Open questions on lower urinary tract infections: Results of a Delphi consensus study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This is a Delphi study that aims to explore expert consensus regarding open questions in current literature evidence on lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). This manuscript deals with adults and analyzed the most recent guidelines and meta-analysis on the topic. METHODS: A panel of leading urologists and urogynaecologists participated in a consensus-forming project using a Delphi method to reach consensus on gray zone issues on recurrent lower UTIns (rUTIs), asymptomatic bacteriuria (AB) in pregnant women, and catheter-associated UTIs (CAUTI) in adults. All the panelists were invited to participate the four phases consensus. Consensus was defined as ≥75% agreement. An ordinal scale (0-10) was used. A systematic literature review was analyzed for diagnostic workup and prevention of rUTIs, AB, and CAUTI. RESULTS: In total, 37 experts participated. All panelists participated in the four phases of the consensus process. Consensus was reached if ≥75% of the experts agreed on the proposed topic. Online meetings and a face-to-face consensus meeting was held in Milan in March 2023. Formal consensus was achieved for 12/13 items. CONCLUSIONS: This manuscript is a Delphi survey of experts that showed interest on some debated points on rUTIs, AB in pregnancy, and prevention of CAUTI. There is still little data on nonantibiotic prevention of UTIs and CAUTI; quite old studies have been reported on AB in pregnancy. The emerging problem of antibiotic resistance is relevant and nonantibiotic prophylaxis may play a role in its prevention.

Recurrent lower urinary tract infections: more than an infection for older women.

Background/aim: Older adults tend to have more urinary tract infections (UTIs). The frequency of recurrent lower urinary tract infections (rLUTIs) increases with age. rLUTIs are associated with long-term chronic effects on geriatric syndromes in older adults. We aimed to investigate possible risk factors that influence rLUTIs in older adults based on comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 235 older adults admitted to Gaziantep University's Geriatric Outpatient Clinic between June 1 and November 30, 2022. All patients underwent CGA. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the European Quality of Life-Five Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Katz Index of Activities of Daily Living (ADL), the Lawton and Brody Index of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), and the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) tool were,administered. Handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed were also measured, and the number of falls in the last year was recorded. Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.8 ± 6.8 years and 61.3% were female. Sixty-four patients had rLUTIs. The rLUTI group had higher frequencies of sarcopenia, hypertension, and diabetes; higher numbers of comorbidities and medications; higher GDS and PSQI scores; and more reported falls. They had lower ADL, MNA, EQ-5D, and gait speed scores. HGS was found to be lower in women with rLUTIs. Higher numbers of comorbidities and GDS scores and lower HGS were independent predictors of rLUTIs in women (p = 0.011, OR: 1.75; p = 0.018, OR: 1.14; and p = 0.042, OR: 0.91, respectively). Conclusion: We revealed that decreased HGS, higher GDS, and the number of comorbidities in older women were independent risk factors for rLUTIs. Our findings offer a new perspective on the importance of CGA in diagnosing and preventing rLUTIs.

Association between anti-seizure medication and the risk of lower urinary tract infection in patients with epilepsy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the incidence of lower urinary tract infections (LUTI) and antibiotic prescriptions within 12 months after initial prescription of anti-seizure medication (ASM) between January and December 2020 (index date) and to investigate the association between a broad spectrum of ASMs and the risk of LUTI in patients with epilepsy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included a total of 9186 adult patients (≥18 years) with an initial diagnosis of epilepsy and a prescription of an ASM treated in 1284 general practices in Germany between January 2010 and December 2020 (index date). Six frequently prescribed ASMs with at least 1000 available patients were analyzed. Patients treated with one of six ASMs were matched to each other by propensity scores based on sex, age, and secondary diagnoses. Cox regression models were used to analyze the association between the use of ASM and LUTI risk. RESULTS: The cumulative LUTI incidence 12 months after the start of therapy was highest in patients treated with pregabalin (16.7%), followed by valproate (11.6%) and gabapentin (10.2%). A similar trend was observed for LUTI with antibiotic prescription (9.2% pregabalin, 6.8% valproate, 6.8% gabapentin). Conditional regression analyses revealed that pregabalin therapy was significantly positively associated with LUTI (HR: 1.76; 95% CI 1.29-2.39) and LUTI-based antibiotic prescription (HR: 2.16; 95% CI 1.43-3.27). Carbamazepine was associated with a significantly lower incidence of LUTI in women (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.30-0.75), but not in men. No significant associations were observed for other ASMs. CONCLUSION: The present study identifies a significant positive association between ASM and LUTI incidence and antibiotic prescriptions in patients with epilepsy treated with pregabalin, whereas a protective effect was found for carbamazepine in women only. No significant associations were observed for the four remaining ASMs.

