Does delayed antibiotic treatment for elderly patients with suspected urinary tract infection (UTI) increase severe adverse outcomes?

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Why is this study important?

The challenges to diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTI) in the elderly include atypical presentations, asymptomatic bacteriuria, and higher risk of sepsis and mortality.[1] However, there also are risks including Clostridium difficile, and in the case of trimethoprim, acute kidney injury and hyperkalemia.[2] This study assesses the impact of delayed and no antibiotic (Abx) treatment for elderly patients with mostly suspected UTI.

Which, if any, threats to validity are most likely to have an impact on the results and how?

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