A prospective randomized trial of the LoFric hydrophilic coated catheter versus conventional plastic catheter for clean intermittent catheterization.
OBJECTIVE
We compared the incidence of hematuria, pyuria and clinical urinary tract infection in patients who performed intermittent self-catheterization using a hydrophilic coated LoFric (Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) or standard plastic catheter.


METHODS
A total of 62 male patients who performed intermittent self-catheterization to manage neurogenic bladder were randomized into 2 treatment groups at 3 American study sites. Outcome measures included urinary tract infection, microhematuria, pyuria and satisfaction rates.


RESULTS
Of the 62 enrolled patients 49 completed the 12-month study. The withdrawal rate was not different in the 2 groups. At the end of the study there was statistically significantly less hematuria in the hydrophilic coated catheter group compared with controls. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the urinary tract infection rate from baseline in the hydrophilic coated catheter group but not in controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of the hydrophilic coated catheter by patients on intermittent self-catheterization is associated with less hematuria and a significant decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections. Therefore, it may be preferable for some patients, especially those with a history of difficult catheterization, urethral trauma or a high rate of urinary tract infection.
Vapnek
Jonathan M
JM
Department of Urology, Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.
Maynard
Frederick M
FM
Kim
Jiensup
J
D000328:Adult; D001437:Bacteriuria / Q000209:etiology; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D006417:Hematuria / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010349:Patient Compliance; D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013499:Surface Properties; D001750:Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic / Q000628:therapy; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000209:etiology
D011143:Polyvinyl Chloride