Document Type : Original Research Article
Authors
1 Department of gynecology and Obstetrics, College of Medicine, Al- Iraqia University, Iraq
2 Department of surgery, College of Medicine, Al-Iraqia University, Iraq
Abstract
Background: Asymptomatic bacteruria is a form of lower urinary tract infections (UTIs) that is significant during pregnancy for its high prevalence, high tendendency for persistence and progression to the other symptomatic forms, besides posing adverse effects on pregnancy through effects on both maternal and fetal morbidity. In this respect, Cranberry has been suggested in the prevention and sometimes treatment with a big conflict in results and recommendations.
Materials & Methods: In our study we tried to search its role in treatment and prevention using capsules rather than juices (the most common form in previous studies) and comparing results of its use alone versus combined with antibiotics on the outcome.
Results: Results showed that it is less effective than antibiotics in the treatment ( 56% versus 88% cure rate) (X2: 6.3492; df=l; P value =0.01174), closely effective to them in prevention (26.7% recurrence on cranberry versus 12.5% on antibiotic) (X2:0.9954;P value=0.3184), but reducing the cure rate when used in combination with antibiotics in treatment versus antibiotics alone ( 28.6% versus 57.1% response) (X2=1.1667; P value = 0.2801). Regarding the most commonly reported side effects: headache was supervening consistent with reports in previous studies, whereas gastrointestinal upset commonly experienced in cranberry juice was reported in only (8%) of study cases.
Conclusion: In view of results we recommend using cranberry especially in what seems to be less harmful formulation (capsules) in the prevention of asymptomatic bacteruria in pregnant population and discourage using it in the treatment whether alone or in combination with antibiotics.
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