Stem cell therapy for stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review in human subjects

To systematically evaluate the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy (SCT) in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) to allow objective comparison with existing surgical techniques.

Systematic literature search of Medline from years 1946–2012 using terms: “stem”, “cell”, “stress”, “urinary”, and “incontinence”. Included studies presented empirical data on the treatment of SUI using SCT. Outcomes: adverse events, incontinence, quality of life, urodynamic, transurethral ultrasound and urethral EMG findings.

Eight studies met inclusion criteria (seven observational and one randomized). Quality score: median 10.75 of 20 (range 2–12.5). Adverse events: one patient had bladder perforation and two procedures could not be completed due to pain. Temporary urinary retention and cystitis were also reported. Incontinence score: Four studies describe significant improvement. Quality of life: significant improvement in four studies. Urodynamic outcomes: four studies show significant improvement in contractility of urethral sphincter; three studies demonstrate no change in bladder capacity and significant reduction in residual volume; significant improvement in urinary flow three studies, although two found no difference; increase in leak point pressure and detrusor pressure in three studies. Urethral ultrasound: three studies found significant increases in rhabdosphincter thickness and contractility. Urethral EMG: two studies found significant increases in the EMG at rest and at contraction.

Data suggest that SC treatment for SUI is safe and effective in the short term. However, the quality and maturity of the data are limited. Robust data from better quality studies comparing this to current surgical techniques are needed.