Diagnostic criteria, classification, and nomenclature for painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis: an ESSIC proposal

Gene expression analysis of urine sediment: evaluation for potential noninvasive markers of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

PURPOSE

We determined whether gene expression profiles in urine sediment could provide noninvasive markers for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome with and/or without Hunner lesions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fresh catheterized urine was collected and centrifuged from 5 controls, and 5 Hunner lesion-free and 5 Hunner lesion bearing patients. RNA was extracted from pelleted material and quantified by gene expression microarray using the GeneChip® Human Gene ST Array. Three biologically likely hypotheses were tested, including 1) all 3 groups are distinct from each other, 2) controls are distinct from the 2 types combined of patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and 3) patients with Hunner lesion-interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome are distinct from controls and patients with nonHunner-lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome combined. For statistical parity an unlikely fourth hypothesis was included, that is patients with nonHunner-lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome are distinct from controls and patients with Hunner lesion-interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome combined.

RESULTS

Analysis supported selective up-regulation of genes in the Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome group (hypothesis 3), which were primarily associated with inflammation. The inflammatory profile was statistically similar to that reported in a prior Hunner lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome bladder biopsy study.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene expression analysis of urine sediment was feasible in this pilot study. Expression profiles failed to discriminate nonHunner-lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome from controls and they are unlikely to be a noninvasive marker for nonHunner-lesion interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. In contrast, patients with Hunner lesion had increased proinflammatory gene expression in urine sediment, similar to that in a prior microarray study of bladder biopsies. If these preliminary results are validated in future research, they may lead to a noninvasive biomarker for Hunner lesion-interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.

Association of neuropathic pain with bladder, bowel and catastrophizing symptoms in women with bladder pain syndrome

PURPOSE

In this study we determined if there is an association of neuropathic pain with urinary, bowel and catastrophizing symptoms in women with bladder pain syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Female patients with a diagnosis of bladder pain syndrome completed validated questionnaires to assess neuropathic pain, urinary and bowel symptoms, quality of life and pain catastrophizing. Women were dichotomized into neuropathic pain and nonneuropathic pain groups. Urinary and bowel symptoms, pain catastrophizing and quality of life scores were compared between the 2 groups using parametric and nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

Of 150 women with bladder pain syndrome 40 (27%) had features of neuropathic pain while 110 (73%) did not. Women with features of neuropathic pain had significantly worse urinary urgency (mean ± SD 3.1 ± 3.1 vs 2.1 ± 1.7, p <0.001), bladder pain (3.0 ± 1.1 vs 2.0 ± 1.3, p <0.001), bowel pain (8.8 ± 4.0 vs 5.3 ± 3.6, p <0.001), diarrhea (7.8 ± 6.1 vs 4.1 ± 4.3, p <0.001), quality of life (12.2 ± 5.5 vs 9.8 ± 3.8, p <0.001) and higher pain catastrophizing (32.2 ± 12.4 vs 23.1 ± 14.3, p <0.001) scores than those without neuropathic pain.

CONCLUSIONS

In women with bladder pain syndrome the presence of neuropathic pain is significantly associated with the severity of bladder and bowel pain, urinary urgency and diarrhea. Women with features of neuropathic pain also have worse pain catastrophizing and quality of life than those without features of neuropathic pain.

Role of inflammation in bladder function and interstitial cystitis

Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder, has a direct effect on bladder function. Interstitial cystitis is a syndrome characterized by urinary bladder pain and irritative symptoms of more than 6 months duration. It commonly occurs in young to middle-aged women with no known cause and in fact represents a diagnosis of exclusion. Many factors have been suggested, including chronic or subclinical infection, autoimmunity and genetic susceptibility, which could be responsible for initiating the inflammatory response. However, a central role of inflammation has been confirmed in the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis. Patients with interstitial cystitis are usually managed with multimodal therapy to break the vicious cycle of chronic inflammation at every step. Patients who develop irreversible pathologies such as fibrosis are managed surgically, which is usually reserved for refractory cases.

