Emphysematous pyelonephritis: classification, management, and prognosis

Urinary tract infections are commonly encountered and managed worldwide, and emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is among the most serious types of urinary tract infections. EPN is an acute necrotizing infection of the kidney, often associated with high rates of renal loss and mortality. The symptoms...

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Main Authors: Shu-Yu Wu, Stephen Shei-Dei Yang, Shang-Jen Chang, Chun-Kai Hsu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2022-01-01
Series:Tzu Chi Medical Journal
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Online Access:http://www.tcmjmed.com/article.asp?issn=1016-3190;year=2022;volume=34;issue=3;spage=297;epage=302;aulast=
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author Shu-Yu Wu
Stephen Shei-Dei Yang
Shang-Jen Chang
Chun-Kai Hsu
author_facet Shu-Yu Wu
Stephen Shei-Dei Yang
Shang-Jen Chang
Chun-Kai Hsu
author_sort Shu-Yu Wu
collection DOAJ
description Urinary tract infections are commonly encountered and managed worldwide, and emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is among the most serious types of urinary tract infections. EPN is an acute necrotizing infection of the kidney, often associated with high rates of renal loss and mortality. The symptoms of EPN infection can be nonspecific, but the clinical triad of fever, flank pain, and nausea represent the most common presentations. The diagnosis and classification are performed with the assistance of computed tomography (CT). The imaging-based classification system created by Huang and Tseng is widely used in clinical assessments. They defined EPN into four different class (1–4), with the higher number the more severe disease. Optimal EPN treatment is controversial, with emergent nephrectomy suggested during early studies, whereas more recent evidence favors more conservative approaches. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis are most common pathogens. The initial use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as Third-or fourth-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems are recommended. Diabetes, obstructive uropathy and hypertension are the most common risk factors and often need treatment together. Emergent drainage is indicated with a larger-sized drainage tube to achieve better drainage function. CT guidance has a better success rate than insertion under the guidance of ultrasonography. Nephrectomy should be reserved as the last resort for those who fail to respond to conservative therapy. This review aims to provide comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of this life-threatening urological infection.
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spelling doaj-art-c7211ef26e44439ba2cd8497441f5bcd2025-08-20T01:56:05ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsTzu Chi Medical Journal1016-31902223-89562022-01-0134329730210.4103/tcmj.tcmj_257_21Emphysematous pyelonephritis: classification, management, and prognosisShu-Yu WuStephen Shei-Dei YangShang-Jen ChangChun-Kai HsuUrinary tract infections are commonly encountered and managed worldwide, and emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is among the most serious types of urinary tract infections. EPN is an acute necrotizing infection of the kidney, often associated with high rates of renal loss and mortality. The symptoms of EPN infection can be nonspecific, but the clinical triad of fever, flank pain, and nausea represent the most common presentations. The diagnosis and classification are performed with the assistance of computed tomography (CT). The imaging-based classification system created by Huang and Tseng is widely used in clinical assessments. They defined EPN into four different class (1–4), with the higher number the more severe disease. Optimal EPN treatment is controversial, with emergent nephrectomy suggested during early studies, whereas more recent evidence favors more conservative approaches. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis are most common pathogens. The initial use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as Third-or fourth-generation cephalosporins and carbapenems are recommended. Diabetes, obstructive uropathy and hypertension are the most common risk factors and often need treatment together. Emergent drainage is indicated with a larger-sized drainage tube to achieve better drainage function. CT guidance has a better success rate than insertion under the guidance of ultrasonography. Nephrectomy should be reserved as the last resort for those who fail to respond to conservative therapy. This review aims to provide comprehensive, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of this life-threatening urological infection.http://www.tcmjmed.com/article.asp?issn=1016-3190;year=2022;volume=34;issue=3;spage=297;epage=302;aulast=emphysematous pyelonephritisgas-forming infectionnecrotizing pyelonephritisprognostic factorsurinary tract infections
spellingShingle Shu-Yu Wu
Stephen Shei-Dei Yang
Shang-Jen Chang
Chun-Kai Hsu
Emphysematous pyelonephritis: classification, management, and prognosis
Tzu Chi Medical Journal
emphysematous pyelonephritis
gas-forming infection
necrotizing pyelonephritis
prognostic factors
urinary tract infections
title Emphysematous pyelonephritis: classification, management, and prognosis
title_full Emphysematous pyelonephritis: classification, management, and prognosis
title_fullStr Emphysematous pyelonephritis: classification, management, and prognosis
title_full_unstemmed Emphysematous pyelonephritis: classification, management, and prognosis
title_short Emphysematous pyelonephritis: classification, management, and prognosis
title_sort emphysematous pyelonephritis classification management and prognosis
topic emphysematous pyelonephritis
gas-forming infection
necrotizing pyelonephritis
prognostic factors
urinary tract infections
url http://www.tcmjmed.com/article.asp?issn=1016-3190;year=2022;volume=34;issue=3;spage=297;epage=302;aulast=
work_keys_str_mv AT shuyuwu emphysematouspyelonephritisclassificationmanagementandprognosis
AT stephensheideiyang emphysematouspyelonephritisclassificationmanagementandprognosis
AT shangjenchang emphysematouspyelonephritisclassificationmanagementandprognosis
AT chunkaihsu emphysematouspyelonephritisclassificationmanagementandprognosis