Clinical response to an oral prostaglandin analogue in patients with interstitial cystitis.

Abstract

To assess the efficacy of the oral prostaglandin analogue misoprostol in controlling the symptoms of interstitial cystitis in patients with refractory disease. Twenty-five patients were commenced on misoprostol 600 micrograms daily for 3 months. Patients who responded to therapy were offered treatment for a further 6 months. Assessment of the response was by a voiding log and an interstitial cystitis symptom score. At 3 months, 14 patients (56%) had significantly improved, and after a further 6 months, 12 patients (48%) had a sustained response. The incidence of adverse drug effects was 64%. Most side effects were minimal, and the response rate in patients who were able to tolerate the drug was 87% at 3 months and 75% at 9 months. The oral prostaglandin analogue misoprostol is effective in treating the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. It is possible that prostaglandins have a cytoprotective action in the urinary bladder.