Persistent fever with UTI should be investigated

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QMy 59 years old mother has had a persistent cough off and on for the last one year. She was recently diagnosed with a urinary tract infection ( UTI) with a fever of 104.7 Fahrenheit. She was given a shot of Rocephine and an oral antibiotic. Two days later, she was still having fever, so the doctor gave another shot of Rocephine. Three days later, she is still having fever in the afternoons and at night. Urine culture showed that E. coli bacteria caused the UTI. — Prashanth

The first thing is to make sure the E. coli is sensitive to the antibiotics. Next, make sure there is no involvement of the upper urinary tract by stones, blockages or kidney infection. An ultrasound or CT may be needed to see if the body is mounting a response to the infection. Keep her well hydrated and take her to a physician.

Dr M. Srinivasa Rao, consultant urologist and kidney transplantation surgeon

QI am a 33- year- old male having Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase ( SGOT) — 200 and Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase ( SGPT) — 195. What are SGOT and SGPT, and what causes their increase?

— Anonymous

SGOT and SGPT are enzymes produced by liver cells of which SGPT is very much liver specific. When the liver cells get damaged these enzymes get released and their levels in the blood go high. If your enzymes are persistently high further investigations are indicated.

Dr Bhavani Raju, senior consultant gastroenterologist