Instillation of Hyaluronic Acid via Electromotive Drug Administration Can Improve the Efficacy of Treatment in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome: A Randomized Prospective Study

PURPOSE In the treatment of interstitial cystitis, intravesical hyaluronic acid application may be suggested as a treatment option. In this randomized prospective study, the authors aimed to identify whether instilling the hyaluronic acid with electromotive drug administration (EMDA) would increase the tissue uptake and improve the efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The data of 31 patients who had been diagnosed with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) between 2004 and 2005 were examined. The patients were randomized to two groups: patients in group A received hyaluronic acid directly with a catheter and patients in group B received hyaluronic acid with EMDA. The patients were followed for 24 months and the two groups were compared at certain time intervals. The primary end points of the study were visual analogue scale (VAS) score, global response assessment, and micturition frequency in 24 hours. RESULTS There were 6 males and 25 females. The two groups were similar in baseline parameters. The decrease in VAS score and the micturition frequency in 24 hours were significantly lower with EMDA at months 6 and 12. The difference between the two groups was not significant at months 1 and 24. Also, treatment with EMDA, positive KCl test, and pretreatment voiding frequency >17 were associated with higher response rates. CONCLUSIONS Hyaluronic acid installation is an effective glycosaminoglycan substitution therapy in patients with BPS/IC. Instillation of hyaluronic acid via EMDA can improve the efficacy of the treatment; however, lack of long-term efficacy is the major problem with this glycosaminoglycan substitution therapy.