Author: Slager T., Clark M, and Anderson S.
Source: PEDIATRICS, Volume 108, Number 4, October 2001
In this prospective, randomized, crossover trial, 10 children with spina bifida performed their daily catheterizations using either a new sterile catheter or washing and reusing the same catheter for 4 months. They then switched to the other method of catheterization for another four months. Each week, a urine sample was collected and symptoms of infection were recorded.
With both types of catheter program, about three out of four children had bacteria in their urine. Two of the children using new sterile catheters developed symptoms of a bladder infection, as did two of the children who were cleaning and reusing their catheters.
The most common type of bacteria found in the urine of both groups was the E.Coli type.
From these results, the authors concluded that using a new sterile catheter (instead of cleaning and reusing one) for intermittent catheterization doesn?t change the amount of bacteria in the urine of children who have neurogenic bladder.
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