The role of sodium hyaluronate and sodium chondroitin sulphate in the management of bladder disease

Bladder epithelium is not only a simple defence against infections, but it is also a specialized tissue regulating complex bladder functions and playing an active role in the pathogenesis of many bladder diseases. There is strong evidence that different chronic inflammatory bladder diseases, such as recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), chemical or radiation cystitis and painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC), can be pathophysiologically linked in the first step of the disease to the loss of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) mucous layer independently of the original cause of the inflammatory process. The aim of this article is to review the current evidence on the clinic applications of GAGs in urology, with particular emphasis on the therapeutic use of hyaluronic acid (HA) and chondroitin sulphate (CS). A comprehensive electronic literature search was conducted in May 2011 using the Medline database. Three studies supported the decrease of the rate of recurrent UTIs by restoring the GAG layer, showing a significant reduction of UTI rates and a prolonged median time to recurrence after HA intravesical instillations in women with recurrent UTI. We provide higher level evidence by reporting a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study on the use of intravesical HA and CS in women with recurrent UTIs. A significant reduction of 77% in the UTI rate per patient per year versus placebo was observed at the end of the study. Nine studies were published between 2002 and 2011 on the use of HA and CS to treat PBS/IC. Three of them evaluated the use of GAGs bladder instillation to prolong the effects of bladder hydrodistension. In the other six studies the efficacy of HA bladder instillations to reduce symptoms score was assessed. Preliminary studies support data on the role of HA-CS in detrusor overactivity, nonbacterial cystitis and urological malignancies. Few data are available regarding the mode of action of HA-CS or its effectiveness in the management of bladder diseases. The major issue in interpreting the available evidence regarding HA-CS is that most of the reported studies are nonrandomized and without a control arm. HA-CS may be considered for further studies, including randomized, controlled trials with adequate power.

Leukotriene D4 receptor antagonist montelukast alleviates protamine sulphate-induced changes in rat urinary bladder

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The mastocytosis in detrusor muscle and the leaky epithelium in interstitial cystitis were the most studied features. In this study the leaky epithelium was shown using the ruthenium red staining in electron microscopy and uroplakin distribution in light microscopy besides the mast cell concentration in detrusor muscle using tryptase immunohistochemistry.

OBJECTIVE

• To study the effects of montelukast (ML), a leukotriene receptor antagonist which has been shown to be effective in inhibiting the action of cysteinyl-containing leukotrienes, on protamine sulphate (PS)-induced changes in rat urinary bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

• Wistar female rats were catheterized and intravesically infused with PBS (control group) or PS (PS group) dissolved in PBS twice in 24 h. • In the PS-applied and ML-treated group (PS + ML group) after the 10 mg/kg PS instillation, ML was injected i.p. twice daily for 3 days. • The urinary bladder was investigated for general morphology under a light microscope. • Tryptase immunohistochemistry was used to observe mast cell distribution and activation. Uroplakin distribution was also identified with immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

• Alterations of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and urothelial permeability were seen with ruthenium red (RR) staining techniques under a transmission electron microscope, and topographical changes of luminal urothelial structure were seen with a scanning electron microscope. • Biochemically malondialdehyde (MDA) and gluthatione (GSH) concentrations were analysed. In the PS group, there was degenerated urothelium with irregular uroplakin distribution, increased inflammatory cell infiltration, increased number of both granulated and activated mast cells, irregularity of GAG and penetration of RR into the intercellular spaces and dilated tight junctions. • In PS + ML group, there was relatively regular uroplakin distribution, a decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration, a decreased number of both activated and granulated mast cells in the mucosa, regular GAG and no penetration of RR into the intercellular areas, and regular tight junctions in most regions. • The significant decrease in MDA and the increased GSH concentrations in the PS + ML group was in accordance with the histological findings.

CONCLUSION

• Montelukast appears to have a protective function in the bladder injury model via the anti-inflammatory effects of this leukotriene receptor antagonist.

New aspects in the differential diagnosis and therapy of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis

Diagnosis of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is presently based on mainly clinical symptoms. BPS/IC can be considered as a worst-case scenario of bladder overactivity of unknown origin, including bladder pain. Usually, patients are partially or completely resistant to anticholinergic therapy, and therapeutical options are especially restricted in case of BPS/IC. Therefore, early detection of patients prone to develop BPS/IC symptoms is essential for successful therapy. We propose extended diagnostics including molecular markers. Differential diagnosis should be based on three diagnostical “columns”: (i) clinical diagnostics, (ii) histopathology, and (iii) molecular diagnostics. Analysis of molecular alterations of receptor expression in detrusor smooth muscle cells and urothelial integrity is necessary to develop patient-tailored therapeutical concepts. Although more research is needed to elucidate the pathomechanisms involved, extended BPS/IC diagnostics could already be integrated into routine patient care, allowing evidence-based pharmacotherapy of patients with idiopathic bladder overactivity and BPS/IC.

