Conditions: Urinary Tract Infection
Keywords: cystitis pyelonephritis bladder infection kidney infection
Allocation: RANDOMIZED | Intervention model: PARALLEL
Enrollment: 200
Healthy volunteers: no

Brief summary:
Approximately 10-27% of patients undergoing gynecologic surgeries develop a catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) in the post operatory period, as bladder catheterization is a common practice in gynecologic surgery. Cranberry products provide alternative means for preventing CAUTI and could result in decreased use of antimicrobials. In this pilot study we will enroll 200 women post gynecologic surgery and randomize them to take either cranberry powder capsules or placebo powder capsules. The low risk of harm associated with using cranberry to reduce UTI coupled with its potential benefit makes it a desirable intervention for the prevention of CAUTI. The conduct/ results of this pilot /feasibility study will prepare us for the conduct of a large scale clinical trial.

Detailed description:
Cranberry products prevent bacteria that cause UTI, especially Escherichia coli, from adhering to bladder cell wall thus preventing infection. Adherence of type 1 pili is inhibited by the fructose and of p pili by the proanthocyanidins present in cranberry.

Arms:
arm 1: TheraCran® cranberry: based upon proanthocyanidin content, the four cranberry capsules are equivalent to two 8-ounce servings of cranberry juice.

Participants were directed to take two capsules by mouth twice each day (once in the morning and once in the evening) starting at time of discharge for 4-6 weeks, or until their return for their post-operative doctor's visit. Participants were instructed to drink an 8 oz glass of water while taking the capsule with or without food. arm 2: Placebo: participants were directed to take two capsules by mouth twice each day (once in the morning and once in the evening) starting at time of discharge for 4-6 weeks, or until their return for their post-operative doctor's visit. Participants were instructed to drink an 8 oz glass of water while taking the capsule with or without food.

Interventions: intervention 1: Cranberry powder capsules intervention 2: Placebo powder capsules
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: 2 cranberry powder capsules twice a day intervention 2: 2 placebo capsules twice a day

Protocol document: