Effect of Cranberry Capsules on Urinary Infection Rates in Spinal Cord Injured Patients During Post Acute Rehabilitation

Evaluation of the Effect of Cranberry Capsules on the Occurrence of Urinary Tract Infections During Post-acute Rehabilitation of Spinal Cord Injured Patients

The purpose of this study is to establish whether cranberry capsules reduce rates of urinary tract infections during initial rehabilitation immediately after spinal cord injury.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Previously essentially healthy
2. Newly acquired spinal cord injury, T12 level or higher
3. Receiving in-patient care on the rehabilitation ward.
4. Expected admission duration >= 4 weeks
5. 16 years old or older

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current or previous disorder that increases the risk of urinary tract infection including diabetes, urological disorder, previous operation on urinary tracts or kidneys, immune dysfunction
2. Severe head injury with impairment of cognitive function
3. Allergy to cranberry
4. Renal failure
5. Warfarin (Coumarin) treatment with unstable INR
6. Current symptomatic urinary tract infection