Intravesical chondroitin sulphate solution is safe and superior to antibiotics in treatment of recurrent urinary tract infection

A retrospective study based in Netherlands found data that showed efficacy and safety of intravesical chondroitin sulphate (CS) solution in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs). The results of the study were published in the journal, BMC Urology.

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravesical therapy with 0.2% CS in patients suffering rUTIs in comparison to a treatment with a low-dose long-term antibiotics (LDLTAB) and a combination of both (LDLTABCS). Of the total 151 patients included, 50 patients were treated with CS, 51 received LDLTAB, and 50 received a combination therapy. Data recorded was evaluated for baseline, after 6, and 12 months of treatment. Comparisons between and within groups were performed using one-tailed and paired t-tests. Patients also filled in a standardized quality of life questionnaire (QoL).

It was found that the number of infections reduced significantly after 12 months therapy with CS compared to 12 months therapy with LDLTAB. The number of visits to the urologist significantly decreased in the CS group, additionally there was a significant increase in QoL seen in CS-group. These results suggest the superiority of CS to antibiotics in patients with rUTIs, and may be considered as a safe and effective option.