Evidence for Early Cyclosporine Treatment for Hunner Lesion Interstitial Cystitis

The objective of this study was to evaluate our experience using cyclosporine A (CyA) in the treatment of Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis (HLIC).

Retrospective chart review was performed on patients with HLIC treated with CyA from August 2012 to September 2019. Demographic and clinical variables, number of interstitial cystitis therapies, frequency, nocturia, and bladder pain visual analog scores before and after CyA treatment were collected, as well as the Global Response Assessment (GRA) and the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index. CyA responders were defined as those with moderately or markedly improved GRA scores.

A total of 51 patients with HLIC treated with CyA were identified. Mean follow-up was 3 years (0.36-6.8 years). Seventy-six percent (28 of 37) were female; mean age was 68 years (51-84 years). Before CyA treatment, an average of 8 previous therapies were tried and patients reported an average of 8 of 10 bladder pain. Daytime frequency was 11-20 times per day, and nocturia was 7 times per night. Per the GRA, 84% (31 of 37) were considered CyA responders. Posttherapy Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index and Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index scores were lower in responders compared with nonresponders (8.9 ± 5.7 vs 21.3 ± 7.0, P = 0.001). Bladder pain, number of hydrodistentions/fulgurations, nocturia, and daytime frequency improved significantly after CyA treatment.

The cyclosporine A response rate was 84%, with most of these patients reporting marked improvement. Bladder pain, daytime frequency, and nocturia were significantly improved after CyA treatment, and the number of interventions after CyA treatment decreased. Cyclosporine A should be considered earlier than fifth-line therapy in HLIC.