A Trial of Cranberry Capsules for Urinary Tract Infection Prevention in Nursing Home Residents

A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Cranberry Capsules for UTI Prevention in Nursing Home Residents

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infection in nursing home residents, and bacteriuria is the greatest trigger for antimicrobial therapy in the nursing home setting. The primary aim of this study is to test the efficacy of two oral cranberry capsules per day in the reduction of bacteriuria plus pyuria in female nursing home residents. These aims will be accomplished by conducting a double blind randomized placebo controlled efficacy trial of two oral cranberry capsules daily versus placebo in a cohort of Connecticut female nursing home residents.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. female residents;
2. long term residents
3. English speaking; and
4. age ≥ 65 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. residents that are not expected to be in the nursing home for at least one month (i.e., short term rehabilitation, pending discharge, terminal [life expectancy < 1 month]);
2. residents who are on chronic suppressive antibiotic or anti-infective (i.e., mandelamine) therapy for recurrent UTI;
3. residents with end stage renal disease on dialysis (they do not regularly produce urine);
4. residents unable to produce a baseline clean catch urine specimen for collection;
5. residents on warfarin therapy because of a potential interaction of warfarin and cranberry juice;
6. residents with a history of nephrolithiasis because cranberry may increase the risk of nephrolithiasis;
7. have an indwelling bladder catheter in place;
8. have an allergy to cranberry products;
9. are being treated with cranberry products;
10. residence <4 weeks.