Clinical and urodynamic experience with intravesical hyaluronic acid in painful bladder syndrome associated with interstitial cystitis

Abstract Introduction Few studies have been carried out on therapeutic options in patients with painful bladder syndrome associated with interstitial cystitis. The aim is to verify the safety and effectiveness of treatment with sodium hyaluronate through intravesical instillation in patients with painful bladder syndrome. Materials and methods A series of 18 female patients is presented, with a mean age of 51 years and prior diagnosis of painful bladder syndrome, who were treated by means of the weekly infusion of an intravesical solution of 40 mg of sodium hyaluronate in sterile solution, over a period of eight weeks. The patients were examined clinically and urodynamically prior to their inclusion in the study and eight months after the instillations had concluded. Results There was a statistically significant improvement in the urodynamic parameters and in the symptoms measured quantitatively by means of the questionnaire “Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency” between the baseline situation and after the vesical instillation of sodium hyaluronate in patients with painful bladder syndrome. There was no toxicity arising from the treatment, given that no adverse effects were recorded in relation to it. Conclusion The clinical use of intravesical hyaluronic acid in patients with painful bladder syndrome possibly associated with interstitial cystitis has been demonstrated. The clinical improvement is also associated with an increase in the bladder's capacity and sensitivity. Tolerance was excellent. Clinical tests that more profoundly evaluate the therapeutic potential of this drug in this type of patients are required.