Table 1

Characteristics of included studies

Study IDSettingPopulationInterventionControlConfirmation of UTIOutcomes
Raz 200315Outpatient infection disease clinics in Northern IsraelCommunity dwelling postmenopausal women with recurrent UTI*Nitrofurantoin 100 mg capsule at night for 9 months, with placebo vaginal pessary to mimic control groupVaginal pessary containing 0.5 mg estriol daily for 2 weeks, then once a fortnight for 9 months, with oral placebo capsules at night to mimic the intervention group>103 colony-forming units/mL bacteria in midstream urine1. Number of women experiencing a recurrence during the prophylaxis period
2. Mean number of UTIs per woman during the prophylaxis period
3. Effects of oestrogens and antibiotics on vaginal mucosa, flora and pH
4. Mild and serious adverse events
Beerepoot 201216Community setting in AmsterdamCommunity dwelling postmenopausal women with a self-reported history of at least three UTIs in the preceding yearTrimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole 480 mg tablet at night for 12 months, with placebo capsule twice dailyOne capsule containing at least 109 colony-forming units of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14 twice daily for 12 months, with placebo capsule at nightSymptoms ±>103 colony-forming units/mL bacteria in midstream urine1. Number of women experiencing a recurrence during, and 3 months after the prophylaxis period
2. Mean number of UTIs per woman during the prophylaxis period
3. Median time to first recurrence during and after the prophylaxis period
4. Effects of lactobacilli and antibiotics on vaginal flora
5. Effects of lactobacilli and antibiotics on urinary and faecal antibiotic resistance
6. Mild and serious adverse events
Kranjčec 201414Outpatients and primary care in Zabok, CroatiaCommunity dwelling women with self-reported recurrent UTI*Nitrofurantoin 50 mg at night for 6 months2 g D-mannose powder diluted in 200 mL water at night for 6 months
OR
No treatment		Symptoms and
>103 colony-forming units/mL bacteria in midstream urine		1. Number of women experiencing a recurrence during the prophylaxis period
2. Median time to first recurrence during the prophylaxis period
3. Adverse events

  • *Recurrent UTI is defined as two confirmed episodes of uncomplicated UTI in 6 months or three in 12 months.

  • UTI, urinary tract infection.