Effect of a single-use sterile catheter for each void on the frequency of bacteriuria in children with neurogenic bladder on intermittent catheterization for bladder emptying

Objective. The frequency of bacteriuria is high in children with neurogenic bladder on intermittent catheterization for bladder emptying. In an effort to decrease bacteriuria, we examined whether the method of catheter care w as responsible for the high rate of bacteriuria. For this, the frequency of bacteriuria was examined in the same patient on single-use sterile cathete rs and on reused clean catheters. Methods. A prospective, randomized, crossover trial was conducted with 10 p atients who were randomized to 4 months of a new, sterile catheter for inte rmittent catheterization and 4 months of reuse of a clean catheter for inte rmittent catheterization. Each week, a urine sample was collected and sympt oms of infection and medication use were recorded. Results. A total of 158 urine samples were collected during 164 patient-wee ks on the new catheter method for each void; 115 (73%) were positive for a pathogen. Of the 161 samples collected during 169 patient-weeks on the stan dard, reuse method for voiding, 123 (76%) were positive (115 [73%] of 158 v s 123 [76%] of 161). Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen detected during both method periods. Conclusion. A new, sterile catheter for each void did not decrease the high frequency of bacteriuria in patients with neurogenic bladder on intermitte nt catheterization.