title: The efficacy of chondroitin sulfate 0.2% in treating interstitial cystitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  An open label study of chondroitin sulfate was undertaken to determine the response of patients with interstitial cystitis and positive potassium test results to this agent.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen patients with classic features of interstitial cystitis were enrolled in the study. Patients received 40 mL chondroitin sulfate, 0.2% instilled intravesically once a week for four weeks and then once a month for 12 months. At the same times, Quality of Life Improvement scores, voiding diaries, and pain and voiding indices were reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen of 18 patients were followed for the entire 13-month study. Twelve of these patients responded to treatment within 3 to 12 weeks, on average. A total of 6/13 (46.2%) showed a good response, 2/13 (15.4%) had a fair response, and 4/13 (30.8%) had a partial response and 1/13 (7.7%) showed no response.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intravesical chondroitin sulfate seems to demonstrate some beneficial effects in treatment of interstitial cystitis patients who have positive potassium stimulation test results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Capital Health Region, Victoria, BC, Canada.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Steinhoff
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ittah
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rowan
mesh_terms: D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates