was 86 years and 78% were women. The prevalence of a PVR for the four chosen cut-off values ( 30, 50, 100, and 150 ml) was 51%, 39%, 20%, and 7%, respectively. The prevalence of bacteriuria was 42%, 46% for women and 28% for men. Elevated PVR was not associated with bacteriuria, incontinence, immobility, impaired cognition or neurological disease ( stroke, Parkinson's disease). Conclusion. Bacteriuria and elevated PVR are common among elderly residents in nursing homes. The study could not confirm that elevated PVR predisposes to bacteriuria in elderly residents in nursing homes.