The effectiveness of complex phytotherapeutic medications in the management of uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections in women

Introduction. Lower urinary tract infections (LUTI) are the most common urological diseases. Fosfomycin is one of the antibiotic agents with proven efficacy that are most frequently used to treat UTIs. Despite the high effectiveness of antibiotic therapy with this drug, in some patients, the LUTIs persist or recur. It is advisable to prevent the development of recurrent infections using herbal preparations. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated treatment of women with acute uncomplicated cystitis using the plant-based medication Phytolysin. Materials and methods. The study comprised 63 women with acute uncomplicated cystitis, who were randomly assigned to two groups. The women in the control group (n = 31) received a single 3-g dose of fosfomycin. In the study group (n = 32), women received a single 3-g dose of fosfomycin and Phytolysin according to the manufacturer’s instructions three times daily for a month. The examination was performed on admission and on days 3, and 7, and included daily filling out voiding diaries, a 5-point verbal assessment of pain, urinalysis and urine culture. During the next three months, cases of recurrence were registered, and bacteriological analysis of urine was conducted. Results. On admission, all patients complained of pain in the projection of the urinary bladder, frequent urination in small portions, and a sensation of urethral discomfort. All women had leukocyturia and bacteriuria. By the 3-rd day after taking fosfomycin, both groups showed similar improvement in the clinical manifestations of the disease. All urine cultures were negative. By the 7th day after the initiation of therapy, the patients in the study group had normal laboratory parameters and no clinical manifestation of LUTI, while in the control group leukocyturia (p <0.05) persisted. During a 3-month follow-up, recurrence of LUTI was observed in 6 (19.4%) and 3 (9.4%) patients in the control and study group, respectively. Also, bacteriological studies of urine showed the same pathogen as on admission in 5 (16.1%) and 1 (3.2%) patients of the control and study group, respectively. Conclusion. Phytolysin can be recommended for use in the integrated management of acute uncomplicated cystitis, as well as a means of preventing recurrences of this disease.

LUTI, acute cystitis, phytotherapy, fosfomycin, Phytolysin