The BIP Foley catheter is superior to the conventional Foley catheter in reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections in hospitalized patients

Abstract

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most frequent cause of infection related to healthcare. There are different strategies for preventing them and new ones, such as BIP Foley catheters (catheters coated in silver, gold, and palladium), should be considered as an alternative in reducing said infections.

Aims: To compare the incidence of CAUTIs in patients with BIP Foley catheters versus conventional Foley catheters.

Materials and methods: A double-blind clinical trial with simple randomization was conducted, obtaining a representative sample of 140 cases. A 95% confidence interval and error not greater than 5% were established.

Results: Of the 140 cases, 15 were excluded (11%), leaving a total of 125 cases. Mean patient age was 50 years ± 18; 52% were men and 48% were women. Mean time observed was 10 days ± 7. Overall incidence was 25 CAUTIs x 1000 days.

Discussion: Foley catheter use is an everyday practice. BIP Foley catheters reduce the incidence of CAUTIs.

Conclusions: CAUTIs are the most frequent infections associated with healthcare. Nosocomial infections are an indicator of the quality of patient care, negatively impacting morbidity and mortality, as well as patient economy. The use of coated catheters was an efficacious measure that considerably reduced the incidence of CAUTIs.