Urea-splitting urinary tract infection contributing to hyperammonemic encephalopathy

Nat Clin Pract Urol. 2007 Aug;4(8):455-8. doi: 10.1038/ncpuro0877.

Abstract

Background: We present a case of severe neurological symptoms caused by hyperammonemia, secondary to a urinary tract infection with urea-splitting bacteria.

Investigations: Blood analysis, urinalysis, urine culture, abdominal ultrasonography, cystography, CT.

Diagnosis: Hyperammonemia as a result of urinary tract infection with urea-spliting bacteria.

Management: Desobstruction of the urinary tract and bladder or pouch rinsing, antibiotics, reduction of the dietary and endogenous nitrogen load, and endogenous nitrogen breakdown. Identification, prevention and treatment of underlying causes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Brain Diseases / etiology
  • Brain Diseases / microbiology*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyperammonemia / diagnosis*
  • Hyperammonemia / etiology
  • Hyperammonemia / microbiology*
  • Urea*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / complications
  • Urinary Tract Infections / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Tract Infections / microbiology*

Substances

  • Urea