# P-778. Evaluation of Fluoroquinolone Use for Pseudomonal Urinary Tract Infections

## TL;DR

This study evaluates the effectiveness of fluoroquinolones in treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa urinary tract infections, showing high cure rates even with resistance.

## Contribution

The study provides clinical evidence that fluoroquinolones can achieve high cure rates for pseudomonal UTIs despite resistance and revised breakpoints.

## Key findings

- Clinical cure within 7 days was achieved in 96.5% of levofloxacin and 91% of ciprofloxacin patients.
- Recurrence rates were 9% for levofloxacin and 12% for ciprofloxacin, with most recurrent cases remaining susceptible to the drug used.
- Indwelling catheters were a common risk factor for recurrence in both treatment groups.

## Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsAr) is responsible for roughly 10% of catheter-associated UTIs (CAUTIs) and up to 16% of ICU infections, often leading to complications such as bacteremia. Fluoroquinolones (FQs) remain one of the few oral treatment options for PsAr UTIs. Despite rising resistance, FQs like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin achieve high urinary concentrations—potentially overcoming higher MICs and maintaining efficacy. In 2019, the CLSI lowered PsAr FQ breakpoints, raising questions about continued clinical effectiveness for higher MICs. This study aims to evaluate the use of FQs for treating pseudomonal UTIs and to assess clinical success in relation to MIC levels.Table 1.Baseline CharacteristicsTables 2 & 3.Primary Endpoint* Further breakdown of MIC not available

Baseline Characteristics

Primary Endpoint

* Further breakdown of MIC not available

This retrospective observational study analyzed adult patients treated with FQ for a PsAr UTI between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2022. Inclusion criteria were a positive urine culture for PsAr and treatment with ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin. Patients with prostatitis were excluded. The primary outcome was clinical cure within 7 days post-therapy. Secondary outcomes included relapse or reinfection within 30 days, with evaluation of risk factors such as indwelling urinary devices and history of kidney stones.Tables 4 & 5.Secondary Endpoint* Further breakdown of MIC not available

Secondary Endpoint

* Further breakdown of MIC not available

Of 310 patients, 85 (27.4%) received levofloxacin and 225 (72.6%) received ciprofloxacin. Clinical cure within 7 days was achieved in 82 (96.5%) of the levofloxacin group and 205 (91%) of the ciprofloxacin group. All patients resistant to levofloxacin (n=5) or intermediate/resistant to ciprofloxacin (n=24) achieved 100% clinical cure. Recurrence within 30 days occurred in 8 (9%) of levofloxacin and 30 (12%) of ciprofloxacin patients; all recurrent cases remained susceptible to their respective fluoroquinolone. Among those with recurrence, 5 (62.5%) in the levofloxacin group and 18 (60%) in the ciprofloxacin group had indwelling catheters. No patients had a documented history of kidney stones by provider notes or imaging.

FQs remain a primary oral treatment option for pseudomonal UTIs and may achieve clinical cure despite higher MICs. Further research is needed to determine if high urinary FQ concentrations improve outcomes against intermediate or resistant PsAr isolates.

All Authors: No reported disclosures