Abstract

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• OBJECTIVE:

  An open label study of chondroitin sulfate was undertaken to determine the response of patients with interstitial cystitis and positive potassium test results to this agent. METHOD: Eighteen patients with classic features of interstitial cystitis were enrolled in the study. Patients received 40 mL chondroitin sulfate, 0.2% instilled intravesically once a week for four weeks and then once a month for 12 months. At the same times, Quality of Life Improvement scores, voiding diaries, and pain and voiding indices were reviewed.

  RESULTS:

  Thirteen of 18 patients were followed for the entire 13-month study. Twelve of these patients responded to treatment within 3 to 12 weeks, on average. A total of 6/13 (46.2%) showed a good response, 2/13 (15.4%) had a fair response, and 4/13 (30.8%) had a partial response and 1/13 (7.7%) showed no response.

  CONCLUSION:

  Intravesical chondroitin sulfate seems to demonstrate some beneficial effects in treatment of interstitial cystitis patients who have positive potassium stimulation test results.