To Evaluate the Association of Urinary Tract Infections in Patients Undergoing Pelvic Radiation for Cervical Cancers

Abstract

Chaudhary Shwetima, Kumar Rajendra, Gupta Rajeev, Srivastava Kriti, Singh Sudhir, Kalyan RK and Gupta Prashant

Introduction: Radiation is an effective cancer treatment in cervical cancer due to its direct and indirect interaction with living cells. Damage to the basement membranes of blood vessels can lead to occlusion, thrombosis, and neovascularization followed by atrophy and contraction of tissue these result in significant urinary symptoms.

Methods: all are planned for concurrent chemoradiation having histopathology squamous cell carcinoma. We advised baseline urine culture and sensitivity analysis before starting radiation, with negative urine culture and sensitivity reports considered for chemoradiation and included in the study.

Results: It is a single-arm observational institutional study. The total number of patients taken is 100—patients with culture positive 28, and negative 72. The most common organism detected is E.coli. After one month of follow-up, completion of radiation, and after giving antibiotics, 93/100 patients are asymptomatic in their urine culture and sensitivity report. A total of 100 patients who underwent pelvic radiation were taken in the study. Urine culture was positive in 28% of individuals. Urinary tract infection can persist for months even after completion of pelvic radiation. Through this study, we can educate the patient about taking precautions, and prescribe antibiotics based on the culture and sensitivity reports. This follow-up can be continued for up to six months to assess the late complications like radiation-induced cystitis.

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