Outlook

For people with uncomplicated cystitis or pyelonephritis, antibiotic treatment usually brings complete resolution of the infection.

If not treated promptly, urinary tract infections can cause permanent scarring of the urinary tract.

Pyelonephritis, if not treated promptly, can spread to the bloodstream and cause a very severe infection.

• Short-term and long-term kidney damage can be a result of pyelonephritis.



• Despite appropriate intervention, 1%-3% of people with pyelonephritis die.



• Death from pyelonephritis is rare in otherwise healthy people.



• Factors associated with poor outcome or death are old age or general debility, kidney stones, recent hospitalization, diabetes, sickle cell disease, cancer, or chronic kidney disease.

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Urinary Tract Infections - Effective Treatments

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