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Erythromycin for persistent or recurrent nongonococcal urethritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial
T M Hooton1, E S Wong, R C Barnes
1Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle.
Annals of Internal Medicine
|July 1, 1990
Summary
Erythromycin treatment effectively reduced symptoms and pyuria in men with persistent nongonococcal urethritis. This antibiotic regimen showed particular benefit for patients experiencing prostatic inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Urology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Nongonococcal urethritis (NGU) can be persistent or recurrent, posing treatment challenges.
- Previous antimicrobial regimens may be ineffective in resolving NGU symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of a 3-week erythromycin regimen for persistent or recurrent NGU in men.
- To compare erythromycin's effectiveness against placebo in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, double-blind trial involving 77 men with confirmed NGU.
- Participants received either erythromycin (500 mg four times daily) or placebo for 3 weeks.
- Follow-up assessments occurred at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-enrollment.
Main Results:
- Erythromycin significantly improved urethral symptoms at 2 weeks (P=0.03).
- Urine leukocyte counts decreased by 89% in the erythromycin group versus 23% in placebo (P=0.02).
- Men with prostatic inflammation showed a 94% decrease in urinary leukocytes with erythromycin, compared to a 46% increase with placebo (P=0.0003).
Conclusions:
- A 3-week course of erythromycin is more effective than placebo for persistent or recurrent NGU.
- Erythromycin demonstrates particular efficacy in reducing pyuria, especially in men with associated prostatic inflammation.
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