Letter to the Editor

Authors’ Response

Authors: Ryan D. Aycock, MD, MS, Dara Ann Kass, MD

Abstract

To the Editor:


We are pleased that our article1 could be viewed as a useful tool for clinicians who encounter patients with urine discoloration. Dr Chong2 is indeed correct that the purple discoloration from purple urine bag syndrome seems to occur from staining of the polymer used in making a Foley bag.2 We reread our discussion of the pathophysiology of this disorder and saw that we did not fully emphasize this point and may have led readers astray. Regardless of the exact color of the urine outside the bag, because the urine looks purple once the condition is discovered by the patient or caregiver, we prefer to describe it as purple urine.3

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

1. Aycock RD, Kass DA. Abnormal urine color. South Med J 2012; 105: 43–47.
 
2. Su FH, Chung SY, Chen MH, et al. Case analysis of purple urine-bag syndrome at a long-term care service in a community hospital. Chang Gung Med J 2005; 28: 636–642.
 
3. Aycock RD. A case of purple urine bag syndrome in a patient with an ileal conduit. Int J Nephrol Urol 2010; 2: 580–583.