[Combined therapy of acute and recurrent cystitis in women].

Lower urinary tract infection (LUTI) is one of the most common causes for a large number of females of different ages to visit a urologist and other physicians. LUTI is often a chronic condition, and its symptoms can sometimes persist throughout live, leading to a serious deterioration in the quality of life. Three clinical cases of the effective treatment of women with recurrent UTI with Phytolysin paste* and Phytolysin capsules as part of combined therapy are presented in the article.

[Infection of the lower urinary tract: new possibilities of herbal medicine].

The review article is devoted to using modern combined herbal remedies for the treatment and prevention of urinary tract infections. From current point of view, the mechanisms of the pharmacological action of the components of Phytolysin preparations, paste for the preparation of a suspension for oral administration and Phytolysin capsules, are described in detail. The pathogenetic explanations of using herbal preparations in urological patients is given. The results of clinical studies are presented, confirming the efficiency of the use of drugs for the treatment and prevention of lower urinary tract infections. The new dosage form Phytolysin in the form of capsules does not differ in composition from the paste. Pharmacological effects and pathogenetic bases for the use of Fitolizin suggest that the new dosage form (capsules) is identical to the traditional, previously used one (paste).

[The efficiency of probiotics in the prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis].

INTRODUCTION: The literature data indicate that bacterial vaginosis (BV) increases the risk of development of lower urinary tract infections (LUTI). Thus, it is reasonable to assume that the use of probiotics, in particular Lactoginal, can be effective in preventing relapses of LUTI. AIM: To study the efficiency of probiotics, particularly Lactoginal, for the prevention of recurrent LUTI and BV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 women with chronic recurrent bacterial cystitis in the acute stage and concomitant bacterial vaginosis were randomized into two groups of 60 patients. In group 1, standard antibacterial therapy was used according to guidelines of professional societies. In group 2, vaginal probiotic Lactoginal was prescribed after standard treatment. RESULTS: The results obtained in this study correspond to the literature data. The additional use of probiotics in the complex therapy of chronic lower urinary tract inflammation contributed to the normalization of the lactobacilli concentration in 93% of cases, in contrast to standard antibacterial therapy, after which the normal flora was preserved only in 40% of cases. In addition, a reduction in the number of relapses of BV was seen. Moreover, it was found that in the group of patients treated with Lactoginal, there was 18.3% less recurrence of cystitis within 6 months than in the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of probiotics, in particular, Lactoginal vaginal capsules, in women with BV after antibacterial therapy contributes to a faster recovery and longer preservation of the normal vaginal flora, which allows to the prolongate the relapse-free period of both chronic bacterial cystitis and BV.

[Lower urinary tract infections in female problems and mistakes].

Lower urinary tract infections in women represent an urgent medical and social problem due to their high prevalence, frequent recurrences, and the need for an interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment. Timely and adequate diagnosis of the causes of urinary disorders in women with the determination of risk factors, concomitant diseases and isolation of pathogens allows to choose a rational therapy that may alleviate patients symptoms, improve the quality of life, and prevent the transformation of the disease to a chronic form. It is extermely important that treatment should not contribute to the growth of antibiotic resistance of pathogens, not disrupt the normal microbiome, and not aggravate the disturbances of the normal vaginal and intestinal microflora in women.

[Antiadhesive strategy for non-antibacterial prophylaxis of recurrent lower urinary tract infections].

