Objective: To evaluate the use of pentosan polysulphate sodium (PPS) to reduce the level of urinary basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).
Patients and methods: Forty-one patients with a clam enterocystoplasty were randomized to receive either 200 mg three times daily of oral PPS (n = 21) or placebo (n = 20) for 6 weeks. Three patients acted as a cross-over study. Urinary bFGF was measured before and after treatment and the degree of symptomatic benefit assessed using a questionnaire.
Results: There was no reduction in bFGF in the patients receiving placebo (P = 0.235) but there was a statistically significant reduction in bFGF (P = 0.0251) in the patients receiving PPS, most of whom were symptomatically improved, especially with regard to mucus production.
Conclusion: PPS may have a role in reducing urinary bFGF in patients with bladder tumours or following an enterocystoplasty and also in improving the quality of life of patients with a clam enterocystoplasty.