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Cystitis, RecurrentPhase 4microbiomeNCT07186465

Microbiome-Modulating Prophylaxis RCT: Antibiotic vs Gynoflor in Postmenopausal Women With Recurrent Cystitis

A Phase 4 study testing Nitrofurantoin and Gynoflor in people with Cystitis, Recurrent and Urinary Tract Infections, run by Mahidol University at 1 site in Thailand.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial compares two prophylaxis strategies for recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) in postmenopausal women: (1) nightly oral nitrofurantoin 100 mg for 6 months versus (2) a vaginal tablet containing Lactobacillus with ultra-low-dose estriol (Gynoflor: nightly… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 40 years and older, women only
Conditions the study is for
Cystitis, Recurrent, Urinary Tract Infections
What is being tested?
Nitrofurantoin and Gynoflor
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
100 participants
Where
1 siteThailand
Study dates
11 Sep 2025to 30 Aug 2026
Phase
Phase 4
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 40 years and older
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Female, postmenopausal, age ≥40 years
  • Clinical history of recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) as assessed by the investigator
  • Able and willing to take assigned prophylaxis for 6 months
  • Able to attend baseline and Month 6 study visits and provide urine samples
  • Able to provide written informed consent
  • Willing and able to complete twice-weekly phone/LINE follow-ups

Who cannot join

  • Current symptomatic UTI at enrollment (may be treated and reconsidered after resolution)
  • Known hypersensitivity or contraindication to nitrofurantoin or to the Lactobacillus/estriol vaginal tablet (Gynoflor) or their excipients; significant renal impairment or other label-based contraindications to nitrofurantoin per local practice
  • Planned urologic surgery or procedure expected during the 6-month study period
  • Recent bacterial vaginosis (e.g., within the past month) or active vulvovaginal skin disorders precluding vaginal product use
  • History of hormone-dependent malignancy (e.g., breast, uterine, or cervical cancer) or unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Significant liver disease (e.g., active hepatitis) or other conditions judged by the investigator to make participation unsafe
  • Participation in another interventional trial that could interfere with outcomes
  • Withdrawal of consent or severe adverse event requiring discontinuation

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Lappanawat Santitham contact

+66944314994

cambellabios@gmail.com

Thailand1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University

    Bangkok, Phayatai Ratchathewi, 10400

    Lappanawat Santitham, 0944314994, cambellabios@gmail.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in Thailand

About this study

Official title: Evaluating Urinary Microbiome Modulation :An RCT of Antibiotic vs Gynoflor Prophylaxis in Postmenopausal Women With Recurrent Cystitis

This open-label, parallel-group randomized controlled trial compares two prophylaxis strategies for recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) in postmenopausal women: (1) nightly oral nitrofurantoin 100 mg for 6 months versus (2) a vaginal tablet containing Lactobacillus with ultra-low-dose estriol (Gynoflor: nightly for 14 days, then twice weekly to month 6). Participants (≥40 years) are randomized 1:1 in computer-generated blocks and followed for 6 months. The primary endpoint is the proportion with rUTI recurrence within 6 months. Secondary endpoints include time to first recurrence, antibiotic resistance in breakthrough infections, change in lower urinary tract symptoms (Thai RUTISS), and urinary microbiome measures (Lactobacillus dominance and community diversity by qPCR and 16S rRNA). Key assessments occur at baseline and month 6 (urinalysis, culture, urinary microbiome sampling, and kidney function). Adherence and adverse events are captured via twice-weekly phone/Line contacts. Approximately 100 participants (50 per arm) will be enrolled as a feasibility-sized pilot.

Read the detailed description

Background and Rationale

Recurrent cystitis is common after menopause and burdens quality of life and healthcare use. Antibiotic prophylaxis is effective but may promote antimicrobial resistance with long-term use. Vaginal Lactobacillus with ultra-low-dose estriol can restore urogenital flora and potentially reduce rUTI and lower urinary tract symptoms. Comparative data versus nightly antibiotic prophylaxis-and effects on the urinary microbiome-remain limited. This trial directly evaluates clinical recurrence and microbiome modulation with nitrofurantoin versus a Lactobacillus/estriol vaginal tablet over 6 months.

Objectives

Primary objective: Compare the 6-month rUTI recurrence proportion between nitrofurantoin and Gynoflor.

Key secondary objectives: (a) time to first recurrence; (b) antimicrobial resistance patterns in breakthrough infections; (c) change in Thai RUTISS score; (d) Lactobacillus dominance and within-sample diversity of the urinary microbiome.

Key Endpoint Definitions

rUTI recurrence (primary): ≥1 symptomatic episode meeting clinical criteria with urine culture growth of a uropathogen during the 6-month follow-up (episodes during temporary treatment holds still count toward the endpoint).

