Purpose: We compared the incidence of hematuria, pyuria and clinical urinary tract infection in patients who performed intermittent self-catheterization using a hydrophilic coated LoFric (Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) or standard plastic catheter.
Materials and methods: A total of 62 male patients who performed intermittent self-catheterization to manage neurogenic bladder were randomized into 2 treatment groups at 3 American study sites. Outcome measures included urinary tract infection, microhematuria, pyuria and satisfaction rates.
Results: Of the 62 enrolled patients 49 completed the 12-month study. The withdrawal rate was not different in the 2 groups. At the end of the study there was statistically significantly less hematuria in the hydrophilic coated catheter group compared with controls. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the urinary tract infection rate from baseline in the hydrophilic coated catheter group but not in controls.
Conclusions: Use of the hydrophilic coated catheter by patients on intermittent self-catheterization is associated with less hematuria and a significant decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections. Therefore, it may be preferable for some patients, especially those with a history of difficult catheterization, urethral trauma or a high rate of urinary tract infection.