Glaser AP, et al. – This research reviewed the practice patterns and attitudes of pediatric urologists regarding the use of antibiotics in the setting of urinary tract catheterization. Collected data displayed a substantial variation in practice patterns among surveyed pediatric urologists regarding prophylactic antibiotic use with urinary catheterization. This variation, combined with a lack of objective data and increasing pressure to decrease infectious complications and combat antibiotic resistance, highlighted the requirement for the development of management guidelines for this unique population.

Methods

• Members of the Society for Pediatric Urology attempted an online survey.
• Questionnaire sections included demographics, general questions about antibiotic use with catheterization, and specific clinical scenarios. 
• Descriptive statistics were used.
• To examine associations between demographics and specific responses, chi-square analysis was conducted.

Results

• Out of 448 pediatric urologists surveyed, 154 (34%) responded to the survey. 
•  A majority of surveyed urologists (78%) prescribe daily prophylactic antibiotics with a hypospadias stent in place, but extensive variation in use of antibiotics was reported with other catheters and tubes.
• Extensive variation in practice patterns was also reported for 3 case scenarios regarding antibiotic prophylaxis with catheterization.
• Urologists > 50 years of age and fellowship-trained urologists were more likely to prescribe antibiotics for hypospadias stents (p = 0.02, p = 0.03), but no other significant associations between demographic characteristics and antibiotic use were found.