In a nutshell
This study researched the use of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) to treat recurring urinary tract infections (UTI – urethra and bladder infections). The study found that HA-CS treatment reduced the rate of UTIs in adult women.
Some background
HA and CS are proteins found in many parts of the body including the inner linings of joints and organs, such as the bladder. UTIs may be caused by repeated damage to these linings. It is important to assess if HA-CS treatment is useful to treat and reduce the rate of UTIs.
Methods & findings
This study was a meta-analysis (a review of all available research). In total, eight studies including 800 patients involving CS and/or HA treatment for UTIs were included. 478 (59%) patients received HA-CS therapy in combination. 108 patients received HA treatment only, and 214 received a placebo (substance with no active effect).
HA-CS treatment reduced the overall rate of UTIs and the risk of UTI recurrence by 25%. The time taken until a UTI came back was increased to 130 days overall.
The bottom line
The study concluded that HA-CS treatment appears to reduce the rate of UTI and increase the time taken for the UTI to come back.
The fine print
Many of the studies reviewed had small patient sample sizes. Only English-language based studies were used. This may have excluded many relevant studies.
What’s next?
If you have recurrent UTIs, talk to your doctor about HA-CS treatment.
Published By :
International urogynecology journal
Date :
Nov 27, 2017
