Cranberry Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Cranberry, including details on benefits, antioxidants, utis, cystitis.

Evidence for the use of silver-alloy-coated urethral catheters.

Davenport K, Keeley FX

Bristol Urological Institute, Bristol, UK. drkimdav@aol.com

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a common occurrence and are associated with increased patient morbidity and mortality. In addition, they delay patient discharge from hospital, substantially increase hospital costs and promote the emergence of resistant organisms. Any intervention resulting in a decrease in the incidence of CAUTIs would have a significant impact on patient quality of life and hospital costs. By reviewing the current literature, it can be seen that the use of silver-alloy-coated hydrogel catheters can reduce CAUTIs by up to 45%. Despite reducing CAUTIs in most hospital situations, the greatest reduction is seen in postoperative patients, intensive care unit patients and burns patients.

Published 8 July 2005 in J Hosp Infect, 60(4): 298-303.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Cranberry Research Today. All Rights Reserved.