Safety and efficacy of intravesical alum for intractable hemorrhagic cystitis: a contemporary evaluation

ABSTRACT Introduction: Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) represents a challenging clinical entity. While various intravesical agents have been utilized in this setting, limited data exist regarding safety or efficacy. Herein, then, we evaluated the effectiveness and complications associated with intravesical alum instillation for HC in a contemporary cohort. Materials and Methods: We identified 40 patients treated with intravesical alum for HC between 1997-2014. All patients had failed previous continuous bladder irrigation with normal saline and clot evacuation. Treatment success was defined as requiring no additional therapy beyond normal saline irrigation after alum instillation. Results: Median patient age was 76.5 years (IQR 69, 83). Pelvic radiation was the most common etiology for HC (n=38, 95%). Alum use decreased patient's transfusion requirement, with 82% (32/39) receiving a transfusion within 30 days before alum instillation (median 4 units) versus 59% (23/39) within 30 days after completing alum (median 3 units) (p=0.05). In total, 24 patients (60%) required no additional therapy prior to hospital discharge. Moreover, at a median follow-up of 17 months (IQR 5, 38.5), 13 patients (32.5%) remained without additional treatment for HC. Adverse effects were reported in 15 patients (38%), with bladder spasms representing the most common event (14/40; 35%). No clinical evidence of clinically significant systemic absorption was detected. Conclusion: Intravesical alum therapy is well-tolerated, with resolution of HC in approximately 60% of patients, and a durable response in approximately one-third. Given its favorable safety/efficacy profile, intravesical alum may be considered as a first-line treatment option for patients with HC.

Lupus cystitis presenting with hidronephrosis and gastrointestinal involvement / Cistite lúpica apresentando hidronefrose e envolvimento gastrointestinal

Abstract Introduction: Lupus cystitis is a rare manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, characterized by thickening of the bladder wall, associated with ureterohydronephrosis. In several cases gastrointestinal symptoms are the main manifestation. The optimal immunosuppressive regimen is still unknown. Methods: 16-year-old girl with systemic lupus erythematosus was admitted with dysuria, renal impairment, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. An abdominal CT scan demonstrated moderate bilateral dilation from the pelvis to the ureterovesical junction, and the bladder exhibited reduced capacity and diffusely thickened walls. A diagnosis of chronic interstitial cystitis was performed and treatment with high dose methylprednisolone resulted in a significant relief of gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms and a reduction of the bladder thickness with improvement of their capacity. Conclusion: Lupus cystitis is a rare and underdiagnosed urinary manifestation of LES and the presence of mild urinary symptoms and abdominal pain may alert about this possibility.

Resumo Introdução: A Cistite Lúpica é uma manifestação rara do Lúpus Eritematoso Sistémico, caracterizada pelo espessamento da parede da bexiga, podendo estar associada com ureterohidronefrose. Em vários casos, os sintomas gastrointestinais são a principal manifestação e ainda não se sabe qual o regime imunossupressor mais adequado nesta situação. Método: Uma jovem de 16 anos de idade com lúpus eritematoso sistémico foi admitida com disúria, insuficiência renal, diarreia, dor abdominal, náuseas e vómitos. A tomografia computadorizada de abdome demonstrou dilatação moderada de ureter e pelve renal bilateralmente e bexiga exibindo capacidade reduzida e paredes difusamente espessadas. Foi feito o diagnóstico de cistite intersticial crónica e o tratamento com dose elevada de metilprednisolona resultou em um alívio significativo dos sintomas urinários e gastrointestinais e uma redução da espessura da bexiga, com melhora da sua capacidade. Conclusão: A Cistite Lúpica é uma manifestação urinária rara e subdiagnosticada do LES e a presença de sintomas urinários leves e dor abdominal devem alertar para essa possibilidade diganóstica.