URINARY-EXCRETION OF GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS IN PATIENTS WITH SUPERFICIAL BLADDER-TUMORS

Urinary glycosaminoglycan/creatinine (GAG/Cr) ratio was determined in 73 patients with superficial bladder tumors and 34 healthy volunteers. While the mean GAG/Cr value in the tumor group was higher than the co ntrol group (11.25 +/- 5.36 vs. 10.11 +/- 2.67) this difference was no t statistically significant. However, comparing the urinary GAG/Cr rat io of T1, Grade III and recurrent tumors with the control group reveal ed statistically significant results (p < 0.01, p < 0.001 and p < 0.02 respectively). Therefore, the urinary GAG/Cr ratio determination in t he follow-up of these patients may be used as noninvasive procedure an d high levels may be signs of higher grade, higher stage disease.