Does cranberry have a role in catheter-associated urinary tract infections?

Authors

  • Dominique Thomas Weill Cornell Medical College
  • Matthew Rutman Columbia University Medical Center
  • Kimberly Cooper Columbia University Medical Center
  • Andrew Abrams Wellness Program Manager
  • Julia Finkelstein Columbia University Medical Center
  • Bilal Chughtai Weill Cornell Medical College

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.4472

Abstract

Introduction: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) are a prevalent and costly condition, with very few therapeutic options. We sought to evaluate the efficacy of an oral cranberry supplement on CA-UTIs over a six-month period.

Methods: Subjects with long-term indwelling catheters and recurrent symptomatic CA-UTIs were enrolled to take a once-daily oral cranberry supplement with 36 mg of the active ingredient proanthocyanidin (PACs). Primary outcome was reducing the number of symptomatic CA-UTIs. This was defined by ≥103 (cfu)/mL of ≥1 bacterial species in a single catheter urine specimen and signs and symptoms compatible with CA-UTI. Secondary outcomes included bacterial counts and resistance patterns to antibiotics.

Results: Thirty-four patients were enrolled in the trial; 22 patients (mean age 77.22 years, 77.27% were men) completed the study. Cranberry was effective in reducing the number of symptomatic CA-UTIs in all patients (n=22). Resistance to antibiotics was reduced by 28%. Furthermore, colony counts were reduced by 58.65%. No subjects had adverse events while taking cranberry.

Conclusions: The cranberry supplement reduced the number of symptomatic CA-UTIs, antibiotic resistances, and major causative organisms in this cohort. Larger, placebo-controlled studies are needed to further define the role of cranberry in CA-UTIs.

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Published

2017-11-01

How to Cite

Thomas, D., Rutman, M., Cooper, K., Abrams, A., Finkelstein, J., & Chughtai, B. (2017). Does cranberry have a role in catheter-associated urinary tract infections?. Canadian Urological Association Journal, 11(11), E421–4. https://doi.org/10.5489/cuaj.4472

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 11 (2017): CUAJ November

Section

Original Research

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