Efficacy and safety of quinolones vs. other antimicrobials for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In the present study, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of quinolones with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, and β-lactams for the treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adults.

METHODS

All controlled clinical trials assessing quinolones for uncomplicated UTIs in adults were searched from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Meta-analyses were used to evaluate the efficacy and safety in randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

RESULTS

A total of 47 RCTs consisting of 8992 patients were included in the present analysis. The clinical and bacteriological remission rates of quinolones were significantly higher (P < 0.01) compared with β-lactams and nitrofurantoin, while quinolones showed similar clinical and bacteriological remission rates compared with TMP/SMX and fosfomycin. Moreover, the bacterial resistance and relapse rates of quinolones were significantly lower (P < 0.01) compared with TMP/SMX, β-lactams, and nitrofurantoin. Regarding the adverse drug reactions (ADRs), quinolones did not bring higher risks, while the incidence of ADRs in the quinolone group was also even significantly lower (P < 0.01) compared with the TMP/SMX and nitrofurantoin groups, including the most reported ADRs associated with the gastrointestinal tract.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with other anti-UTI drugs, quinolones exerted an excellent effect on clinical remission and bacteriological eradication, and the application of quinolones did not bring a higher risk of ADRs.