The role of glycosaminoglycans in the management of chronic pelvic pain: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are involved in the pathogenesis of several urologic chronic diseases. Thus, GAGs replenishment therapy is widely reported as a therapeutic tool for chronic pelvic pain (CPP) conditions such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and prostate pain syndrome/chronic prostatitis. In this article we reviewed the current status of evidence on the clinic applications of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the CPP.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search from inception was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement to identify clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 29 papers were identified regarding the use of GAGs in CPP.

CONCLUSIONS: GAGs replenishment therapy results are encouraging in chronic forms of pelvic pain even though well-powered randomized clinical trials are needed to better comprehend the exact role of this treatment.