It is unclear whether age or gender plays a significant role in UTI incidence rates in the neurourogenic population.¹

What do we know from the evidence?

Some studies suggest a slightly higher UTI rate for females,^2,3 whereas older studies found conflicting results.⁴

A recent, retrospective chart review of 194 spina bifida patients found that increasing age was associated with decreasing odds of UTI by 7% per year, independent of gender.⁵

How can we explain this?

The median age of this population was 22 (range; 8 months – 58 years). Given the young population, age and maturity may have impacted the patient’s ability to manage their bladder emptying and hence the risk of UTI.⁵