Efficacy of Pentosan Polysulfate Treatment in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

OBJECTIVES: Pentosan Polysulfate (PPS) is the only oral treatment for interstitial cystitis (IC)-bladder pain syndrome (BPS) approved by the World Health Organization. Self-evaluation scales can provide more objective results on pre- and post-treatment satisfaction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pentosan polysulfate treatment on symptoms in IC-BPS patients. METHODS: This study included 37 adult male and female patients with IC-BPS who reported pain, urinary urgency, polyurea, and nocturia without urinary tract infection for a minimum of six months prior to the study and were taking 300 mg/day oral pentosan polysulfate. Pre- and post-treatment symptoms, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) Scores, quality of life (QoL) scores (1–4), and satisfaction conditions were examined. RESULTS: Following the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, mean age of 37 suitable patients was 46.0±11.9 years and 27% (10 individuals) of the patients were male. Pre-treatment, ICSI scores, and measures of satisfaction degree and QoL increased significantly after the treatment (p<0.001). Adverse reaction was detected in two patients (5.4%) among the patients treated with pentosan polysulfate. CONCLUSIONS: Oral pentosan polysulfate for the treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome treatment could achieve recovery in symptoms, increase Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index score and improve quality of life and patient satisfaction.