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Effectiveness of intravesical hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate in recurrent bacterial cystitis: a randomized study

International Urogynecology Journal volume 23, pages 1707–1713 (2012)Cite this article

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The glycosaminoglycan hyaluronic acid (HA) protects the urothelium; damage may increase bacterial adherence and infection risk. This study evaluated the effect of intravesical HA in recurrent bacterial cystitis (RBC).

Methods

Women with RBC were randomized to intravesical HA 800 mg and chondroitin sulfate (CS) 1 g (IALURIL®, IBSA) in 50 mL of saline solution once weekly for 4 weeks then once every 2 weeks twice more (group 1) or long term antibiotic prophylaxis using sulfamethoxazole 200 mg and trimethoprim 40 mg once weekly for 6 weeks (group 2; control). Evaluations included: cystitis recurrence at 2 and 12 months; subjective pain symptoms (visual analog scale [VAS]); 3 day voiding; sexual function; quality of life (King's Health Questionnaire [KHQ]); frequency symptoms/frequency symptoms (PUF symptom scale); and maximum cystometric capacity (MCC). Means ± standard deviations were reported, with Mann-Whitney test for between-group comparison (significance P < .05).

Results

Of 28 women (mean age 60 ± 13 y) randomized, 26 completed follow-up (mean follow-up 11.5 mo). Group 1 showed a significant improvement in all evaluations; cystitis recurrence (1 ± 1.2 versus 2.3 ± 1.4, P = .02); 3-day voiding (mean 17.8 ± 3.5 vs 24.2 ± 8.3, P = .04); symptom VAS (1.6 ± 0.8 vs 7.8 ± 1.6, P < .001); PUF score (11.2 ± 2.7 vs 19.6 ± 2.2, P < .001), KHQ score (18.4 ± 7.2 vs 47.3 ± 13.6, P < .001), and MCC (380 ± 78 vs 229 ± 51 mL, P < .001) vs group 2 at 12 mo. No adverse effects were recorded.

Conclusions

Intravesical HA and CS in combination significantly reduced cystitis recurrence and improved urinary symptoms, quality of life, and cystometric capacity in RBC patients at 12 mo follow-up versus antibiotic prophylaxis. Study limitations include a small sample and relatively short follow-up.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank inScience Communications who provided native English editing assistance. This assistance was funded by IBSA Institut Biochimique SA, Lugano, Switzerland.

Funding

Neither of the authors have anything to disclose. Neither author has any commercial associations or disclosures that may pose, or create any conflict of interest with information presented in this manuscript. This was an independent study, and the funding support from IBSA Institut Biochimique SA was limited to editorial assistance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Battipaglia Hospital, Battipaglia, SA, Italy

    Davide De Vita

  2. Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Turku University Hospital, OS 299, PL 52, 20521, Turku, Finland

    Salvatore Giordano

Authors
  1. Davide De Vita
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  2. Salvatore Giordano
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Correspondence to Salvatore Giordano.

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De Vita, D., Giordano, S. Effectiveness of intravesical hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate in recurrent bacterial cystitis: a randomized study. Int Urogynecol J 23, 1707–1713 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1794-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-012-1794-z

Keywords

  • Recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Chondroitin sulfate
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Intravesical instillation
  • Cystitis