The bladder pain/interstitial cystitis symptom score: development, validation, and identification of a cut score

BACKGROUND

There is a need to develop a self-report measure that reliably identifies moderate to severe bladder pain syndrome (BPS) patients for inclusion into clinical trials to assess the efficacy of new BPS treatments.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a patient-reported symptom-based instrument, the Bladder Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score (BPIC-SS), for clinical trial eligibility of BPS patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Stage 1: Qualitative concept elicitation (CE) interviews were conducted with BPS patients in France (n=12), Germany (n=12), and the United States (US) (n=20), and overactive bladder (OAB) (n=10) patients in the US for comparison. Stage 2: Cognitive debriefing (CD) interviews were performed with US BPS patients (n=20). Stage 3: An observational study with 99 BPS, 99 OAB, and 100 healthy participants in the US was used to perform item reduction, identify cut scores, and validate the measure. A cut score was defined using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves. Psychometric properties, including test-retest reliability, were assessed.

MEASUREMENTS

In addition to the BPIC-SS, the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale, the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index, a Clinician Global Impression of Severity, and a Patient Global Impression of Change were included in the observational study.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

In CE, reported symptoms were bladder pain, persistent urge to urinate, and high urinary frequency. In CD, 13 items were deleted, and 15 were retained. Based on validation analyses, qualitative findings, and clinical relevance, the instrument was reduced to eight items that had strong sensitivity (0.72) and specificity (0.86) with a cut score ≥19 to determine clinical trial inclusion. Psychometric properties were strong.

CONCLUSIONS

The BPIC-SS is a reliable, valid, and appropriate questionnaire to select BPS/interstitial cystitis patients for clinical trials.

Contemporary management of the painful bladder: a systematic review

CONTEXT

Different types of behavioural, dietary, interventional, pharmacologic, and surgical therapies have been used to treat painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC). Because of the paucity of randomised placebo-controlled studies on different treatments, an evidence-based management approach has not yet been developed.

OBJECTIVE

To critically review and synthesize data from a wide range of current therapeutic approaches to PBS/IC, to quantify the effect size from randomised controlled trials (RCTs), and to reach clinical agreement on the efficacy of treatments for PBS/IC.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify articles published between 1990 and September 2010 on the management of PBS/IC. We included articles restricted to the English language published since 1990 to date that reported on oral and intravesical treatment, multimodal or combined treatment, and surgical treatment. For all RCTs, standardised mean differences (SMDs) were extracted and combined in a meta-analysis applying a random-effect model that incorporated the heterogeneity of effects. The four outcomes assessed in all studies were a change in the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI), pain, urgency, and frequency. Non-RCTs (nRCTs) were analysed with a narrative synthesis of the evidence from all research designs.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We included 7709 adult patients from 29 RCTs and 57 nRCTs. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed that only cyclosporine A provided a simultaneous great effect size of SMD on ICSI, pain, and frequency. Amitriptyline at different dosages showed a great effect size of SMD on pain and urgency or on ICSI and frequency. The remaining RCTs showed sporadic significant changes in only one of the four considered parameters. The attributed levels of evidence for treatments reported in RCTs were 1b; grades of recommendations ranged from A to C. According to the Jadad score, 11 RCTs were high-quality studies. Meta-analysis of RCTs showed a great heterogeneity in the applied methodologies, clinical outcomes assessed, and the obtained results in different studies. The results from the nRCTs showed that the most frequently adopted treatment is oral pentosan polysulfate and that the use of botulinum A toxin intradetrusorial injections in PBS/IC is increasing. A high heterogeneity in drugs and treatment modalities, clinical outcomes, and obtained results was also found for nRCTs.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited evidence exists for the few treatments for PBS/IC. The lack of definitive conclusions is due to the great heterogeneity in methodology, symptoms assessment, duration of treatment, and follow-up in both RCTs and nRCTs.

Enhanced urothelial expression of human chorionic gonadotropin beta (hCGβ) in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC)

PURPOSE

Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is associated with urothelial lesions. Pathomechanisms of urothelial damage and factors for urothelial restoration are unknown. hCG is a factor for cellular differentiation, angiogenesis and immune competence of the endometrium during pregnancy. Clinical observations demonstrate improvement of BPS/IC symptoms during pregnancy or during infertility treatment with hCG. Our research aims were to examine the expression of hCG and luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) in the urothelium of BPS/IC patients and compare the levels of hCGβ with healthy controls.

METHODS

Bladder biopsies of BPS/IC (CLSM: n = 10; qPCR: n = 15); Tumour-free control tissue from cystectomies (n = 12). hCGα, hCGβ and LHR expression were examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and hCGβ expression was quantified. hCGβ5 and hCGβ7 mRNA splice variants were quantified in real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

We found constitutive expression of hCGα, hCGβ and LHR in healthy controls. HCGβ was significantly upregulated in BPS/IC patients in CLSM. PCR analysis revealed higher levels of hCGβ7 than hCGβ5 in controls and BPS/IC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The constitutive expression of hCG and LHR speaks in favour for a functional signalling in urothelial cells without any association with either pregnancy or tumour. We show for the first time that hCGβ is upregulated in BPS/IC urothelium and that hCGβ7 is the dominant splice variant in those cells. Our findings imply a major role of hCG for urothelial integrity and a disturbance of hCG signalling in case of BPS/IC. We conclude that hCG could gain therapeutical relevance in the future.

Time-dependent changes in bladder function and plantar sensitivity in a rat model of fibromyalgia syndrome induced by hydrochloric acid injection into the gluteus

OBJECTIVE

To examine the correlation between muscular pain and bladder hypersensitivity in order to clarify the pathogenesis of comorbidity of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis with other chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Under isoflurane anaesthesia, 0.2 mL of hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution (pH 4.0) was injected into the bilateral gluteus muscles of female Sprague-Dawley rats to produce an FMS model, as the gluteus is one of the specific tender points in patients with FMS. Control rats received saline injection (0.2 mL). The mechanical sensitivity of the plantar was evaluated using the mean number of bilateral hindlimb withdrawals in response to tactile stimulation with a 2.0-g von Frey filament at 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the HCl injection. In a separate rat group, cystometry was performed with the rats awake during saline infusion (0.06 mL/min) into the bladder before and after 1% lidocaine injection (0.2 mL) into the bilateral gluteus 1, 2 and 3 weeks after the HCl injection.

RESULTS

The mean number of hindlimb withdrawals was significantly higher in FMS rats than in controls at 1 and 2 weeks. Using cystometry, we found that the intercontraction interval (ICI) and voided volume (VV) were significantly lower in FMS rats than in controls at 1 and 2 weeks. In addition, the voiding threshold pressure, ICI and VV were significantly higher after lidocaine injection in FMS rats, but not in controls, at 1 and 2 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

HCl injection (pH 4.0) into the gluteus can induce plantar hypersensitivity and urinary frequency for up to 2 weeks after the injection, suggesting that somatic (gluteus)-to-visceral (bladder) cross-sensitization might underlie bladder hypersensitivity in patients with FMS. Moreover, intervention at specific tender points outside the bladder could be effective in treating urinary frequency because lidocaine injection into the gluteus normalized bladder function in FMS rats for up to 2 weeks.

Long-term efficacy and tolerability of pentosan polysulphate sodium in the treatment of bladder pain syndrome

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study is to report on the long-term efficacy and tolerability of pentosan polysulphate sodium (PPS) in patients with bladder pain syndrome (BPS). The secondary objective is to find the predictors of the long-term outcome.

METHODS

This is a single institution, retrospective study. The study period was from 1994 to 2008. All patients fulfilled the clinical criteria of BPS, as suggested by European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis. We included only patients with de novo BPS diagnosis and no previous PPS or other treatment. The efficacy of PPS was measured with the global response assessment scale (GRA). Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on the duration of the treatment. Group 1 took the drug for less than 12 months. Group 2 took the drug for more than 12 months.

RESULTS

There were 271 patients eligible for the study. Most of the patients were female (90%), with the mean age at presentation of 45.5 years. The average duration of symptoms was 28.5 months. The mean follow-up was 22 months (range 3-130). Out of all the patients, 147 patients (54.2%) reported over 50% improvement using the GRA. The reported efficacy was higher in Group 2 (60%). Ninety-three patients (34.3%) decided to stop taking the medication for various reasons. The most common reasons to stop the medication were poor outcome (16.6% of patients) and side effects (11.1% of patients). Poor outcome was associated with nocturia, smoking and detrusor overactivity. Good outcome was associated with longer PPS intake (>12 months) and severe cystoscopic findings of glomerulation.

CONCLUSION

Pentosan polysulphate sodium is an effective oral therapy to control the symptoms of BPS with good long-term efficacy and tolerability.

Idiopathic cystitis in domestic cats--beyond the lower urinary tract

Signs of lower urinary tract (LUT) disease in domestic cats can be acute or chronic, and can result from variable combinations of abnormalities within the lumen of the LUT, the parenchyma of the LUT itself, or other organ system(s) that then lead to LUT dysfunction. In the majority of cats with chronic signs of LUT dysfunction, no specific underlying cause can be confirmed after standard clinical evaluation of the LUT, so these cats typically are classified as having idiopathic cystitis. A syndrome in human beings commonly known as interstitial cystitis (IC) shares many features in common with these cats, permitting comparisons between the two species. A wide range of similarities in abnormalities has been identified between these syndromes outside as well as inside the LUT. A variety of potential familial and developmental risk factors also have been identified. These results have permitted generation of the hypothesis that some of these people have a disorder affecting the LUT rather than a disorder of the LUT. This perspective has suggested alternative diagnostic strategies and novel approaches to treatment, at least in cats. The purpose of this review is to summarize research investigations into the various abnormalities present in cats, to compare some of these findings with those identified in human beings, and to discuss how they might modify perceptions about the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of cats with this disease. Dedication: I dedicate this contribution to Professor Dennis J. Chew, whose collaboration, patience, and support made it all possible.

Sacral neuromodulation as a treatment for chronic pelvic pain

PURPOSE

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a debilitating disease which often has a major impact on quality of life. A significant number of patients do not respond to conservative treatment and often no good alternative can be offered except radical surgery. Sacral neuromodulation is a well established therapy for patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction. This therapy has also been suggested to be useful in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Although currently no Food and Drug Administration approval exists for this indication, several studies have demonstrated promising results. We provide an overview of the published literature on sacral neuromodulation as a treatment for chronic pelvic pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PubMed® search was performed to identify articles in English from 1990 to February 2010 reporting treatment of pelvic pain with sacral neuromodulation. In addition, the current definitions of pelvic pain syndromes and the mechanisms of action are discussed.

RESULTS

A total of 12 relevant articles were identified. Of these articles 10 mainly addressed the efficacy of sacral neuromodulation in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain. The percentage of patients who responded to test stimulation was reported between 51% and 77%. Of the 10 articles 7 reported treatment outcome after implantation. The duration of followup ranged between 5 and 87 months. The mean reduction in pain scores was reported between 40% and 72%. The reoperation rate ranged between 27% and 50% after long-term followup. Two articles included patients with miscellaneous urogenital pain syndromes. The success rates after implantation ranged from 60% to 77% with followup ranging between 19 and 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently there is insufficient evidence to determine the role of sacral neuromodulation in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain. Larger prospective trials with long-term evaluation are required to determine the ultimate efficacy of this treatment.

Caudal clonidine-bupivicaine block with bladder hydrodistension: a novel combined treatment for the painful bladder

The authors describe a new combination procedure consisting of bladder hydrodistension with clonidine-bupivicaine caudal block for the symptomatic relief of bladder pain. They report this new technique whereby patients who had tried multiple forms of therapy with little response, including bladder hydrodistension under general anaesthesia for their chronic pelvic bladder pain, responded to this novel combination therapy.

Influence of smoking, coffee, and tea consumption on bladder pain syndrome in female twins

OBJECTIVES

To assess the influence of smoking, coffee and tea consumption on the risk for bladder pain syndrome (BPS) using the O'Leary Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI).

METHODS

In 2005, all twins born between 1959 and 1985 in Sweden (n = 42,852) were invited to participate in a web-based survey to screen for complex diseases, including BPS. Analyses were limited to female twins with information regarding bladder pain symptoms (n = 9349). Women with an ICSI score ≥6 with required nocturia and bladder pain were defined as having BPS symptoms. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Environmental and genetic influences were assessed in co-twin control analysis.

RESULTS

Tea consumption was associated with an increased risk for BPS (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02-1.55 for low tea consumption; OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.24-2.44 for high tea consumption). Coffee consumption was not a risk factor for BPS (OR 1.1, 95% CI .84-1.45). Former and current smoking was associated with a higher risk of BPS (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.18-1.89; and OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.16-1.92, respectively), but results from co-twin control analysis suggested that the association between smoking and BPS was confounded by familial factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Tea and smoking are environmental risk factors for BPS, which are amenable to intervention. The effects of smoking on the risk for BPS may, however, be confounded by familial factors.

Long-term outcome and surgical interventions after sacral neuromodulation implant for lower urinary tract symptoms: 14-year experience at 1 center

PURPOSE

Few reports address the reoperation rate after sacral neuromodulation implants. We report our long-term results and reoperations during our 14-year experience with sacral neuromodulation at our center.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the patient database at our center to assess the long-term outcome, incidence and cause of surgical re-intervention after InterStim® sacral neuromodulation implantation for lower urinary tract dysfunction between 1994 and 2008.

RESULTS

A total of 96 sacral neuromodulation devices were implanted in 88 women and 8 men. Indications for implantation were bladder pain syndrome in 47.9% of cases, urgency urinary incontinence in 35.4% and idiopathic urinary retention in 16.7%. The explantation rate was 20.8% and median time to removal was 18.5 months. Reasons for explantation in all subgroups were poor result in 12 patients, painful stimulation in 6 and radiation of stimulation to the leg in 2. Median long-term followup was 50.7 months. The long-term success rate was 87.5%, 84.8% and 73% in patients with idiopathic urinary retention, urgency urinary incontinence and bladder pain syndrome, respectively. Overall 39% of patients needed revision of the sacral neuromodulation implant. The main reason for revision was loss of stimulation in 58.5% of cases. The revision rate decreased with the introduction of the tined lead technique from 50% using lead Model 3092 to 31% using lead Model 3893 (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota). The battery was changed in 8 patients. Mean battery life was 101.8 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Sacral neuromodulation is a minimally invasive procedure with a good long-term outcome. The reoperation rate has improved with advances in surgical technique and equipment.

