Outpatient Management of Pyelonephritis in Pregnancy
Author Information
Author(s): Allyson M. Brooks, Thomas J. Garite
Primary Institution: University of California Irvine Medical Center
Hypothesis
Can outpatient treatment of pyelonephritis in pregnancy reduce costs without compromising safety or efficacy?
Conclusion
Outpatient treatment of selected patients with pyelonephritis in pregnancy can significantly reduce costs while maintaining safety.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 12% of outpatient patients required hospitalization.
- Outpatient treatment resulted in a cost of $1,100 compared to $3,350 for inpatient therapy.
- None of the outpatient patients had serious complications or preterm deliveries.
Takeaway
This study shows that pregnant women with a kidney infection can be treated at home instead of the hospital, which saves a lot of money and is safe.
Methodology
Pregnant patients with uncomplicated pyelonephritis were treated with outpatient IV and IM ceftriaxone, followed by oral antibiotics, and compared to inpatient and historical control groups.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to stringent exclusion criteria.
Limitations
The study had a relatively small sample size, limiting definitive conclusions about safety.
Participant Demographics
{"age":"23.2 ± 4.9 years","gravidity":"3.0 ± 2.1","parity":"1.4 ± 1.7","race":"85% Hispanic","prenatal_care":"35% received prenatal care","insurance":"50% on MediCal"}
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0004
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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