The efficacy of chondroitin sulphate in treating interstitial cystitis

Objectives: To test in an open label study the response to chondroitin sulphate in patients with the interstitial cystitis syndrome and a positive potassium test. Patients and Methods: Eigtheen patients with interstitial cystitis based on NIH symptom criteria were enrolled in the study. Patients received 40 ml chondroitin sulphate 0.2% instilled intravesically once a week for four weeks and then once a month for 12 months. Quality of life scores, pain and voiding indices were measured baseline and at the final visit. Frequency of voiding was recorded in diaries. Results: 13/18 (66.7%) patients responded with improvement of symptoms, 6/18 (33%) either showed no response or withdrew from the study. Conclusion: Intravesical chondroitin sulphate seems to demonstrate beneficial effects in the treatment of interstitial cystitis patients that have a positive potassium stimulation test. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.