What is the clinical utility of urinalysis in diagnosing urosepsis as a cause of acute confusion?

Report By: Rachel Alstead - Medical Student
Institution: MRI
Date Submitted: 5th July 2010
Last Modified: 8th July 2010
Status: Blue (submitted but not checked)

Three Part Question

In [adults presenting with acute confusion] what is [the clinical utility of MSU and urine dipstick] at [diagnosing urosepsis as a cause of the confusion] ?

Clinical Scenario

A 82 year old female presents at the emergency department acutely confused, with no obvious signs as to the cause. You wonder whether to test her urine to aid to the diagnosis of her confusion.

Search Strategy

MEDLINE 1950 to June week 4 2010, EMBASE 1980 to 2010 week 26 and the COCHRANE LIBRARY.
(exp confusion/ OR exp delirium/) AND (exp urinalysis/ OR MSU.mp.) limit to human and English language

Search Outcome

4 papers found on Medline, none of which were relevant. 153 papers found on Embase, none of which where relevant.

Comment(s)

There were no papers available on this topic. However, urinosepis is a common cause of delirium, especially in the elderly.

Clinical Bottom Line

There is no evidence available that is able to answer this question, refer to local guidelines.