Time to first recurrence: days from randomization to first qualifying rUTI.

Antibiotic resistance: susceptibility profile of cultured uropathogens from breakthrough infections, categorized per local laboratory standards.

Microbiome metrics: quantitative Lactobacillus abundance (qPCR) and alpha diversity indices from 16S rRNA profiling.

Design Overview

Open-label, two-arm, parallel RCT with 1:1 allocation by concealed, computer-generated block randomization. Follow-up is 6 months. Masking is not feasible due to intervention routes; laboratory personnel for microbiome and culture testing are shielded from allocation where practicable.

Interventions (Summary)

Nitrofurantoin arm: 100 mg orally once nightly through month 6.

Gynoflor arm: one vaginal tablet nightly for 14 days, then twice weekly (e.g., Monday/Friday) through month 6.

(Rescue treatment for symptomatic UTI follows standard of care; study prophylaxis resumes afterward to complete 6 months.)

Study Procedures (Selected)

Baseline (Day 0): consent, randomization, Thai RUTISS, urinalysis, urine culture, urinary microbiome sampling, BUN/creatinine.

Follow-up (Months 0-6): twice-weekly phone/Line check-ins to reinforce adherence and capture symptoms/adverse events; prompt clinical evaluation if UTI symptoms arise.

Month 6: repeat Thai RUTISS, urinalysis/culture, urinary microbiome sampling, BUN/creatinine.

Specimen handling: midstream clean-catch urine; UA ~20 mL, culture 5-10 mL, microbiome ~50 mL. Samples processed promptly or refrigerated at 4 °C ≤24 h if needed.

Laboratory Methods (Overview)

Urinary microbiome assays are performed at the Department of Medical Sciences: (1) qPCR estimating Lactobacillus abundance across time points; (2) 16S rRNA gene sequencing for community profiling and alpha diversity.

Sample Size and Analysis Plan (Pilot)

Approximately 100 participants (50/arm) are planned based on local feasibility for an initial pilot. Analyses will follow intention-to-treat with supportive per-protocol summaries. The primary endpoint will be compared between arms using a risk difference with 95% CIs and a chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Time-to-event data will be presented with Kaplan-Meier estimates and log-rank testing. Continuous outcomes (e.g., Thai RUTISS change) will use t-tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum as appropriate; paired pre/post within-arm changes will use paired tests. Missing outcome data will be handled by complete-case analysis with sensitivity analyses (e.g., worst-case imputation for the primary endpoint) if missingness >5-10%.

Safety Monitoring and Adherence

Expected risks include nitrofurantoin intolerance (e.g., GI upset, hypersensitivity), local vaginal irritation, minor phlebotomy discomfort, and time burden. Adverse events are solicited during twice-weekly contacts and at visits; serious adverse events are reported per IRB policy. Given the low-risk profile and pilot scope, a formal DSMB is not planned; the PI and study team review safety at regular intervals. Adherence is promoted by structured reminders and documented via participant report during check-ins.

Data Management and Quality

Case report forms are source-verified against electronic medical records and laboratory outputs. Microbiome and culture laboratories follow internal QC procedures; analytical staff are kept unaware of allocation when feasible. Randomization files are access-restricted; analysis is pre-specified prior to database lock.

Being tested
Nitrofurantoin, Gynoflor
Keywords
Postmenopausal Women, Nitrofurantoin, Antibiotic Prophylaxis, Gynoflor, Lactobacillus, Estriol, Vaginal Probiotics, Urinary Microbiome, 16S rRNA Sequencing, qPCR, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, RUTISS Questionnaire, Adherence Monitoring, Antimicrobial Resistance, Thailand
Medical subject headings
Cystitis, Recurrence, Urinary Tract Infections, Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • NitrofurantoinDrug

    Also called Nitrofurantoin macrocrystals/monohydrate

    Nightly oral nitrofurantoin 100 mg for 6 months as prophylaxis for recurrent UTI in postmenopausal women. If symptomatic UTI occurs, treat per standard care and, once resolved, continue assigned prophylaxis to complete 6 months. Monitoring per protocol: baseline and month-6 visits with urinalysis, urine culture, urinary microbiome, and kidney function; twice-weekly phone/Line check-ins for adherence, symptoms, and adverse events.

  • GynoflorDrug

    Also called Vaginal Lactobacillus with ultra-low-dose estriol

    Vaginal tablet containing Lactobacillus with ultra-low-dose estriol. Insert 1 tablet nightly for 14 days, then twice weekly through month 6 as prophylaxis against recurrent urinary tract infection. If a symptomatic UTI occurs, treat per standard of care; after resolution, continue assigned prophylaxis to complete 6 months. Monitoring identical to comparator.

