Efficacy of ciprofloxacin in urinary tract infections and risk factors for ciprofloxacin‐resistant infections

Objectives: The study was undertaken to assess the safety and efficacy of sequential intravenous and oral ciprofloxacin in the treatment of moderate-to-severe urinary tract infections (UTI), and to identify risk factors for acquiring UTI caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant organisms. Materials and Methods: Using a prospective, open, single-centre study design, hospitalized patients with a clinical diagnosis of moderately severe UTI were enrolled. After a minimum of 3 days of intravenous ciprofloxacin, patients were switched to oral therapy. Assessment for response and analysis of risk factors were performed at the end of therapy. Results: Between December 1996 and November 1997, a total of 66 patients met the criteria for efficacy evaluation. Among the 55 patients with ciprofloxacin-sensitive organisms, 51 patients (93%) were cured. Persisting infection was noted in three patients (5%) and one patient (2%) was re-infected with a ciprofloxacin-resistant organism. Of the organisms isolated, 14 (19%) were resistant to ciprofloxacin. The presence of prostatic obstruction (odds ratio 6.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.28–28.30, P = 0.02) and recurrent UTI (odds ratio 8.63, 95% CI 1.81–41.17, P = 0.007) were independently associated with infections caused by ciprofloxacin-resistant organisms. Adverse events were reported in 5 patients (8%) but no premature discontinuation or mortality was documented. Conclusion: Sequential therapy with oral therapy after initial parenteral ciprofloxacin is safe and effective in the management of moderate-to-severe UTI in appropriately selected patients.