Topical and Oral Oestrogen for Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection-Evidence-based Review of Literature, Treatment Recommendations, and Correlation with the European Association of Urology Guidelines on Urological Infections

Abstract

Context: Urinary tract infection (UTI) represents a significant disease for women, with 20-40% suffering from recurrent UTIs (rUTIs) across their lifetime.

Objective: This review aims to provide evidence for current European Association of Urology (EAU) guidance that topical, but not oral, oestrogen is a worthwhile preventative therapy for rUTIs in postmenopausal women. We also aim to establish whether a relationship exists between oestrogen dosage and treatment efficacy.

Evidence acquisition: A literature search was performed across databases for this review. All studies that included oral or topical oestrogen in females with urinary tract infections were selected. Studies were inspected to establish treatment and follow-up duration, average weekly oestrogen dosage, efficacy of treatment, and reasons for dropout.

Evidence synthesis: Clinical resolution and reduction of UTIs were evaluated. Six studies (seven treatment groups) using topical oestrogen as a treatment arm (258 patients total) and four studies using oral oestrogen as the treatment arm were included (1376 patients total). Topical oestrogen was administered as creams, pessaries, or per-vaginal tablets with follow-up spanning 2-12 mo. Of the patients, 51-100% remained UTI free throughout the duration of follow-up with minimal dropouts. Patients enrolled and treated with oral oestrogen were generally given higher weekly doses and had follow-up between 3 mo and 4.1 yr. All included studies agreed that topical oestrogen is an effective prophylaxis for rUTIs in women, with higher efficacy associated with weekly doses of ≥850 µg. Conversely, only one study arrived at the same conclusion for oral oestrogen.

Conclusions: Our review concurs with current EAU guidance that topical but not oral oestrogen therapy can be a valid treatment for women suffering from rUTIs. Administration weekly topical doses of ≥850 µg is associated with the best outcomes.

Patient summary: In this study, we look at the role of oral and topical oestrogens for the treatment of urinary tract infections and their adherence to European Association of Urology guidelines. We found that administration of weekly topical doses of ≥850 µg is associated with the best outcomes.

Keywords: Oestrogen; Oral; Review; Topical; Urinary tract infection.