YKL-40 and mast cells are associated with detrusor fibrosis in patients diagnosed with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis according to the 2008 criteria of the European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis

AIMS

Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC), diagnosed according to the new 2008 criteria of the European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis (ESSIC), may lead to detrusor fibrosis. In some inflammatory diseases, fibrosis is related to YKL-40. The aims were to examine YKL-40 antigenic expression in bladder tissue and levels in serum and urine in BPS/IC and to evaluate whether YKL-40 could be a non-invasive, prognostic biomarker for bladder fibrogenesis and treatment intensity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immunohistochemistry, immunoelectron microscopy and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analyses in 45 patients showed YKL-40 expression in detrusor mast cell granules and submucosal macrophages, and elevated YKL-40 levels in serum and urine compared to healthy individuals (median 72 versus 7 μg/l, P < 0.001). Clinicopathological parameters showed associations of detrusor fibrosis with YKL-40-positive cells (P = 0.001), mast cells (P = 0.014) and urine YKL-40 (P = 0.009). Bladder capacity correlated inversely with YKL-40-positive cells (P < 0.001) and mast cells (P = 0.029). Treatment intensity was not associated with YKL-40.

CONCLUSION

Serum and urine levels of YKL-40 may be used as non-invasive biomarkers in BPS/IC for the evaluation of bladder fibrogenesis.

Bladder pain syndrome

Bladder pain syndrome is a deceptively intricate symptom complex that is diagnosed on the basis of chronic pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, accompanied by at least one other urinary symptom. It is a diagnosis of exclusion in a patient who has experienced the symptoms for at least 6 weeks in the absence of any confusable diseases that may give rise to the symptoms. Symptoms compatible with the diagnosis are now thought to affect up to 3% of the female population in the United States with a 5:1 female-to-male preponderance. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging, and misdiagnosis as a psychological problem, overactive bladder, or chronic urinary infection has plagued patients with the problem.

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: what do patients mean by "perceived" bladder pain?

OBJECTIVES

To report the reasons patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) give for the perception that the bladder is the source of their pain. The perception that the bladder is the source of pain is a necessary criterion for many definitions of IC/PBS.

METHODS

Events Preceding Interstitial Cystitis was a case-control study seeking risk factors for IC/PBS. The inclusion criteria for incident cases included "lower abdominal pain" or "bladder pain" and ≥2 of the following symptoms: urinary frequency, urgency, and/or nocturia. The patients were systematically followed and at 18 months after the baseline interview were asked an open-ended question about their reasons for perceiving the bladder to be the source of their pain.

RESULTS

Of the 179 patients with current pain, 164 (92%) claimed ≥1 bladder or lower urinary tract symptoms caused them to perceive that their pain involved the bladder. Of these, 41% noted a "bladder" location for their pain; 34% noted pain increasing with bladder filling and/or decreasing with bladder emptying; 31% claimed the presence of urgency and/or frequency; 23% described worsened pain during and/or after urination; and 17% mentioned other urinary symptoms. Finally, 8% noted only nonurinary symptoms (4 patients) or "do not know" (11 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

No predominant reason was found that patients with IC/PBS gave for suspecting the bladder to be the source of pain. The common reasons included pain location, changes with the urinary cycle, and an association with other urinary symptoms. To clarify the relationship of IC/PBS to other chronic pain syndromes, which often are comorbidities, these features of IC/PBS should be queried.

Urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Painful bladder syndrome or urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a chronic condition that presents with lower urinary tract symptoms that include dysuria, urgency, frequent urination, and chronic pelvic pain. Diagnoses included in the painful bladder syndrome are interstitial cystitis and prostatodynia. The history, physical examination, and laboratory evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms are important in ruling out other diagnoses. Treatment options that are US Food and Drug Administration approved and evidence based are limited; however, many symptom-based treatment options can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

The genetic and environmental contribution to the occurrence of bladder pain syndrome: an empirical approach in a nationwide population sample

BACKGROUND

The aetiology of bladder pain syndrome (BPS) remains poorly understood, and a number of pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed. The importance of genetic factors for BPS is receiving growing attention, but data so far are of a preliminary nature.

