Akiyama Y, Niimi A, Nomiya A, Taguchi S, Yamada Y, Sato Y, Yamada D, Maeda D, Ushiku T, Kume H, Homma Y. Efficacy and Safety of Low-dose Oral Prednisolone for Patients with Refractory Hunner-type Interstitial Cystitis.
EUR UROL SUPPL 2023;
56:1-8. [PMID:
37822513 PMCID:
PMC10562155 DOI:
10.1016/j.euros.2023.07.006]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background
Hunner-type interstitial cystitis (HIC) is an immunological, chronic inflammatory disease. The efficacy of corticosteroid as a treatment for HIC is unclear.
Objective
To assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose oral prednisolone (PSL) treatment for patients with refractory HIC.
Design setting and participants
This retrospective observational study reviewed the clinical outcomes of 31 patients with refractory HIC who received oral PSL daily (initial dose, 5.0 or 7.5 mg) for at least 12 mo between 2016 and 2023. The dose was tapered to the minimum that maintained symptom relief during follow-up.
Outcome measurements and statistical analysis
Treatment outcomes were evaluated using a seven-graded global response assessment (scores ≥+2, moderately or markedly improved, were defined as treatment response), O'Leary and Sant symptom and problem indices (OSSI/OSPI), overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), an 11-point pain intensity numerical rating scale, a quality of life (QOL) score, and frequency-volume chart variables. Related complications were also documented.
Results and limitations
The mean follow-up period was 20.1 ± 14.6 mo. The overall response rates at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo at doses of 6.7, 6.7, 5.2, 4.0, and 3.0 mg were 38.7%, 48.4%, 54.8%, 61.3%, and 64.5%, respectively. Compared with baseline, OSSI/OSPI and pain intensity improved significantly from 1 mo after PSL induction. The OABSS, QOL score, urinary frequency, and voided volume improved significantly from 9 mo after PSL induction. No patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events, although hypertension and glucose intolerance occurred in two patients, but these were resolved by temporal medications.
Conclusions
This study showed that low-dose oral PSL significantly improves bladder pain, urinary symptoms, and QOL in patients with HIC, without serious adverse events. Further prospective evaluation is warranted to verify the potential efficacy and safety of low-dose PSL for HIC.
Patient summary
This retrospective observational study reviewed the clinical outcomes of 31 patients suffering from refractory Hunner-type interstitial cystitis treated with low-dose oral prednisolone. Low-dose prednisolone improved bladder pain, urinary symptoms, and quality of life significantly, without serious adverse events. The response rate of 64.5% at 12 mo was comparable with the rates reported in previous studies that used higher doses of prednisolone. This study provides a rationale for further prospective evaluation of low-dose prednisolone for this intractable disease.
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