As body mass increases, so does a patient’s risk of urinary tract infection (UTI), according to Baltimore researchers. A new study, presented at the 104th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) assesses and stratifies this risk.

Researchers evaluated insurance claims of 95,962 subjects over a five year period (from 2002 through 2006) to identify whether obesity is associated with a UTI diagnosis. The results show that, as BMI increased, the odds of being diagnosed with a UTI increased as well. This association was strongest for morbidly obese patients.

“The effect of the obesity epidemic in the United States transcends any one medical specialty or condition,” said Anthony Y. Smith, MD, an AUA spokesman. “Patients with elevated body mass index should be vigilant about urologic health because even the most simple of urinary tract infections can be deadly if left untreated.”

NOTE TO REPORTERS: Experts are available to discuss this study outside normal briefing times.

Semins, M; Shore, A; Steele, K; Makary, M; Matlaga, B. The effect of increasing body mass index on urinary tract infection. J Urol, suppl. 2009: 181, 4, abstract 395.

About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is the pre-eminent professional organization for urologists, with more than 16,000 members throughout the world. An educational nonprofit organization, the AUA pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care by carrying out a wide variety of programs for members and their patients.

Source: American Urological Association (AUA)