INTRODUCTION: The importance of recurrent lower urinary tract infection (LUTI) is associated with its high frequency, a significant decrease in the quality of life and insufficient efficiency of currently available treatment methods. Due to the high antibiotic resistance of uropathogens, the role of alternative therapeutic strategies increases, including substances with antiadhesive properties. AIM: to evaluate the efficiency of a biologically active additive (BAA) "Ecocystin" containing D-mannose and inulin for the prevention of recurrent LUTI in women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 women aged 21 to 75 years (mean 47.4+/-13.6 years) with recurrent LUTI were included in the study. After the initial treatment of LUTI all the patients were divided into two groups. Patients of the main group (n=44) received BAA "Ecocystin", containing D-mannose with antiadhesive properties and inulin, which is a prebiotic, to prevent recurrence of LUTI. Ecocystin was prescribed 1 sachet packet 2 times a day for the first 3 days, and then 1 sachet packet 1 time a day for 6 months. The Ecocystin sachet contains 1.5 g of D-mannose and 1.5 g of inulin. In the control group (n=30) were not prescribed Ecocystin. Clinical indicators were assessed on the 3rd day, as well as after 3 and 6 months from the beginning of the study. RESULTS: During the first 3 months, recurrent LUTI were diagnosed in 51.7% of patients in the control group and only in 15.9% of patients in the main group (p=0.002). By the 6th month of follow-up, relapses were seen in 75.9% and 29.5% of patients, respectively (p<0.001). In the main group a significant increase in the time interval before the onset of recurrence was found. During the first three months of follow-up, the recurrence of LUTI in the main group developed on average after 43.4+/-14.3 days compared to 28.2+/-13.5 days in the control group (p=0.026). In addition, severity and duration of recurrent LUTI in patients of the main group were less pronounced than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that Ecocystin is an effective drug for the prevention of recurrences in patients with recurrent LUTI. Considering antiadhesive properties of D-mannose, which is part of Ecocystin, this drug can be recommended as a pathogenetically justified alternative to the antibacterial drugs.

[Recurrent lower urinary tract infection in women: treatment and prevention].

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotics represent the main drugs for the treatment and prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections (UTIs). At the same time, there is no consensus regarding the duration of therapy and the interval between courses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 50 women aged 18 to 65 years (mean age 44.6+/-13.2 years) with recurrent lower UTIs in the acute stage were treated. All patients were prescribed fosfomycin trometamol (Fosfomycin Esparma, Esparma GmbH, Germany) at a dose of 3 g once every 10 days for 3 months. The changes of clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated on the 3rd day after the first administration of fosfomycin, and then after 1, 3 and 6 months from the start of treatment. RESULTS: A decrease in the severity of clinical manifestations of cystitis was seen on the next day after first administration of fosfomycin. By the 3rd day, the ACSS score decreased from the initial 9.2+/-2.1 to 1.4+/-1.0 (p<0.001), while the average urinary frequency changed from 12.3+/-2.3 to 7.5+/-1.4 (p<0.05). After 3 months of therapy, the clinical results virtually did not differ from results on the 3rd day. The therapy was well tolerated; adverse events were noted in 10 patients, but they didnt result in discontinuation of the drug. During follow-up for 3 months after the completion of therapy, 47 (94%) women didnt have recurrence of lower UTI. CONCLUSION: the results of the study suggest a high efficiency and good tolerability of fosfomycin when it is prescribed according to specific scheme for the treatment and prevention of recurrent lower UTIs in women.

[Current approaches to the diagnosis of acute cystitis and to evaluation of treatment efficiency].

INTRODUCTION: Lower urinary tract infections are common infectious diseases. Although there are international valid questionnaires for evaluating a number of urological diseases (prostatitis, BPH, erectile dysfunction), a unified questionnaire for cystitis was absent until recently. Our aim was to evaluate the efficiency and ease of use of the Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) in the daily urological practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 47 women aged 24 to 46 years with typical complaints for acute cystitis were included into multicenter open, non-comparative prospective population-based study. All of them completed the ACSS questionnaire during the first consultation and after 7-10 days at the follow-up visit. The diagnosis of acute cystitis was valid with a total score of 6 or more points. Clinical and laboratory studies were used to diagnose the cystitis. RESULTS: Self-completion of the questionnaire by the patient and its analysis by the physician took about four minutes. The average baseline score for the "typical" domain was 9.8+/-1.3, while a score for the differential diagnostic domain was 1.2+/-0.4. The mean baseline quality of life was 6.4+/-0.8 points. The total score averaged 17.4+/-1.9. All 47 patients had leukocyturia, and 12 (25.5%) had hematuria. A microbiological study was done in 36 (76.7%) patients and revealed an increased concentration of uropathogens in all cases. Thus, acute cystitis diagnosed on the ACSS scale was confirmed, and 41 (87.2%) patients had acute uncomplicated cystitis, and in 6 cases (12.8%) various complications developed. CONCLUSION: The specificity of the ACSS questionnaire was 100%. The questionnaire can be considered as a necessary tool for studies on LUTS in order to standardize obtained data and ensure their comparability.

