MERIT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
D-mannose to prevent recurrent urinary tract infections: a double blind randomised placebo controlled study
IRAS ID
245539
Contact name
Gail Hayward
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) have a significant negative impact on quality of life and they have a high impact on health care costs. To date, antibiotics are the only treatment which has been shown to be beneficial for recurrent UTIs, although a recent large study suggests some benefit from cranberry juice. Reduction in antibiotic use could improve quality of life, save money, and help preserve the usefulness of existing antibiotics.\nD-mannose is a type of sugar which binds bacteria, so the bacteria do not bind to the bladder; it is present in foods such as coffee, baker’s yeast, egg white, fruits and legumes. D-mannose has shown benefits in animal models. It is currently available as a food supplement which is used by women who have recurrent UTIs, but there is little evidence to support its use. D-mannose has the potential to offer a valuable alternative to antibiotics in women who experience recurrent UTIs. \nThis study will evaluate whether D-mannose helps women suffering with recurrent UTI presenting to UK primary care and its cost effectiveness.\nWe will recruit 508 women with recurrent UTIs from GP surgeries in the UK into an individually randomised trial of D-mannose vs placebo.\nTrial participants will be expected to take a once daily dose of study product for six months.\nTrial participants will be contacted by text/email weekly to see if they have had symptoms of a UTI and a phone call monthly. They will be asked to complete a symptom diary every day they experience symptoms of a UTI. Furthermore, we will ask them to send in a urine sample when they present to their GP with a suspected UTI, two days after the UTI has resolved and when they are symptom free after two months of using the study product.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/SW/0245
Date of REC Opinion
6 Dec 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion