Journal article

Publication year: 2022

Pages: 353-35+

Journal: Deutsches Ärzteblatt International

Volume number: 119

Issue number: 20

ISSN: 1866-0452

Open access status: Green

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.m2022.0104

Publisher: Deutscher Ärzte-Verlag

Abstract: 

Background: Uncomplicated urinary tract infections are among the commonest bacterial infections. Because antibiotic resistance is on the rise, there is growing interest in alternative, non-antimicrobial treatment options. This systematic review presents the current evidence on phytotherapy for the treatment and prevention of recurrent uncomplicated cystitis.

Methods: A systematic search of the relevant literature from January 2011 to August 2021 was carried out in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases and in two clinical trial registries. The trials included in the present review are randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of phytotherapeutic agents as monotherapy or combination therapy, in comparison to placebo, no treatment, non-pharmacological treatment, or drug treatment without any phytotherapeutic component. Two of the authors independently selected the publications, extracted the data, and estimated the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Results: 12 RCTs with a total of 1797 female patients were included. A trial of acute therapy with Chinese plant-based medicine revealed non-inferiority to antibiotic treatment. Six trials of prophylaxis with cranberry products yielded mixed results with regard to efficacy against recurrent urinary tract infections. A trial of Seidlitzia rosmarinus for the prevention of cystitis showed that its use was associated with a lower cystitis rate than placebo (at 6 months: 33 vs. 73%, p <0.001). In all trials but one, the risk of bias was unclear or high. No standardized assessment of adverse events was carried out.

Conclusion: Phytotherapeutic agents are an option for the treatment and prevention of recurrent cystitis in women. Given the heterogeneous state of the evidence on phytotherapy, no dependable recommendations can now be made for the clinical management of these patients with respect to phytotherapeutic agents.

Harvard Citation style: Kranz, J., Lackner, J., Kuenzel, U., Wagenlehner, F. and Schmidt, S. (2022) Phytotherapy in Adults With Recurrent Uncomplicated Cystitis, Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 119(20), pp. 353-35+. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.m2022.0104

APA Citation style: Kranz, J., Lackner, J., Kuenzel, U., Wagenlehner, F., & Schmidt, S. (2022). Phytotherapy in Adults With Recurrent Uncomplicated Cystitis. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International. 119(20), 353-35+. https://doi.org/10.3238/arztebl.m2022.0104