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Effect of cranberry juice on bacteriuria in children with neurogenic bladder receiving intermittent catheterization

T A Schlager1, S Anderson, J Trudell

  • 1University of Virginia, Department of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Charlottesville 22906-0014, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|December 10, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Cranberry concentrate did not reduce bacteriuria or symptomatic urinary tract infections in children with neurogenic bladder undergoing clean intermittent catheterization. The study found no significant difference in infection rates between cranberry and placebo groups.

Area of Science:

  • Urology
  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Neurogenic bladder affects children, increasing risks of urinary tract issues.
  • Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is common but can lead to bacteriuria and infections.
  • Preventive strategies for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in this population are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate cranberry concentrate's efficacy in preventing bacteriuria and symptomatic UTIs.
  • To assess the impact of cranberry prophylaxis in pediatric patients with neurogenic bladder on CIC.
  • To determine if cranberry concentrate alters urine pH or pathogen prevalence.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted over 6 months.
  • 15 children with neurogenic bladder on CIC received either cranberry or placebo concentrate for 3 months each.
  • Urine samples were collected weekly via CIC, and UTI symptoms/medications were recorded.

Main Results:

  • Bacteriuria rates remained high (75%) during both placebo and cranberry concentrate consumption.
  • No significant difference was observed in the frequency of bacteriuria or symptomatic UTIs between groups.
  • Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen, and urine acidification showed no significant change.

Conclusions:

  • Cranberry concentrate demonstrated no effect on reducing bacteriuria in children with neurogenic bladder on CIC.
  • The high prevalence of bacteriuria (70%) in this population persists despite cranberry intervention.
  • Further research may be needed to explore alternative UTI prevention strategies for this vulnerable group.
Abstract

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