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Potassium leak test predicts outcome in interstitial cystitis
J M Teichman1, B J Nielsen-Omeis
1Division of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, USA.
The Journal of Urology
|May 20, 1999
Summary
The potassium leak test may help predict treatment success for interstitial cystitis patients receiving heparinoids and antidepressants. A positive test suggests a better outcome for pain and urinary symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic condition causing bladder pain and urinary urgency.
- Current treatments for IC include heparinoids and antidepressants, but predicting treatment response can be challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if the potassium leak test can predict the therapeutic outcome of heparinoids and antidepressants in patients with interstitial cystitis.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 38 interstitial cystitis patients who underwent a potassium leak test and received at least 6 months of intravesical heparin or oral sodium pentosan polysulfate, often with tricyclic antidepressants.
- Evaluation of changes in pain scores during voiding, urinary frequency, and nocturia.
Main Results:
- The potassium leak test was positive in 23 patients and negative in 15, with no significant baseline differences between groups.
- Patients with a positive potassium leak test were significantly more likely to experience improvement in pain (78% vs. 40%), frequency (83% vs. 47%), and nocturia (83% vs. 53%) after treatment.
Conclusions:
- The potassium leak test shows potential as a predictive tool for treatment outcomes in interstitial cystitis patients receiving combined heparinoid and tricyclic antidepressant therapy.