Novel Treatment for Interstitial Cystitis Pilot Study

Abstract

Background and aims: Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is well established in treatment of orthopedic patients. This pilot study aims to determine the efficacy of using instillation of PRP paired with hydrodistention of the bladder to treat patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis were recruited to this study. Patients completed Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency (PUF) patient symptom scale, which quantified a symptom and bother score. Patients were treated with hydrodistention with instillation of PRP. Patients completed the PUF questionnaire weekly for six weeks following treatment. Results: 12 patients underwent hydrodistention with instillation of PRP. The patients were all women, ranging in age from 23 to 71. The mean symptom score went from 13.167 to 7.417 and the mean bother score decreased from 6.833 to 4.41, showing a statistically significant reduction in symptom and bother scores. Conclusions: Hydrodistention with instillation of PRP is an effective treatment of interstitial cystitis.