[Current trends in the treatment of chronic recurrent bacterial cystitis].

INTRODUCTION: Every year, more than 7 million women go to the doctor for chronic cystitis. An important factor is the psychoemotional component of this disease. OBJECTIVE: comparative analysis of various options for complex treatment of women with chronic recurrent bacterial cystitis using phototherapy, chronotherapy and correction of psychoemotional disorders with the anxiolytic drug Adaptol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 90 women with chronic recurrent bacterial cystitis in the acute stage were examined and divided into 3 groups of 30 people. In group 1, patients received basic therapy with Furamag (furazidin kalium). In group 2, patients received standard therapy in combination with phototherapy in the acrophase of the chronorhythm. In group 3, basic therapy was performed in combination with phototherapy in the acrophase of the chronorhythm and Adaptol. The severity of dysuria and pain, leukocyturia, bacteriuria, chronobiological and psychoemotional status were evaluated. RESULTS: Initially, all patients showed signs of desynchronosis and psychoemotional disorders. All groups showed signs of exacerbation of chronic cystitis. The results obtained on the 5th day of therapy in groups 2 and 3 were statistically significantly different (p<0.05) from those in group 1. In group 3, the number of nocturnal urination (0.9+/-0.7), the number of imperative urges per day (0.7+/-0.5), and the intensity of pain (0.7+/-0.6) were the closest to normal. By day 10, clinical and laboratory parameters in all three groups reached normal values, which indicates the effectiveness of the therapy in each of the groups. CONCLUSION: Thus, the use of Furamag and Adaptol in combination with phototherapy at the maximum peaks of psychoemotional and physiological activity of the body effectively stops the clinical and laboratory manifestations of the disease, corrects the mental status and improves the quality of life of women in a shorter period of treatment.

[Use of D-mannose in the prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infection in women].

Lower urinary tract infections (LUTI) currently retain the status of one of the most urgent problems of urology. According to extensive microbiological studies of UTIAP I and II, "DARMIS" the most common pathogens that are detected in the urine of women with LUTI are gram-negative bacteria of the Enterobacteriales family, in particular E. Coli. Antibacterial therapy demonstrates high effectiveness in the treatment of uncomplicated LUTI. However, the problem of recurrent infection remains unresolved. Taking into account known side effects of continuous antimicrobial prevention, as well as data on the high frequency of relapses after its cancellation, it is necessary to identify alternative LUTI prevention strategies. The use of D-mannose can be one of these strategies. D-mannose use for the prevention of relapses of INMP is indicated in the clinical recommendations of the American (AUA) and European (EUA) urological associations. D-mannose is a monosaccharide that is extracted from a larch rod. It is relatively quickly absorbed and reaches the peripheral organs in about 30 minutes, after which it is excreted in the urine. The structure of d-mannose allows it to bind to mannose-sensitive E. Coli fimbriae and prevent their adhesion to the urinary tract mucosa. Several studies demonstrated high safety profile and effectiveness of long-term D-mannose treatment in preventing LUTI. The data presented in the literature allow us to recommend patients with recurrent LUTI long term D-mannose intake helps to reduce the severity of symptoms in acute episodes and prolong relapse-free period. As a source of D-mannose, we can recommend Ecocystin 1 sachet 1 time a day.

Prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women with genitourinary syndrome: outcome after 6 months of treatment with ospemifene.

Aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of ospemifene in the prevention of recurrent lower urinary tract infections in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy. The study have a retrospective design. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled. Patients underwent clinical examination and urine culture. The urinary symptoms and the quality of life were evaluated with UTISA score, PUF and SF-36 questionnaires before and after treatment. All 39 patients received ospemifene 60 mg one tablet/daily for 6 months. Adverse effects and complications were assessed. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Two patients experienced one new UTI episode and the mean number of positive urine culture decreased significantly after 6 months (3.65 ± 2.12 vs 0.25 ± 0.17, p < .0001). The mean number of urinary infection symptoms decreased significantly after treatment; dysuria reduced (4.76 ± 2.45 vs 0.89 ± 1.12). PUF score and SF-36 showed a statistically significant change (22.43 ± 5.89 vs 12.14 ± 3.21) and (52.86 ± 9.21 vs 83.43 ± 10.76). No adverse effects were reported and the total success rate was the 92.3% after 6 months at PGI-I. Ospemifene is a valid alternative with excellent tolerability for the UTIS prevention in postmenopausal patients.

