[Follow-up at 24 months after treatment of overactive bladder with 0.2 % sodium chondroitin sulfate].

AIM: A retrospective study was performed to investigate whether the improvement of symptoms achieved with 0.2 % sodium chondroitin sulfate in treating overactive bladder (OAB) persists after 24 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two years ago, a total of 82 patients with chronic OAB were randomly assigned to receive either anticholinergic treatment (Tolterodin; group A, n = 41) or 0.2 % sodium chondroitin sulfate (Gepan instill; group B, n = 41). Diagnostic assessment included a gynecological examination and history, urodynamic test-ing, introital ultrasound, and cystoscopy. Duration of treatment was 12 months. The patients underwent repeat follow-up after 24 months and the findings were compared with the results at 12 months.

RESULTS: In group A, 15 / 35 (43 %) women reported an improvement of symptoms after 12 months as opposed to only 5 / 35 (14 %) after 24 months. In group B, there was an improvement in 23 / 32 (72 %) at 12 months and in 18 / 32 (56 %) after 24 months (p = 0.001). The subjective results were corroborated by means of urodynamic test-ing, pad counts, voiding frequency and nycturia (voiding diary).

CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that instillation treatment with 0.2 % sodium chondroitin sulfate results in a more sustained improvement or cure of the symptoms of overactive bladder due to development of a glycosaminoglycan layer. Long-term results are needed for confirmation.