Results of endovesical hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was to test the effect of a more viscous compound than existent hyaluronic acid formulation in helping to restore a defective glycosaminoglycan layer, and therefore in improving Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome (IC/PBS) symptoms when administered intravesically in IC/PBS patients.


METHODS
A total of 23 female patients completed the study. Patients received endovesical administration of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in normal saline, 40 ml, weekly for 12 weeks and then bi-weekly for 6 months, if there was initial response.


RESULTS
After 12 weeks treatment both Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index (ICSI/ICPI), pelvic pain and Urgency/Frequency Symptom Scale (PUF) showed a mean significant improvement, which was maintained thereafter. The average number of voidings and mean voiding volumes revealed significant improvement after the 12 weeks' treatment period, with a significant reduction and increase, respectively. Mean voiding volume increased from 143 ml to 191, which apparently was not reflected in a corresponding reduction of number of daily voids (from 15,5 to 14). VAS values decreased from 5,4 to 3,6 (pain) and from 6,0 to 3,5 (urgency) after the treatment cycle, showing a significant improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
In our preliminary experience, the administration of intravesical hyaluronic acid plus chondroitine sulphate appears to be a safe and efficacious method of treatment in IC/PBS.
Porru
D
D
Urology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy. danieleporru@tin.it
Cervigni
M
M
Nasta
L
L
Natale
F
F
Lo Voi
R
R
Tinelli
C
C
Gardella
B
B
Anghileri
A
A
Spinillo
A
A
Rovereto
B
B
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000283:Administration, Intravesical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014783:Viscosity
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid; D002809:Chondroitin Sulfates