Effect of supplementation with hydrogen-rich water in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

To investigate the efficacy of hydrogen-rich water for the treatment of patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS).

We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial of hydrogen-rich water in patients with IC/PBS. Inclusion criteria were stable symptoms of IC/PBS for ≥ 12 weeks after bladder hydrodistension, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index score of ≥ 7 and bladder pain (question 4 on Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index) of ≥ 4. They were randomized by a 2:1 ratio to receive hydrogen-rich water or placebo water for 8 weeks. The symptoms were assessed using the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index, Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index, Parsons' Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale, visual analog scale bladder pain scores, and a standard 3-day voiding diary. The primary outcome was improvement of patient-reported symptoms evaluated after treatment.

A total of 30 participants (29 women and 1 man, age 64.0 ± 14.8 years) were enrolled in the present study, and 2 patients (both women) were withdrawn from the study. The score of bladder pain was significantly reduced in both groups. However, the effect of hydrogen-rich water on symptoms was not significantly different from that of placebo, although supplementation with hydrogen-rich water was extremely effective in improving the bladder pain score in 11% of the patients.

The results of the present study do not support the use of supplementation with hydrogen-rich water for treating patients with IC/PBS.