OBJECTIVE

To empirically assess the genetic and environmental contribution to BPS in a population-based sample of twins.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The study included >25,000 twins born between 1959 and 1985. Individuals with BPS were identified using latent class cluster analysis (LCCA) based on self-reported symptoms from a nationwide screening for complex diseases in the Swedish Twin Registry. By comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twins, we estimated twin similarity and the relative proportions of phenotypic variance resulting from genetic and environmental factors.

MEASUREMENTS

Twin similarity was measured.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The LCCA yielded an overall BPS prevalence of 1.1% and 2.4% for males and females, respectively. In males, the contribution of genetic effects to BPS could not be assessed because of the small number of concordant twin pairs. In women, twin similarity estimates indicated a genetic component for the aetiology of BPS, but genetic factors contributed less than one-third of the total variation in susceptibility to BPS. Nonshared environmental factors accounted for more than two-thirds of the variance, whereas early nongenetic factors shared within the family were of little or no consequence to the risk of developing BPS later in life. Use of self-reported symptoms to define the disease phenotype is a limitation of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The influence of environmental factors in the development of BPS in women is substantial, whereas genetic influences are of only modest importance for the possibility of developing the disease.

Perceptions of "urgency" in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome or overactive bladder

PURPOSE

To compare urgency symptoms in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and overactive bladder (OAB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women with diagnoses of IC/BPS (n=194) and OAB (n=85) were recruited from the clinical practices of Urologists (n=8) and Gynecologists (n=16) with recognized expertise in the diagnosis and management of these conditions. Subjects completed a comprehensive telephone survey about their current symptoms. The questionnaire included 11 questions about urinary urgency. Responses were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Urgency was commonly reported as a symptom by women with both conditions (81% IC/BPS and 91% OAB). Compared with IC/BPS, urgency in OAB more often resulted in leakage, and was perceived to be more of a problem. In IC/BPS, the urgency was primarily reported as due to pain, pressure, or discomfort, while in OAB the urgency was more commonly due to fear of leakage. However, approximately 40% of women with OAB also report urgency due to pain, pressure, or discomfort. Similar proportions of both groups (∼ 60%) indicated that the urgency occurred "suddenly" instead of more gradually over a period of minutes or hours.

CONCLUSIONS

Urgency symptoms differed in women diagnosed with IC/BPS versus those diagnosed with OAB, but there was significant overlap. This suggests that "urgency" is not a well-defined and commonly understood symptom that can be utilized to clearly discriminate between IC/BPS and OAB. These findings reinforce the clinical observation that it is often challenging to differentiate between these two conditions.

Does mast cell density predict the outcome after transurethral resection of Hunner's lesions in patients with type 3C bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess mast cell density in the lamina propria for possible correlation with duration of symptom amelioration after transurethral resection of the bladder (TURB).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twelve patients (eight women and four men) referred to the tertiary referral facility, treated between June 2003 and June 2009, were included in the study. All had undergone three consecutive complete TURB procedures, where the first one was also diagnostic. All patients fulfilled the NIH-NIDDK criteria and the ESSIC bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis type 3C criteria; they had Hunner's lesions and biopsy findings with inflammatory infiltrates, granulation tissue and mastocytosis. Bladder biopsies were evaluated for mast cell density by immunochemistry and symptom amelioration was recorded by self-report of symptom relapse.

RESULTS

Median mast cell density in the lamina propria at the first, second and third TURB was high. No statistically significant correlation between mast cell density in the urothelium, lamina propria or detrusor, and duration of symptom amelioration could be seen after the first, second or third TURB.

CONCLUSION

Mast cell density does not appear to correlate with duration of symptom amelioration after complete transurethral resection of Hunner's lesions, either in the lamina propria or in the urothelium or detrusor.

Pelvic pain in urogynaecology. Part I: evaluation, definitions and diagnoses

Aim of this review is to summarise the available literature on the definitions and assessment of pelvic pain in the urogynaecological patient. A MEDLINE search and a hand search of conference proceedings of the International Continence Society and International Urogynecological Association were performed. Sixty-nine articles were reviewed. The site of pain was specified in 45% of the articles, 20% used the digital examination of pelvic myofascial trigger points for the diagnosis; 20%, the Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Symptom Scale; 26%, the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index and 39%, a simple visual analogue scale. The diagnosis was interstitial cystitis in 67% and chronic pelvic pain in 19% of the articles. Consensus on the diagnostic procedures and definition of pelvic pain in the urogynaecological patient should be achieved in order to provide exact diagnostic information which will lead to more satisfying treatment options.

