Title: A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Cranberry Extract Supplements in Prevention of Recurrent UTI in Female Patients
Authors: Anju P C, Syama Gopinath, Dr I John Wesley, Prasobh G R
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i4.172
Abstract
Introduction: UTI s are usually the result of gram negative bacteraemia. It can be classified as complicated or complicated or primary or recurrent. Recurrent UTI may be relapses or reinfection. Female gender is considered as a main risk factor in recurrent UTI. Long term antibiotics are usually prescribed in recurrent infection. But this will increase the risk of development of resistance. Cranberry supplements are used for prevention of UTI s and they are having the efficacy of preventing the bacterial adherence to the bladder wall. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of cranberry extract supplements in prevention of recurrent UTI in female patients.
Method: Prospective observational study. 20 Patients with UTI and satisfying the study criteria are selected and are advised to take cranberry extract supplements after completing the antibiotic therapy. Four follow up s done and symptom assessment and microbiological evaluation performed during initial visit and each follow ups.
Result: Among the selected patients 17 patients completed the study. From this 13 patients showed effective response to the therapy and 4 patients developed recurrence of infection.
Conclusion: From the study result it can be concluded that for female patients with recurrent UTI , Cranberry extract supplements can play major role in the prevention of further recurrence.
Keywords: Urinary tract infections, Females, E Coli, Recurrent infections, Symptom assessment, Microbiological evaluation, Cranberry supplements
