Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

CG139/5

Question

Indwelling urinary catheters: antibiotic prophylaxis:- When recatheterising patients who have a long-term indwelling urinary catheter, what is the clinical and cost effectiveness of single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing symptomatic urinary tract infections in patients with a history of urinary tract infections associated with catheter change?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- The immediate clinical and economic impact of urinary tract infection is so great that patients at risk of infection are sometimes offered the option to receive prophylactic antibiotics. However, the widespread use of antibiotics, including their prophylactic use, has been identified as a major factor in the increasing levels of antibiotic resistance observed across England and Wales. There is currently an absence of evidence about the short-term and long-term effects of prophylactic antibiotic use during catheter change. The GDG identified this as an important area for research to establish the benefits and harms of this practice in order to develop future guidance (the recommendation on this topic in the current guideline was based on GDG consensus).
A randomised controlled trial or cohort trial comparing single-dose antibiotic prophylaxis with selected major antibiotic groups is needed. The primary outcome measures should be symptomatic urinary tract infection, cost and quality of life. This is an important area for patients as it could minimise the inappropriate use of antibiotics

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Healthcare-associated infections: prevention and control in primary and community care

Number

CG139

Date issued

March 2012

Other details