Interstitial Cystitis: Minimal Diagnostic Criteria

Any article reporting on Interstitial Cystitis (IC) will list numerous investigations. This paper presents a review of the minimum investigations needed and their significance for the initial evaluation and diagnosis of patients with Interstitial Cystitis. To optimize patient's early diagnosis and disease monitoring, a comprehensive algorithm for the diagnosis of IC has been proposed. The paper defines interstitial cystitis (IC) as a disease of the urinary bladder diagnosed by at least one of the following 3 requirements: 1) endoscopic criteria (cystoscopy findings); 2) pathologic criteria of bladder biopsy; and 3) clinical criteria including pain and lower urinary tract symptoms evaluation. Furthermore, the exclusion of confusable diseases is mandatory in all cases. These are recommendations, mostly based on expert opinions and literature review. Where possible, a level of recommendation was developed according to a 3–grade scale: mandatory (grade 1), recommended (grade 2), and optional (grade 3). By using a stepwise approach and an evidence-based thought process, the diagnosis of IC is made easier and reliable.

Risk factors predicting the development of widespread pain from chronic back or neck pain

Emerging evidence suggests that some individuals with regional pain disorders go on to develop chronic widespread pain (CWP). However, the mechanism behind this transition and the nature of risk factors that predispose a person to develop CWP remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency with which participants with chronic back or neck pain develop CWP and to determine the risk factors associated with this development. In a sample of 512 individuals, we found that nearly a quarter (22.6%) of subjects who presented with regional back or neck pain in 2001/2002 had developed CWP by 2007. Logistic regression indicated that 7 factors were associated with the transition to CWP: moderate or severe pain intensity, female gender, history of abuse, family history of CWP, severe interference with general activity, having 1 or more central sensitivity syndromes, and using more pain management strategies. History of abuse was not significant in multivariate analysis. Notably, number of depressive symptoms endorsed, pain duration, age, body mass index, number of medication classes used, and receipt of disability benefits were not significantly associated with this transition.

PERSPECTIVE

This study offers insight into risk factors associated with the development of CWP. This information not only offers clues as to the mechanism behind the expansion of pain sensitivity from a regional pain locus to a widespread pain disorder but also provides insight as to how clinicians might mitigate this transition.

Prevalence of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis-like symptoms in women: a population-based study in Korea

OBJECTIVE

Despite growing clinical interest in painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC, also known as bladder pain syndrome), estimating its prevalence is difficult because of its variable presentation and the lack of clear diagnostic criteria. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of PBS/IC-like urinary symptoms in adult women in the general population of South Korea.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted among 2,323 women (18-71 years of age), selected by geographically stratified random sampling, based on Korean census data. The survey was performed by trained interviewers between September 22, 2008, and October 6, 2008. All participants were interviewed by telephone using a validated questionnaire, the O'Leary-Sant IC Symptom and Problem (OLS) index. Women with high symptom and problem index scores of 12 or greater and scores of two or greater for pain and nocturia symptoms were considered to have "probable PBS/IC," according to previously suggested criteria.

RESULTS

After exclusions, a total of 2,300 respondents were included. The severity of symptoms increased with age. Eight respondents (0.35%) reported severe symptoms and problems (OLS survey scores of ≥12). Of these, six (261/100,000 or 0.26%, 95% CI 242-278) met previously suggested criteria for probable PBS/IC.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of PBS/IC-like urinary symptoms in South Korean women appeared to be lower than in Europe and the United States, and similar to that of Japan, according to common criteria. Screening for symptoms that are consistent with the disease may improve our understanding of its true prevalence.

A survey of primary care physician practices in the diagnosis and management of women with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To describe the practice patterns among primary care physicians' (PCPs) managing patients with symptoms suggestive of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS).

METHODS

We developed a clinical vignette describing a woman with typical IC/PBS symptoms to elicit questions about etiology, management strategies, and familiarity with this syndrome. We mailed the questionnaire to 556 PCPs, including academicians and community physicians, in Boston, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

RESULTS

We received 290 completed questionnaires (response rate, 52%). Nineteen percent of respondents reported they had "never" seen a patient like the one described in the vignette. Two-thirds of respondents correctly identified the hallmark symptom of IC/PBS (bladder pain/pressure). Regarding etiology, 90% correctly indicated that IC/PBS was a noninfectious disease, 76% correctly reported that it was not caused by a sexually transmitted infection, and 61% correctly indicated that it was not caused by a psychiatric illness. Common treatments included antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Referrals were often made to a specialist.

CONCLUSIONS

Although most PCPs indicate familiarity with IC/PBS, they manage the condition infrequently. They also appear to have significant knowledge deficits about the clinical characteristics of IC/PBS, and they indicate variable practice patterns in the diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Educational efforts directed at PCPs will likely improve the care of patients with IC/PBS.