Purple Urine Bag Syndrome: An Alarming Hue? A Brief Review of the Literature
2011

Purple Urine Bag Syndrome: A Brief Review

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Fahad Khan, Muhammad A. Chaudhry, Noorulain Qureshi, Benjamin Cowley

Primary Institution: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

Conclusion

Purple urine bag syndrome is generally benign but can indicate serious underlying urinary tract infections.

Supporting Evidence

  • Purple urine bag syndrome is caused by bacteria that produce pigments.
  • It is often seen in patients with long-term urinary catheters.
  • Prevalence can be as high as 9.8% in institutionalized patients with catheters.
  • Treatment involves addressing the underlying urinary tract infection.

Takeaway

Purple urine bag syndrome makes urine turn purple due to certain bacteria, especially in people with long-term catheters. It's usually not dangerous, but it can mean there are other health problems.

Methodology

This is a review article summarizing existing literature on purple urine bag syndrome.

Limitations

The review does not provide new experimental data and relies on existing literature.

Participant Demographics

Typically affects elderly women and chronically debilitated patients with long-term urinary catheters.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.4061/2011/419213

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