[Effectiveness and safety of intravesical hyaluronic acid for symptom control in chronic bladder diseases.].

INTRODUCTION

Chronic bladder disorders are a common condition. Endovesical hyaluronic acid is one of the therapeutic options for these patients. It is intended to verify the effectiveness and safety of treatment with intravesical instillations of hyaluronic acidin patients with bladder symptoms. MATERIAL AND

METHODS

We present a series of 32 patients who received intravesical instillations of hyaluronic acid. Demographic characteristics, tolerance, and complications were analyzed, and symptoms before and after treatment were compared. Symptomatic relief achieved with treatment was assessed using the Patient Global Improvement Impression Scale (PGI-I).

RESULTS

The median age was 74 years (IQR 60-78) and 65.6% were women. Median follow-up was 10 months (IQR 7-14). Eleven patients were diagnosed with radiotherapy-induced cystitis, 17 with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), and 4 with recurrent cystitis. After treatment, symptoms improved in 81.8% of patients with radical cystitis, 82.3% of patients with BPS/IC, and 75% of the patients with recurrent cystitis. The incidence of hematuria was reduced from 46.9% to 9.4% (p<0.001), filing symptoms from 62.5% to 12.5% (p<0.001) and pain from 40.6% to 12.5% (p= 0.004). 100% of the patients tolerated the treatment well and only 2 adverse effects were recorded (urinary tract infection and acute urine retention). During follow-up, 65.6% showed total control of symptoms and 15.6% partial control, achieving a greater response in the group of patients with hematuria (73.3%). 61.3% of the patients perceived relief of symptoms after treatment according to the PGI-I scale. 88.9% maintained symptomatic improvement at the end of the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Intravesical hyaluronic acid is a safe and effective treatment for filling symptoms, hematuria, and pain in patients with chronic cystopathies. Patients with radiotherapy-induced cystitis seem to especially benefit from treatment.