Study groups in NCT07186465
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Nitrofurantoin ProphylaxisActive comparatorNightly oral nitrofurantoin 100 mg for 6 months as prophylaxis for recurrent UTI in postmenopausal women. If symptomatic UTI occurs, treat per standard care and, once resolved, continue assigned prophylaxis to complete 6 months. Monitoring per protocol: baseline and month-6 visits with urinalysis, urine culture, urinary microbiome, and kidney function; twice-weekly phone/Line check-ins for adherence, symptoms, and adverse events.
Receives: Drug: Nitrofurantoin
Gynoflor Vaginal TabletExperimentalVaginal tablet containing Lactobacillus with ultra-low-dose estriol (Gynoflor) for 6 months: insert 1 tablet nightly for 14 days, then twice weekly through month 6. Same monitoring and management as comparator: if UTI occurs, treat per standard care and then resume assigned prophylaxis to finish 6 months.
Receives: Drug: Gynoflor

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Proportion of participants with recurrent UTI within 6 months

    Number of participants who experience ≥1 episode of symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) during the 6-month prophylaxis period, confirmed by clinical symptoms and positive urine culture per hospital standard. Event counted once per participant; groups compared between arms.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months after randomization

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Time to first recurrent UTI

    Days from randomization to first symptomatic, culture-confirmed UTI during the 6-month period; participants without an event are censored at 6 months.

    Measured: Baseline to 6 months

  2. Antibiotic resistance among breakthrough infections

    Proportion of bacterial isolates from breakthrough UTIs that are non-susceptible to commonly tested antibiotics per local microbiology reporting.

    Measured: During the 6-month prophylaxis period

  3. Change in lower urinary tract symptom score (RUTISS, Thai)

    Change in Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Symptom Scale (RUTISS) Section C Severity Score

    Description: Mean change in the Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection Symptom Scale (RUTISS) Section C total severity score from baseline to Month 6. Section C summarizes four domains (urinary symptoms, urinary presentation, UTI pain/discomfort, bodily sensations). The Overall RUTISS Severity Score is calculated as: sum of Section C responses ÷ 11 × 10, yielding a 0-100 scale. Higher scores = worse symptom/pain severity.

    Time Frame: Baseline and Month 6.

    Unit of Measure: Points (0-100).

    Scale Details: Minimum = 0, Maximum = 100, Higher = worse

    Measured: Baseline and month 6

  4. Lactobacillus abundance by qPCR

    Change in Lactobacillus copy number/relative abundance in midstream urine measured by quantitative PCR.

    Measured: Baseline and month 6

  5. Urinary microbiome diversity by 16S rRNA sequencing

    Change in alpha-diversity indices of urine microbiota profiles determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

    Measured: Baseline and month 6

  6. Incidence of adverse events related to intervention

    Number and proportion of participants with any intervention-related adverse event

    Measured: Up to 6 months

  7. Adherence to assigned prophylaxis

    Proportion of scheduled doses taken, assessed by medication logs and twice-weekly contacts

    Measured: During 6 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted22 Sep 2025
  2. Study start11 Sep 2025
  3. Primary completion30 Jun 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Aug 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 4
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Randomized, two-arm, parallel-group, open-label trial in postmenopausal women with recurrent UTI. Participants are allocated 1:1 by computer-generated block randomization to: (a) nitrofurantoin 100 mg orally at bedtime for 6 months, or (b) Gynoflor vaginal tablet nightly for 14 days then twice weekly through month 6. Baseline and month-6 clinic visits with labs/microbiome sampling; twice-weekly remote check-ins for adherence, symptoms, and AEs. If symptomatic UTI occurs, treat per standard care and then continue assigned prophylaxis to complete 6 months.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
100 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07186465
Sponsor's protocol ID
MURA2024/339
Other IDs
Ref.2024/671
Acronym
microbiome
Status last verified
Sep 2025
First submitted
15 Sep 2025
Last updated
25 Sep 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: De-identified individual participant data (IPD) underlying the primary and secondary outcome results will be shared. A data dictionary and coding key will be provided. Direct identifiers will be removed and dates shifted as needed. Data will be shared for research purposes only and not for commercial use.

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 4 study testing Nitrofurantoin and Gynoflor in people with Cystitis, Recurrent and Urinary Tract Infections, run by Mahidol University at 1 site in Thailand.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Sep 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Thailand. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 4 studies take place after a treatment is approved, to learn more about its long-term benefits and risks in everyday use.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Lappanawat Santitham (+66944314994, cambellabios@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Proportion of participants with recurrent UTI within 6 months (time frame: Baseline to 6 months after randomization). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Sep 2025.

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