Cranberry Products, Antibiotics Reduced Urinary Tract Infections in Children: Systemic Review

The antibiotic nitrofurantoin and cranberry products may decrease urinary tract infections in children who experience repeated infections and are at risk of kidney scarring and long-term complications, according to a review of research. The review article, “Prophylaxis Options in Children With a History of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: A Systematic Review,” published in the December 2024 Pediatrics (published online Nov. 4) analyzes treatment options to prevent urinary tract infections, which are the most common cause of bacterial infection in children. Researchers conducted a literature search of major electronic databases through November 2023, analyzing 23 studies that included 3,335 participants. When all interventions were considered, cranberry had 59% lower odds of symptomatic urinary tract infection episodes as a prevention tool compared to the control group. The nitrofurantoin group had significantly lower odds of symptomatic UTI episodes during the prevention period when compared to control group, according to the analysis. No preventive options can lead to a reduction of the risk of kidney scarring after recurrent urinary tract infections. The authors suggest that decisions be individualized by patient, and say more research is needed to study non-antibiotic options for children with urinary tract infection recurrence.  

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