Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of urinary system diseases registered in the emergency medical service in Barajevo during 2023

Introduction/aims. Urinary system diseases are a significant part of the global disease burden and represent an increasing burden on the healthcare system. Although patients in the pre-hospital settings and emergency departments most commonly present with acute symptoms such as urinary tract infections and urolithiasis, early recognition of conditions that may lead to kidney damage and loss of renal function is of crucial importance. The aim of the research was to show epidemiological and clinical features of patients with kidney and urinary tract diseases, who were treated by Emergency Medical Service of the Community Healthcare Center "Dr. Milorad Vlajkovic" Barajevo, Belgrade (EMS), during 2023. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted by the analysis of EMS field intervention protocols. Data on demographic characteristics (sex, age), administered therapy, seasonal distribution, and diagnoses from the N group (N00-N99) of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-X) were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v. 21. Results. Of 3,345 EMS field interventions during 2023, 95 patients (2.8%) had diagnoses of kidney and/or urinary tract diseases. The most common diagnoses were urinary tract infections (including cystitis and pyelonephritis), which were recorded in 43 patients (45.3%). Renal colic and calculosis were confirmed in 18 patients (18.9%), while 15 patients (15.8%) had some sort of renal insufficiency. Seasonal variation was noted during the year, with the highest frequency of urinary infections in August (9 patients), while the largest number of patients presenting with renal colic was recorded in July (5 patients). Metamizole was the most commonly used drug in the therapy of renal colic, while opioid analgesics were not used. Conclusion. Urinary tract infections and renal colic represent the most common reason for EMS field interventions in the field of urology and nephrology in the territory of Barajevo. The high proportion of uncomplicated infections indicates the need to strengthen the role of primary healthcare and its doctors in order to relieve emergency service. Early recognition and adequate triage are key to preventing severe complications and preserving renal function.