Efficacy of pentosan polysulfate in the treatment of interstitial cystitis: a meta-analysis

Hwang P, Auclair B, Beechinor D, Diment M, Einarson TR · Urology

The pooled analysis that consolidated PPS's place in the indication: absolute benefit over placebo of 16.6% for pain (number needed to treat 7), 13.0% for urgency (NNT 7.5) and 16.7% for frequency (NNT 6), with no benefit for nocturia.

Population

Four randomized placebo-controlled oral PPS trials in interstitial cystitis

Intervention

Oral PPS at least 300 mg daily for at least 8 weeks

Comparator

Placebo

Limitations

Four small trials, all predating the two largest and null later trials; mean methodological quality scores ranged from 48% to 66% on the Chalmers scale; bladder endpoints.