Intravesical Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Refractory Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Intravesical injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach for patients with interstitial cystitis/ bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in alleviating pain and other related symptoms and outcomes in women. METHODS: statistic. RESULTS: The meta-analysis revealed a potential treatment effect, with a mean success rate (GRA ≥ 2) of 48%. Given that all the results derive from uncontrolled and non-randomized studies, they should therefore be interpreted with caution. Statistically significant improvements were observed in pain scores, urinary frequency, nocturia, and bladder function, including increases in Qmax and voided volume. CONCLUSIONS: Intravesical PRP injection may represent a promising therapeutic option for refractory IC/BPS, showing trends toward improvement in pain, nocturia, frequency, and bladder capacity. However, as current evidence is derived exclusively from uncontrolled and non-randomized studies, its efficacy remains uncertain and the findings should be interpreted with caution. Nonetheless, higher-quality randomized controlled trials are required to confirm its efficacy and better define its role in clinical practice.