Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin for treatment of refractory interstitial cystitis.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) in the treatment of refractory interstitial cystitis (IC).


METHODS
Thirteen patients with refractory IC were enrolled in the study. They were scheduled to receive 6 weekly courses of treatment with intravesical BCG. Variables including the frequency, nocturia, urgency, pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysuria, IC symptom index, IC problem index, and average voided volume were assessed every 6 months after the BCG therapy.


RESULTS
Thirteen patients received the complete course of intravesical BCG therapy. Twenty-four months after the treatment a mean improvement of 51.9% was seen in frequency (P=.001), 43.2% in nocturia (P=.002), 28.7% in urgency (P=.004), 43.1% in pelvic pain (P=.001), 58.3% in dyspareunia (P=.003), 6.5% in dysuria (P=.16), 57.7% in the O'Leary-Sant IC symptom index (P=.001), and 61.8% in the O'Leary-Sant IC problem index (P=.001) scores. A significant improvement was seen in the mean average voided volume at the 24th follow-up month (89.5%; P=.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Intravesical BCG is a relatively effective treatment in patients with refractory IC. Its efficacy seems to be modest and lasts for at least 24 months in majority of the patients. It is also safe and well tolerated.
Aghamir
Seyed Mohammad Kazem
SM
Department of Urology, Sina Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohseni
Mohammd Ghasem
MG
Arasteh
Saeed
S
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000283:Administration, Intravesical; D000328:Adult; D001500:BCG Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D001500:BCG Vaccine