Platelet-Rich Plasma in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the safety and efficacy of PRP therapy in managing interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).

METHODS

Two researchers independently searched related Databases and collected all studies from inception to December 5, 2023. Outcome indicators of symptom relief were pain scores self-assessment using the VAS system, IC symptoms using the O'Leary-Sant score (OSS), urinary frequency, nocturia, post-void residual (PVR), voided volume, and functional bladder capacity.

RESULTS

Among 372 retrieved articles, 13 studies, including 426 patients, were included. The pain of patients decreased significantly after treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared to the baseline values (MD: -1.93, 95% CI: -2.28, -1.58). All subgroup analyses revealed a decrease in VAS scores after PRP injection. IC symptoms using OSS, and ICSI decreased significantly after treatment.

CONCLUSION

PRP therapy as a new and successful course of treatment may be a novel therapeutic approach in IC/BPS cases. More study with the control arm is required to enhance treatment regimens for this difficult condition and to better understand the mechanisms of action of PRP in IC/BPS.