[Issues of spectrum and local sensitivity of E. coli in female patients with acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infection a review of M. Seitz study and own observations].

RELEVANCE: Acute uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (AULUTI) are one of the most common diseases in urological practice. The management of cystitis is commonly based on antibacterial therapy. Despite the high efficiency, inadequate prescription of antibiotics leads to an increase in microorganisms resistance. In light of these matters, the selection of antibacterial agents to which the sensitivity of bacteria is the highest is becoming increasingly challenging. AIM: To estimate the spectrum and local sensitivity of E. coli in patients with AULUTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study analyzed the results of bacterial culture sampled from 45 patients with AULUTI. The mean age of the patients was 44+/-17 years. All bacterial cultures were obtained in out-patient settings in the framework of a multicenter initiative study on the prevention of recurrent AULUTI with d-mannose. RESULTS: Microbiological studies of the urine of patients with AULUTI revealed the growth of E. coli in concentrations ranging from 104 to 107 CFU/ml. Assessment of sensitivity demonstrated 100% sensitivity of Escherichia coli to fosfomycin trometamol. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of microbiological studies, the patients with the AULUTI retain the highest sensitivity level of E.coli to phosphomycin trometamol, which allows it to be used as a first-line drug.

The impact of daily temperature on renal disease incidence: an ecological study.

BACKGROUND: Extremely high temperatures over many consecutive days have been linked to an increase in renal disease in several cities. This is becoming increasingly relevant with heatwaves becoming longer, more intense, and more frequent with climate change. This study aimed to extend the known relationship between daily temperature and kidney disease to include the incidence of eight temperature-prone specific renal disease categories - total renal disease, urolithiasis, renal failure, acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), urinary tract infections (UTIs), lower urinary tract infections (LUTIs) and pyelonephritis. METHODS: Daily data was acquired for maximum, minimum and average temperature over the period of 1 July 2003 to 31 March 2014 during the warm season (October to March) in Adelaide, South Australia. Data for daily admissions to all metropolitan hospitals for renal disease, including 83,519 emergency department admissions and 42,957 inpatient admissions, was also obtained. Renal outcomes were analyzed using time-stratified negative binomial regression models, with the results aggregated by day. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for associations between the number of admissions and daily temperature. RESULTS: Increases in daily temperature per 1 °C were associated with an increased incidence for all renal disease categories except for pyelonephritis. Minimum temperature was associated with the greatest increase in renal disease followed by average temperature and then maximum temperature. A 1°C increase in daily minimum temperature was associated with an increase in daily emergency department admissions for AKI (IRR 1.037, 95% CI: 1.026-1.048), renal failure (IRR 1.030, 95% CI: 1.022-1.039), CKD (IRR 1.017, 95% CI: 1.001-1.033) urolithiasis (IRR 1.015, 95% CI: 1.010-1.020), total renal disease (IRR 1.009, 95% CI: 1.006-1.011), UTIs (IRR 1.004, 95% CI: 1.000-1.007) and LUTIs (IRR 1.003, 95% CI: 1.000-1.006). CONCLUSIONS: An increased frequency of renal disease, including urolithiasis, acute kidney injury and urinary tract infections, is predicted with increasing temperatures from climate change. These results have clinical and public health implications for the management of renal diseases and demand tailored health services. Future research is warranted to analyze individual renal diseases with more comprehensive information regarding renal risk factors, and studies examining mortality for specific renal diseases.

