Chlorhexidine Lavage for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection

Launched by OREGON HEALTH AND SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · Sep 14, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a special wash, called chlorhexidine lavage, can help reduce the number of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in post-menopausal women who frequently experience these infections. The trial is specifically looking at women aged 55 to 89 who have had multiple UTIs in the past year and are currently using vaginal estrogen therapy. To participate, women must not have any symptoms of a UTI at the time of enrollment and should be able to access the internet and email.

Participants in the trial will be randomly assigned to either receive the chlorhexidine wash or standard care. They will be monitored over time to see how well the wash helps prevent UTIs compared to usual treatments. It’s important for potential participants to know that certain health conditions or recent medical treatments may exclude them from joining the study. Overall, this trial aims to find new ways to help women who suffer from recurrent UTIs and improve their quality of life.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Post-menopausal female between age 55 and 89
• • No post-menopausal bleeding
• • Diagnosis of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in the electronic health record or as two culture proven UTIs in 6 months or three culture proven UTIs in 12 months
• • At least one UTI in the 6 months prior to entering the study
• • Asymptomatic for UTI symptoms at the time of enrollment.
• • On vaginal estrogen therapy for at least 6 weeks prior to enrollment
• • Ready access to email and internet
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Recent prophylactic antibiotic use (washout period of 4 weeks)
• • Neurogenic bladder
• • Diagnosis of urinary retention
• • Uncorrected Stage III-IV prolapse
• • Indwelling catheter or need for intermittent self-catheterization
• • History of complicated UTIs
• • History of interstitial cystitis or bladder pain syndrome
• • History of fecal incontinence/accidental bowel leakage
• • Greater than 14 bowel movements per week
• • Non-English speaking
• • Allergy to chlorhexidine gluconate
• • Inability to utilize vaginal estrogen therapy
• • Recent urogynecological or urologic surgery (\<12 weeks)