title: Urinary alkalisation for symptomatic uncomplicated urinary tract infection in women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection in women, characterised by dysuria and urinary frequency. Urinary alkalisers are widely used in some countries for the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated UTI, and they are recommended in some national formularies. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to support their use for UTI and some healthcare guidelines advise against their use.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to look at the benefits and harms of the use of urinary alkalisers for the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs in adult women.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register to 19 January 2016 through contact with the Trials Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review.
  
  
  METHODS
  All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs on the use of (any) urinary alkalisers (either exclusively or non-exclusively) for the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated UTI amongst women aged 16 and over, were included. Studies were eligible if they included patients whose diagnosis of UTI was decided by symptoms alone, or positive urine dipstick test or urine culture; and patients with recurrent UTI, provided patients had no symptoms of UTI in the two weeks prior to the onset of symptoms that lead them to seek medical advice. Studies were ineligible if they studied patients with complicated UTIs; immune-compromising conditions; acute pyelonephritis; or chronic conditions such as interstitial cystitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three authors independently assessed and screened papers, and this was repeated by two separate authors (independently). An additional investigator acted as arbitrator, where necessary. There were no papers which fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review, and therefore no data extraction was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our search identified 172 potential studies for inclusion. However, following assessment none fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this review.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Until relevant evidence is generated from randomised trials, the safety and efficacy of urinary alkalisers for the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated UTI remains unknown.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Research in Evidence-Based Practice (CREBP), Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Dermot B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: O'Kane
authors.forename: Sameer K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Dave
authors.forename: Neel
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Gore
authors.forename: Farhaan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Tammy C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Hoffmann
authors.forename: Jeanne L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Trill
authors.forename: Chris B
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Del Mar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000863:Antacids / Q000652:urine*; D000892:Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration / Q000187:drug effects; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000652:urine; D014556:Urine / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D000863:Antacids; D000892:Anti-Infective Agents, Urinary