REGATTA – Reduction in the use of antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections through treatment with Uva ursi

BMBF-FKZ: 01KG1601

Uncomplicated urinary tract infection is a common cause of treatment in family practice. The prescription of antibiotics leads to a decrease in symptoms, but is increasingly discussed critically in the wake of increasing resistance to pathogens. A recently published study by our research group demonstrated a reduction in antibiotic use in favor of symptomatic treatment with ibuprofen. Since ibuprofen is not suitable for all patients, evidence-based data for initial treatment alternatives are needed.

REGATTA is a double-blind, randomized-controlled trial comparing two treatment strategies. Women between 18 and 75 years of age who visit the primary care physician's office with typical symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (dysuria, frequent urination, frequent urination) will be studied. Patients are randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the control group, patients are treated immediately with the antibiotic fosfomycin-trometamol, while the intervention group is treated initially with Arcostaphylos Uva Ursi ("true bearberry") and antibiotically only if symptoms persist. Target criteria are antibiotic use and symptom burden (increased urination, frequent urination, lower abdominal pain). In both groups, the rates of everyday restrictions due to the urinary tract infection, recurrences, complications and side effects are also compared.