SIUD MEETS ICS

Damage to the urothelial barrier is pivotal in triggering cascade events with pro-inflammatory effect. Indeed, the migration of polymorphonuclear cells and the activation of mast cells determine a stimulation of afferents nociceptive fibers in the sub-urothelium, resulting in neurogenic inflammation.

Therefore, the urothelium, along with its protective layer of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), plays a key role in many forms of bacterial and non-bacterial cystitis. Restoring the damaged mucopolysaccharide layer by interrupting the inflammatory cascade is the rationale behind the intravesical use of GAGs.

Several GAGs (included hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, heparin) are available, administrable either alone or in combination, and can show different results in terms of therapeutic efficacy.

The speakers in this round table and expert debate, will provide their point of view on the use of GAGs in rUTIs, on some controversial and debated aspects, underlining those that are currently the evidence in the literature and the recommendations of scientific associations.