Clinical Characteristics, Microbiological Spectrum, Biomarkers, and Imaging Insights in Acute Pyelonephritis and Its Complicated Forms—A Systematic Review

TL;DR

This systematic review summarizes clinical features, biomarkers, and imaging findings in acute obstructive pyelonephritis, emphasizing the need for early detection and tailored treatment.

Contribution

The study provides a comprehensive overview of clinical predictors, microbial trends, and imaging efficacy in managing acute obstructive pyelonephritis.

Findings

Elderly patients with diabetes and urinary obstruction are predominantly affected by acute obstructive pyelonephritis.

CT scans show superior sensitivity in detecting obstructive complications compared to ultrasound.

Procalcitonin, presepsin, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio are effective biomarkers for predicting septic shock.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Acute and obstructive pyelonephritis (AOP) management, despite advancements in diagnostic imaging and antimicrobial therapy, is characterized by delayed recognition and increasing antimicrobial resistance. This review aimed to summarize current evidence regarding the clinical characteristics, microbiological spectrum, biomarkers, and imaging findings associated with AOP. Materials and Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251162736). Literature searches were performed across the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for articles published between January 2014 and 31 March 2025 using the term “acute obstructive pyelonephritis”. Inclusion criteria comprised original full-text English-language studies, published in the last 10 years and conducted in adults, reporting clinical, laboratory, microbiological, and imaging characteristics. Exclusion criteria are letters to the editor, expert opinions, case reports, conference or meeting abstracts, reviews, and redundant publications; having unclear or incomplete data; and being performed on cell cultures or on mammals. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Twenty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. AOP predominantly affected elderly patients with comorbidities, especially diabetes mellitus and urinary tract obstruction. Predictors of septic shock included thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, elevated procalcitonin (>1.12 µg/L), presepsin, and a neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio ≥ 8.7. Escherichia coli remained the leading pathogen (60–95%) with extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) rates between 20 and 70%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. CT demonstrated 71–100% sensitivity for detecting obstructive complications, confirming its superiority over ultrasound, while MRI provided comparable diagnostic accuracy in selected cases. Source control through double-J stenting or percutaneous drainage significantly improved survival. Conclusions: AOP requires prompt recognition and early decompression to prevent sepsis-related mortality. Biomarkers such as procalcitonin, presepsin, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio enhance risk stratification, while CT remains the gold-standard imaging modality. The increasing prevalence of ESBL-producing pathogens underscores the need for antimicrobial stewardship and individualized therapeutic strategies guided by local resistance data.

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