110-121 JOG 8 REVIEW.pmd

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common hospital acquired infection. The major associated cause is indwelling urinary catheters. Currently there are many types of catheters available. A variety of specialized urethral catheters have been designed to reduce the risk of infection. These include antiseptic impregnated catheters and antibiotic impregnated catheters. Other issues that should be considered when choosing a catheter are ease of use, comfort and cost. Objectives: The primary objective of this review was to determine the effect of type of indwelling urethral catheter on the risk of urinary tract infection in adults who undergo short-term urinary catheterization. Methods: We searched the Specialized Trials Register of the Cochrane Incontinence Group (searched September 11, 2007). We also examined the bibliographies of relevant articles and contacted catheter manufacturer representatives for trials. All randomized and quasi-randomized trials comparing types of indwelling urinary catheters for short-term catheterization in hospitalized adults. Shortterm catheterization was defined as up to and including 14 days, or other temporary shortTypes of urethral catheters for management of short-term voiding problems in hospitalized adults: a short version Cochrane Review