Research

Urinary Tract Infection - Short Course Therapy (SCOUT Study)

Short COurse Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections in Children (SCOUT)

Protocol Description

View an overview of the study by Alejandro Hoberman, MD.

The SCOUT study investigates whether children with urinary tract infection (UTI) can be effectively treated with 5 days of antibiotics instead of 10, which is the present standard of care. Studies have shown that shorter courses of antibiotics are effective in treating UTI in adults. Shorter courses in children who are improving and who do not have fever not only may be sufficient to treat the infection, but also may reduce the likelihood of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics and difficult to treat.

Benefits
Children enrolled in the study will have careful monitoring and follow-up for their UTI. There are no charges for visits or study medication. The clinical team is available by phone, 24 hours a day, and will see study participants whenever parents have concerns about their child’s urinary symptoms.

Eligibility Criteria

Subject to certain exclusion criteria, this study is open to children of both genders who have been diagnosed with UTI.
Boys and Girls: At least 2 months of age but less than 10 years old

Requirements
Participants will be treated by their own doctors, using an appropriate antibiotic for the the urinary tract infection for the first 5 days. As part of the study, participants will be treated for another 5 days with the same antibiotic or given a placebo, as determined by random selection. Children will return for 2 additional visits: within a few days of taking the final dose and about 2 weeks later. During each visit, a physical exam will be done and samples collected. Parents will receive a follow-up call at about day 40.
Visits: 3
Duration: About 6 weeks

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH

Additional Information