Cranberry Use High In Pediatric Populous

Complementary and alternative therapies have become more mainstream over the last decade and many surveys show that a larger percentage of Americans are using these therapies in conjunction with recommendations from their primary care provider. One concern is that many are not sharing this information with their physician when asked about medication use. This may pose a serious risk in certain situations.

Cranberry is a common alternative therapy for adults with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTI). Children with specific renal conditions are also a population with a high incidence of rUTI. Little is known about the use of cranberry in this population. Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina hypothesized that children with rUTI or any renal disease may be high users of cranberry for their conditions due to parent administration.

They conducted an anonymous survey to parents seen in the nephrology department. The survey addressed use of cranberry as a supplemental treatment. It also gathered information about the patient's age, condition, incidence of UTI, and perceived benefit and side effects.

The survey showed that 29% of 117 total parents gave cranberry therapeutically. 15% of parents reported that rUTI was a problem for their child. The average age of children in the nephrology survey was 10 years old. The subset of children with rUTI had a 65% rate of cranberry use. Parents reported that cranberry was given to treat as well as prevent UTI. Most felt that the treatment was beneficial. The only side effect reported was upset stomach (nausea). The survey also addressed physician disclosure, of which only 23% of parents indicated they had told their physician about using cranberry.

The authors concluded that cranberry use among the pediatric population is likely higher than expected. It is perceived as a useful therapy by parents, though rarely discussed with the doctor. Due to this information, the authors feel that clinical trials are necessary to determine the effects, whether beneficial or potentially harmful, of cranberry on renal conditions in the pediatric population.