Platelet-Rich Plasma in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review aims to critically evaluate the safety and efficacy of PRP therapy in managing interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).

Two researchers independently searched related Databases and collected all studies from inception to December 5, 2023. Outcome indicators of symptom relief were pain scores self-assessment using the VAS system, IC symptoms using the O'Leary-Sant score (OSS), urinary frequency, nocturia, post-void residual (PVR), voided volume, and functional bladder capacity.

Among 372 retrieved articles, 13 studies, including 426 patients, were included. The pain of patients decreased significantly after treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) compared to the baseline values (MD: -1.93, 95% CI: -2.28, -1.58). All subgroup analyses revealed a decrease in VAS scores after PRP injection. IC symptoms using OSS, and ICSI decreased significantly after treatment.

PRP therapy as a new and successful course of treatment may be a novel therapeutic approach in IC/BPS cases. More study with the control arm is required to enhance treatment regimens for this difficult condition and to better understand the mechanisms of action of PRP in IC/BPS.