Oral supplementation of trans-cinnamaldehyde reduces uropathogenic Escherichia coli colonization in a mouse model.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the United States result in more than 7 million hospital visits per year. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is responsible for more than 80% of UTIs. Although antibiotics are the drug of choice to control UTIs, their repeated use has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant UPEC. Thus, there is a need for effective alternate strategies to control UPEC infections. This study investigated the efficacy of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), a food-grade molecule present in cinnamon, in reducing UPEC colonization and pathogenesis in the lower UTI. Female C57BL/6 mice (6-8 weeks old) were fed ad libitum with 0, 0·1, 0·2 and 0·4% TC containing mouse chow for 10 days. Following TC supplementation, animals were experimentally infected with UPEC by transurethral catheterization. Mice were euthanized on days 1, 2 and 4 postinfection, and the bladder, urethra and urine were collected for bacterial enumeration. Prophylactic TC supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0·05) reduced UPEC colonization in the urinary bladder and urethra compared to the control. Results indicate that TC could potentially be used as an oral supplement to control UPEC-associated lower UTIs, however, follow-up clinical trials are warranted. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In this study, we have demonstrated that oral supplementation of trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC) reduced uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC)-associated lower urinary tract infection (UTI) in mice. Specifically, in-feed supplementation of TC significantly decreased UPEC populations in the urethra and bladder, thereby reducing the infectious load. These findings are particularly significant given the increase in incidence and prevalence of antibiotic-resistant UTIs. Our study offers new insights into the potential use of natural antimicrobials including TC, the active ingredient in cinnamon, as a nonantibiotic-based natural dietary intervention in the prophylaxis of lower UTIs.

Vas Deferens Abscess Rupture: A Case Report.

A vas deferens abscess is a very rare complication of acute vasitis and lower urinary tract infection. A case of vas deferens rupture due to an abscess with severe pelvic inflammation requiring surgical drainage is reported. Teaching Point: Vas deferens abscess rupture is an example of a very rare complication of severe inflammation of the vas deferens.

Association between Parkinson's Disease Medication and the Risk of Lower Urinary Tract Infection (LUTI): A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of autonomic dysfunctions (e.g., urological dysfunctions) is a common phenomenon during the course of Parkinson's disease (PD) and resulting complications such as lower urinary tract infections (LUTI) are one of the leading causes of hospitalizations and mortality in patients with the condition. Therefore, the aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare the most common levodopa-based treatment regimens (DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor (DCI) + carbidopa or benserazide) and to analyze the incidence of LUTI and antibiotic prescriptions in patients receiving the respective treatments. METHODS: This study was based on data from the Disease Analyzer database (IQVIA) and included adult patients (≥18 years) with an initial prescription of levodopa therapy including fixed-dose levodopa/DCI combinations in 1284 general practices in Germany between January 2010 and December 2020. Conditional Cox regression models were used to analyze the association between levodopa/DCI combinations and LUTI incidence and antibiotic prescriptions. RESULTS: Compared to levodopa + carbidopa, levodopa + benserazide therapy was significantly and negatively associated with LUTI (HR: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.71-0.95). This association was stronger in women (HR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.65-0.92) than in men (HR: 0.93, not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Especially in women, receiving levodopa + benserazide prescriptions was associated with a lower LUTI incidence. It is important for clinicians to keep this in mind, since LUTI is a leading cause of hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality in patients with PD.

Oral fosfomycin for treating lower urinary tract infections due to multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in female adolescents.

Fosfomycin trometamol (FT) has shown promising in vitro activity against multidrug-resistant (MDR) uropathogens; however, clinical data are limited in pediatric patients. We conducted a retrospective study to describe the clinical and microbiological outcomes of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections (LUTIs) due to MDR Escherichia coli treated with oral FT in female adolescents. A total of 70 outpatients, with a median age of 13 years (range 12-16 years), were included. FT was initiated as definitive treatment of UTIs in all patients due to documented resistance against alternative oral agents. All patients received a single dose of 3 g oral FT. The post-treatment clinical and microbiological cure rates were 97% (68/70) and 94% (66/70), respectively. Only two (3%) patients reported mild, self-limited diarrhea. UTI relapse occurred in two (3%) patients. Our results suggest that oral FT might be an alternative option for outpatient treatment of uncomplicated LUTIs due to MDR E. coli in female adolescents.

Intravesical Gentamicin: An Option for Therapy and Prophylaxis against Recurrent UTIs and Resistant Bacteria in Neurogenic Bladder Patients on Intermittent Catheterization.

This is a retrospective study of our experience with Gentamicin intravesical instillation as therapy and prophylaxis in patients with lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) undergoing clean intermittent catheterization because of a neurogenic bladder. It is an alternative therapy when all other systemic treatments have failed as it is still an off-label prescription.