Single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study of Canoxidin® for prevention of catheter encrustation in patients with indwelling catheters

Abstract

Introduction and objectivesLong-term use of an indwelling catheter is associated with complications such as catheter encrustation and infection. Canoxidin® is a novel oral treatment that can potentially prevent catheter encrustation, as it contains a urine acidifier and a combination of two crystallization inhibitors. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Canoxidin® on catheter encrustation in patients with indwelling Foley catheters. Patients and methodsThis was a single-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Neuro-urology patients aged ≥18 years with an indwelling catheter (urethral or suprapubic) were randomized to treatment consisting of either Canoxidin® or placebo for one month. Foley catheters (two per patient, one before treatment and one after treatment) were removed for analysis of the presence and degree of encrustation. ResultsA total of 40 patients were enrolled and randomized, 28 of whom had analyzable catheters (13 assigned to Canoxidin® and 15 assigned to placebo). The patients had a mean age of 51.8 years, and eight (28.6%) were female. Two patients (13.3%) in the placebo group and eight patients (61.5%) in the Canoxidin® group experienced an improvement (less encrustation). There was a significant association between Canoxidin® and improvement (odds ratio: 10.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.6 to 66.9, P = 0.016). No adverse effects attributable to the treatment were reported. ConclusionsThe overall rate of catheter encrustation was high among those with indwelling Foley catheters. One-month treatment with Canoxidin® reduced the formation of these encrustations, with an excellent short-term safety profile.