Safety and efficacy of pentosan polysulfate in patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis: a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study

Introduction Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is a condition that is characterized by urgency, frequency and/or pelvic pain. The disease occurs mainly in women. BPS/IC can be severe enough to have a significant impact on patients' quality of life, but it can also be associated with moderate symptoms that are equally debilitating. The aim of this article was to evaluate the possibility of the use of pentosan polysulfate sodium in patients in the complex treatment of BPS/IC. Material and methods A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was conducted in parallel groups in 7 Russian medical centers. Results Efficacy and safety have been established as the main criteria. A total of 93 patients were screened. Statistical analysis was performed. It has been shown that pentosan therapy is more effective than in the placebo. Average change in the number of points on the scale O'Leary-Santa Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index compared to baseline data in the pentosan group 4.93 +/- 3, 03, in the placebo group 1.66 +/- 3.19 (p = 0.014), and the adverse events and safety of pentosan are comparable to the placebo group. Conclusions Oral glycosaminoglycan (pentosan polusulfate sodium) is an effective and safe drug and should be included in the complex treatment of patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis.