Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome: diagnosis and management

Evaluation of Central Sensitisation in Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a debilitating condition characterised by exaggerated bladder sensations and altered bladder function. It is still unknown whether the condition is a peripheral sensory problem or due to abnormal central sensory processing as seen in central sensitisation. This systematic review, which followed a published and Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews-registered protocol (CRD42021229962), is aimed at establishing the scope of central sensitisation in patients with BPS to aid optimal management and treatment.

METHODS

Four databases were searched, and appraisal of the identified studies was conducted by two independent reviewers based on eligibility criteria: patients with BPS being investigated for central sensitisation with or without comparison of controls, English-language articles, full text and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The Methodological Index for non-Randomised Studies was used to determine study quality. We identified 763 papers in total, with 15 studies included in the final analysis. All studies were observational and had a low risk of bias. Measures included in the evaluation of CS were questionnaires, urodynamics, and quantitative sensory testing methods.

RESULTS

There was evidence of central sensitisation in patients with BPS in all papers evaluated (15 out of 15). In addition, more significant central sensitisation correlated with severe disease presentation (3 out of 3 papers) and concomitant chronic pain conditions (5 out of 5 papers).

CONCLUSIONS

Central sensitisation plays an integral role in BPS patient pathology. Many secondary measures are used to evaluate this condition. Stratification of patients based on their pathology (peripheral, central or a combination of the two) will aid in implementing an individualised management strategy.

Identification of key pathways and mRNAs in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome treatment with quercetin through bioinformatics analysis of mRNA-sequence data

BACKGROUND

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic condition with painful bladder. At present, the pathogenesis of IC/BPS is still unknown. Quercetin (QCT) is a kind of natural flavonoid with wide sources and multiple biological activities. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of QCT on mRNA expression and related regulatory signal pathways in IC model rats.

METHODS

LL-37 was used to induce the IC/BPS model rats. 20 mg/kg QCT was injected intraperitoneally into IC/BPS rats. ELISA, HE, Masson and TB staining were used to evaluate the level of inflammation and pathology. The concentration of QCT in rats was detected by HPLC. The mRNA sequencing was used to detect the differentially expressed (DE) mRNA in each group. The over-expression experiment of Lpl was carried out in IC/BPS model rats.

RESULTS

QCT treatment significantly decreased the level of MPO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α induced by LL-37 in rats, and alleviated bladder injury and mast cell degranulation. There were significant differences in mRNA sequencing data between groups, and the hub gene Lpl were screened by Cytohubba. The expression of Lpl was downregulated in IC/BPS rats. QCT intervention promoted Lpl expression. Overexpression of Lpl reduced the bladder injury induced by LL-37, increased GAG level and decreased the expression of MPO, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we provided the DE mRNA in IC/BPS rats treated with QCT, the signaling pathways for DE enrichment, screened out the hub genes, and revealed that Lpl overexpression alleviated IC/BPS model rats.

Incidence and Risk of Retinopathy in Patients With and Without Interstitial Cystitis and Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Use

Purpose: We investigated the potential for indication bias to be present in previous studies of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) pigmentary retinopathy by comparing the incidence and risk of retinopathy in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC) to matched controls. Methods: Adult women with IC from a multicenter database of electronic medical record data were matched to non-IC controls at a 1:4 ratio. The IC cohort was subdivided according to duration of PPS use: never, <5 years, and ≥5 years. Incidence and risk (estimated by Cox proportional hazards models) of retinopathy (defined by 6 International Classification of Diseases, Ninth and Tenth Revision codes) were compared between groups. Results: There were 22 060 women with IC and 88 240 women without IC. Average age was 53.92 years (SD, 16.22 years), and 96 110 (87.14%) patients were non-Hispanic White. Incidence of retinopathy per 100 000 person-years was 173.88 (95% CI, 162.78-185.53) for patients without IC, 226.63 (95% CI, 197.73-258.56) for IC without PPS use, 293.02 (95% CI 230.86-366.75) for IC with <5 years of PPS use, and 558.91 (95% CI, 399.29-761.07) for IC with ≥5 years of PPS use. Adjusted hazard ratios were 1.31 (95% CI, 1.13-1.51, P < .001) for IC without PPS use, 1.70 (95% CI, 1.35-2.15, P < .001) for IC with <5 years of PPS use, and 3.10 (95% CI, 2.26-4.27, P < .001) for IC with ≥5 years of PPS use. Conclusions: Patients with IC had greater incidence and risk of retinopathy. PPS use further increased the incidence and risk of retinopathy.

Mendelian Disorders in an Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Cohort

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic pain disorder causing symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and bladder discomfort or pain. Although this condition affects a large population, little is known about its etiology. Genetic analyses of whole exome sequencing are performed on 109 individuals with IC/BPS. One family has a previously reported SIX5 variant (ENST00000317578.6:c.472G>A, p.Ala158Thr), consistent with Branchiootorenal syndrome 2 (BOR2). A likely pathogenic heterozygous variant in ATP2A2 (ENST00000539276.2:c.235G>A, p.Glu79Lys) is identified in two unrelated probands, indicating possible Darier-White disease. Two private heterozygous variants are identified in ATP2C1 (ENST00000393221.4:c.2358A>T, p.Glu786Asp (VUS/Likely Pathogenic) and ENST00000393221.4:c.989C>G, p.Thr330Ser (likely pathogenic)), indicative of Hailey-Hailey Disease. Sequence kernel association test analysis finds an increased burden of rare ATP2C1 variants in the IC/BPS cases versus a control cohort (p = 0.03, OR = 6.76), though does not survive Bonferroni correction. The data suggest that some individuals with IC/BPS may have unrecognized Mendelian syndromes. Comprehensive phenotyping and genotyping aid in understanding the range of diagnoses in the population-based IC/BPS cohort. Conversely, ATP2C1, ATP2A2, and SIX5 may be candidate genes for IC/BPS. Further evaluation with larger numbers is needed. Genetically screening individuals with IC/BPS may help diagnose and treat this painful disorder due to its heterogeneous nature.

Factors associated with treatment outcomes after intravesical hyaluronic acid therapy in women with refractory interstitial cystitis: A prospective, multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Bladder instillation of hyaluronic acid (HA) is an acceptable treatment for bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC). The treatment is limited by a high proportion of non-responders (~30%-40%). Here, we aimed to evaluate predisposing factors associated with treatment outcomes.

METHODS

This is a prospective multicenter study. We enrolled a total of 137 (out of 140) women with refractory IC. They all underwent a standard protocol of 6-month intravesical HA therapy (initial 4 weeks, once weekly, followed by once monthly). To assess the outcomes, we used the pain Visual Analog Scale (Pain-VAS), Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Index (ICSI & ICPI), and a scaled Global Response Assessment (GRA).

RESULTS

The age of patients was 47.6 ± 27.5 (range 24-77) years. We found statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) in the Pain-VAS and the ICSI & ICPI scores both after the initial 4-weekly instillations and at the end of 6-month treatment. Those who reported moderate/marked improvement on GRA at the 2 follow-up visits were considered responders: 39.4% (n = 54) at the first follow-up, and 59.9% (n = 82) at the second follow-up. No remarkable side effect was noted. After statistical analyses, treatment outcomes on GRA were positively associated with baseline functional bladder capacity and with Pain-VAS scores. The initial treatment responses optimally (p < 0.001) predicted final treatment outcomes (McNemar).

CONCLUSION

Intravesical HA therapy is safe and effective for most (~60%) of our patients with refractory IC. Functional bladder capacity and Pain-VAS scores before treatment, and the early treatment responses are helpful predictors of treatment outcomes.

TRPV1-Targeted Drugs in Development for Human Pain Conditions

The transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) is a non-specific cation channel known for its sensitivity to pungent vanilloid compound (i.e. capsaicin) and noxious stimuli, including heat, low pH or inflammatory mediators. TRPV1 is found in the somatosensory system, particularly primary afferent neurons that respond to damaging or potentially damaging stimuli (nociceptors). Stimulation of TRPV1 evokes a burning sensation, reflecting a central role of the channel in pain. Pharmacological and genetic studies have validated TRPV1 as a therapeutic target in several preclinical models of chronic pain, including cancer, neuropathic, postoperative and musculoskeletal pain. While antagonists of TRPV1 were found to be a valuable addition to the pain therapeutic toolbox, their clinical use has been limited by detrimental side effects, such as hyperthermia. In contrast, capsaicin induces a prolonged defunctionalisation of nociceptors and thus opened the door to the development of a new class of therapeutics with long-lasting pain-relieving effects. Here we review the list of TRPV1 agonists undergoing clinical trials for chronic pain management, and discuss new indications, formulations or combination therapies being explored for capsaicin. While the analgesic pharmacopeia for chronic pain patients is ancient and poorly effective, modern TRPV1-targeted drugs could rapidly become available as the next generation of analgesics for a broad spectrum of pain conditions.

Current status of oral pentosan polysulphate in bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Oral pentosan polysulphate (PPS) has been used in the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) for almost 35 years. However, in some recent studies, questions have been raised about its efficacy in treating this condition. We aimed to evaluate the published medical literature and discuss the clinical utility of oral PPS in the treatment of BPS/IC.

METHODS

PUBMED was searched for BPS/IC, treatment and PPS. Of the initial 398 articles screened, 7 randomized controlled trials, 3 systematic reviews and 3 meta-analyses were finally included in this study (Fig. 1). Other relevant literature such as observational studies and various clinical guidelines was also reviewed. The inclusion criteria, intervention methodology and end points of the studies were examined.

RESULTS

Of the seven RCTs, five found a clear beneficial role of oral PPS in IC/BPS. The only study which did not have cystoscopy as a diagnostic and inclusion criterion failed to show any benefit of oral PPS compared to placebo. Two out of three meta-analyses clearly concluded that oral PPS had a positive role to play in the treatment of BPS/IC. Various open-label studies did conclude in favour of oral PPS as a treatment modality for these patients.

CONCLUSION

Oral PPS remains a useful pharmacological agent for treatment of BPS/IC, even though it may be effective only in a subgroup of patients.

Urinary bladder sigma-1 receptors: A new target for cystitis treatment

No adequate treatment is available for painful urinary bladder disorders such as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, and the identification of new urological therapeutic targets is an unmet need. The sigma-1 receptor (σ1-R) modulates somatic pain, but its role in painful urological disorders is unexplored. The urothelium expresses many receptors typical of primary sensory neurons (e.g. TRPV1, TRPA1 and P2X3) and high levels of σ1-R have been found in these neurons; we therefore hypothesized that σ1-R may also be expressed in the urothelium and may have functional relevance in this tissue. With western blotting and immunohistochemical methods, we detected σ1-R in the urinary bladder in wild-type (WT) but not in σ1-R-knockout (σ1-KO) mice. Interestingly, σ1-R was located in the bladder urothelium not only in mouse, but also in human bladder sections. The severity of histopathological (edema, hemorrhage and urothelial desquamation) and biochemical alterations (enhanced myeloperoxidase activity and phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinases 1/2 [pERK1/2]) that characterize cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis was lower in σ1-KO than in WT mice. Moreover, cyclophosphamide-induced pain behaviors and referred mechanical hyperalgesia were dose-dependently reduced by σ1-R antagonists (BD-1063, NE-100 and S1RA) in WT but not in σ1-KO mice. In contrast, the analgesic effect of morphine was greater in σ1-KO than in WT mice. Together these findings suggest that σ1-R plays a functional role in the mechanisms underlying cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, and modulates morphine analgesia against urological pain. Therefore, σ1-R may represent a new drug target for urinary bladder disorders.

Developing Modern Pain Therapies

Chronic pain afflicts as much as 50% of the population at any given time but our methods to address pain remain limited, ineffective and addictive. In order to develop new therapies an understanding of the mechanisms of painful sensitization is essential. We discuss here recent progress in the understanding of mechanisms underlying pain, and how these mechanisms are being targeted to produce modern, specific therapies for pain. Finally, we make recommendations for the next generation of targeted, effective, and safe pain therapies.

Prospective comparative study of the effects of lidocaine on urodynamic and sensory parameters in bladder pain syndrome

Introduction and hypothesis

Intravesically administered lidocaine is used in patients with bladder pain syndrome (BPS) to test the hypothesis that symptoms have a peripheral versus central mechanism.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 24 female patients with BPS was performed. The Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI) and Kings Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were completed. Urodynamic assessment was undertaken. Women were asked to report their pain using a numeric rating scale at cystometric capacity and post void. Participants then received an intravesical instillation of either 20 ml of 2% alkalinised lidocaine (n = 16) or 20 ml of normal saline (n = 8). These solutions were allowed to remain in situ for 20 min and pain score repeated. Urodynamics was repeated.

Results

There was a statistically significant volume increase following lidocaine treatment: maximal cystometric capacity (MCC) 192–261 ml post lidocaine (p = 0.005.) In contrast, there was no significant difference in the saline controls: MCC 190–183 ml (p = 0.879.) Individual analysis revealed five of 16 lidocaine participants did not respond to lidocaine. These five reported a significantly worse quality of life (QoL) than lidocaine responders and had a tendency towards central sensitivity syndromes.

Conclusion

Lidocaine significantly improved MCC in 11/16 participants in this study. These patients appear to have peripherally mediated disease. However, the failure of response to treatment in five participants, as well as their tendency towards central sensitivity syndromes, implies that in this subgroup, a peripheral drive from the bladder is not critical to their pain, suggesting central nervous system (CNS) pathology. This simple and safe test could be used to stratify patients for research or therapeutic trials.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00192-019-03892-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparison of Voiding Dysfunction Phenotypes in Women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain and Myofascial Pelvic Pain: Results from the ICEPAC Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether voiding parameters differ in patients with the common overlapping pelvic pain disorders, interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), and myofascial pelvic pain (MPP).

METHODS

Uroflow and voiding diary assessed voiding phenotypes in this prospective cohort study (ICEPAC) of women comparing IC/BPS, IC/BPS +MPP, MPP, and healthy control (HC) subjects.

RESULTS

In 36 HC, 24 IC/BPS, 37 IC/BPS + MPP, and 14 MPP subjects, the voiding diary measurements indicate lower voided volumes in IC/BPS and IC/BPS + MPP groups (185 ± 24 mL, 169 ± 20 mL, respectively) compared to HC and MPP groups (294 ± 24 mL, 226 ± 36 mL, respectively; P <.05, P <.05), as well as higher 24-hour voiding frequency (11.6 ± 0.8 and 11 ± 1.2 voids/24 hours, respectively; HC 7.1 ± 0.5 voids/24 hours; P <.05, P <.05; MPP group 9 ± 1.2 voids/24 hours; P <.05, P <.05). Uroflow showed higher HC average flow rate (12.87 ± 0.92) compared to IC/BPS, IC/BPS+MPP, and MPP (8.31 ± 1.20, 8.02 ± 0.80, 8.17 ± 1.38, respectively; P <.01, P <.01, P <.05) and peak flow rate (27.0 ± 1.83) and IC/BPS, IC/BPS+MPP and MPP (16.20 ± 2.2, 17.33 ± 1.64, 17.21 ± 2.69 respectively; P <.01, P <.01, P <.05).

CONCLUSION

This quantitative evaluation of voiding diary and uroflow metrics reveals distinct voiding phenotypes, which can aid in the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain syndromes. Patients with IC/BPS had more pain with a full bladder despite similar overall pain scores. Peak and average flow rates do not provide any differentiating power between IC/BPS and MPP patients. A longer time to peak flow may favor MPP though this finding needs confirmation.

Long-Term Relief of Painful Bladder Syndrome by High-Intensity, Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation of the Right and Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortices

Aim: To show the value of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to treat bladder pain syndrome (BPS), characterized by suprapubic pain, urgency and increased micturition frequency.

Methods: A 68-year-old woman with BPS underwent 16 sessions of high-intensity, low-frequency (1 Hz) rTMS of the DLPFC, first on the right hemisphere (one daily session for 5 days, followed by one weekly session for 5 weeks), and then on the left hemisphere (one monthly session for 6 months).

Results: At the end of the rTMS protocol, suprapubic pain completely vanished, micturition frequency dramatically decreased (by 60–80%), while fatigue and sleep quality improved (by 57–60%). The patient reported an overall satisfaction rate of 80% and her activities of daily living tending to normalize.

Conclusion: This is the first report showing that high-intensity, low-frequency rTMS delivered on the DLPFC region of both hemispheres can relieve most symptoms of BPS (pain, urinary symptoms, and interference with physical functioning) in clinical practice.

Adelmidrol + sodium hyaluronate in IC/BPS or conditions associated to chronic urothelial inflammation. A translational study

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a chronic bladder condition characterized by frequent urination, bladder inflammation and pain. It is a particular challenging disease and a clear unmet medical need in terms of identifying new therapeutic strategies. The aim of study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of intravesical Vessilen^® (a new formulation of 2% adelmidrol (the diethanolamide derivative of azelaic acid) + 0.1% sodium hyaluronate) administration in rodent models of IC/BPS and in IC/BPS patients or other bladder disorders. Acute and chronic animal models of cystitis were induced by a single or repetitive intraperitoneal injections of cyclophosphamide (CYP); patients with IC/BPS or with bladder pain syndrome associated with symptoms of the lower urinary tract treated once weekly by bladder instillation of Vessilen^® for 8 weeks. CYP instillation caused macroscopic and histological bladder alterations, inflammatory infiltrates, increased mast cell numbers, bladder pain, increased expression of nitrotyrosine, decreased expression of endothelial tight junction zonula occludens-1. Intravesical Vessilen® treatment was able to ameliorate CYP induced bladder inflammation and pain by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB pathway and inflammatory mediator levels as well as reduced mechanical allodynia and nerve growth factor levels. A significant improvement in quality of life and symptom intensity were evident in patients with IC/BPS or other bladder disorders treated with Vessilen^®. Vessilen^® could be a new therapeutic approach for human cystitis.

Differences in Urodynamic Parameters According to the Presence of a Hunner Lesion in Women With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome

Purpose

Differences in the severity of subjective symptoms have been noted depending on whether a Hunner lesion is present in women with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). In this study, we aimed to identify differences in objective urodynamic parameters in women with IC/BPS according to the presence of a Hunner lesion.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included a total of 55 patients with IC/BPS. IC/BPS and the presence of a Hunner lesion on cystoscopy were diagnosed according to American Urological Association guidelines. The patients were categorized into a Hunner IC/BPS group and a non-Hunner IC/BPS group according to the presence of a Hunner lesion on cystoscopy. At the initial visit, a medical history was taken from all patients with IC/BPS, and they underwent symptom assessment using a 3-day voiding diary and laboratory tests. A urodynamic study was then performed before any treatment was performed. Baseline characteristics and urodynamic parameters were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

Of the 55 patients, 23 (41.8%) had a Hunner lesion on cystoscopy. As documented in the voiding diaries, the Hunner IC/BPS group had more frequent voids and a smaller maximal voided volume (P=0.045, P<0.001, respectively). Regarding urodynamic parameters, the mean volume at the first desire to void, normal desire to void, strong desire to void (SDV), and maximum cystometric bladder capacity (MBC) was significantly lower in the Hunner IC/BPS group (P=0.001, P=0.004, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively). On receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, patients with an SDV≤210 mL (area under the curve [AUC]=0.838, P<0.001) and an MBC≤234 mL (AUC=0.857, P<0.001) were likely to be in the Hunner IC/BPS group.

Conclusions

The differences in patients’ subjective symptoms between the Hunner IC/BPS and non-Hunner IC/BPS groups were confirmed to correspond to differences in objective urodynamic parameters.

Pain relief after triamcinolone infiltration in patients with bladder pain syndrome with Hunner's ulcers

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a chronic condition with severe implications in the patient's quality of life with no definitive treatment. Our objective was to assess pain relief after triamcinolone injection in patients with BPS with Hunner's ulcers (HU).

METHODS

Retrospective study of 20 consecutive patients with BPS treated at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona with triamcinolone injection with flexible cystoscope between 2015 and 2016. Pain was assessed according to the visual analog scale (VAS) (0-10) before and after treatment. Outcomes were compared using Student's t test for paired samples.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven procedures were performed in 20 patients, who were followed up for a median of 7 months (range 1-15). Median age was 75 years (52-86), and median time from diagnosis to treatment was 4.5 years (1-7). Fifteen (75 %) patients had received treatment with corticoid injection for BPS before entering the study. Pre- and postreatment VAS was 8 and 2.5 (p < 0.001), respectively. Pre -and postreatment VAS in those with muscular pain was 8 and 5 (p = 0.012), respectively and in those without muscular pain was 8 and 2 (p < 0.001), respectively. Three (15 %) patients required retreatment due to nonresponse and 5 (25 %) patients for pain recurrence after 4 months (3.5-8). Four of them (50 %) were performed with triamcinolone injection again. Seven of ten patients (70 %) followed for ≥8 months required at least one retreatment.

CONCLUSION

Triamcinolone injection for HU in patients with BPS is associated with significant pain reduction. However, most patients will require retreatment.

Contested evidence: a Dutch reimbursement decision taken to court

This paper examines a remarkable lawsuit in health care rationing. The Patients Association for Interstitial Cystitis sued the Dutch National Health Care Institute for alleged misconduct against Interstitial Cystitis patients, as the Institute decided that bladder instillations with chondroitin sulphate or hyaluronic acid are no longer covered by the basic health insurance. The patients' organisation challenged the Institute for basing its standpoint on scientific evidence; overruling clinical expertise and patients' experiences. While scientific advice is often solicited in public health issues, simultaneously, the authority of scientific advice is increasingly being questioned in the public domain. Also, the judiciary is frequently called upon to adjudicate in rationing decisions. Based on an ethnographic study of the National Health Care Institute, drawing on insights from the field of Science and Technology Studies, we analyse this lawsuit as a negotiation of what knowledge counts in reimbursement decisions.

Intravesical treatment for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: a network meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the submucosal and muscular layers of the bladder. So far, there is no effective and targeted treatment strategy for IC/PBS. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of intravesical instillation treatment in IC/PBS patients.

METHODS

We searched various databases up to October 2015. A network meta-analysis was performed to compare global response assessment (GRA) for different treatment strategies, including botulinum toxin A (BoNTA), bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), resiniferatoxin (RTX), lidocaine, chondroitin sulfate (CS), oxybutynin, and pentosan polysulfate (PPS). A traditional meta-analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

Sixteen trials evaluating 905 patients were included. Network meta-analysis indicated that BoNTA had the highest probability of being the best treatment course according to GRA assessment results (probability 81.7 %). BCG or BoNTA therapy yielded significant improvement in GRA incidence according to traditional meta-analysis. Patients who received PPS showed higher urinary frequency results compared with the placebo groups. BCG- and PPS-treated patients had elevated urinary urgency treatment effects compared with placebo groups. Bladder capacity restoration results also showed significant improvements in patients who received BoNTA compared with placebo-treated individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that BoNTA therapy has the highest probability of being the best therapy according to GRA, and significantly improves bladder capacity in IC/PBS patients. BCG treatment also significantly increases the incidence of GRA and improves the symptoms of urinary urgency. PPS can significantly improve urinary frequency and urgency symptoms in IC/PBS patients.

A cohort study of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome and hysterectomy

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Symptoms of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) are often confused with uterine conditions. Gynecologists may therefore recommend hysterectomy which was inappropriate for these patients. This study investigated whether IC/BPS increases the risk of hysterectomy in a large nationwide retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

From the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2010 (LHID2010) in Taiwan, we identified women diagnosed with IC/BPS between 2002 and 2013. Those with a history of hysterectomy before IC/BPS diagnosis were excluded. All women were stratified into three subgroups (younger, middle, older age) based on the propensity scores of 15 confounding factors, including age and comorbidities. All were followed until the end of 2013 to detect the event of hysterectomy. The hazard ratio (HR) of hysterectomy in the IC/BPS cohort was compared with the non-IC/BPS cohort among the three subgroups by Cox regression after adjusting for confounding factors.

RESULTS

In addition to the representative middle age, subgroup 2 had similar rates of comorbidities as the general population. The study was both externally and internally valid. The risk of hysterectomy in the IC/BPS cohort (n = 536) was significantly higher than in the non-IC/BPS cohort (n = 103846) in subgroup 2 (HR = 1.701, 95 % CI 1.056-2.740). The mean time to hysterectomy after diagnosis of IC/BPS was 2.97 years.

CONCLUSIONS

In this nationwide study, we found that IC/BPS has a causal impact on hysterectomy in the middle-age subgroup in LHID 2010. The possibility of a woman having IC/BPS should be evaluated prior to hysterectomy to avoid inappropriate surgery.

Urinary bladder hypersensitivity and dysfunction in female mice following early life and adult stress

Early adverse events have been shown to increase the incidence of interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome in adulthood. Despite high clinical relevance and reports of stress-related symptom exacerbation, animal models investigating the contribution of early life stress to female urological pain are lacking. We examined the impact of neonatal maternal separation (NMS) on bladder sensitivity and visceral neuroimmune status both prior-to, and following, water avoidance stress (WAS) in adult female mice. The visceromotor response to urinary bladder distension was increased at baseline and 8d post-WAS in NMS mice, while colorectal sensitivity was transiently increased 1d post-WAS only in naïve mice. Bladder micturition rate and output, but not fecal output, were also significantly increased following WAS in NMS mice. Changes in gene expression involved in regulating the stress response system were observed at baseline and following WAS in NMS mice, and WAS reduced serum corticosterone levels. Cytokine and growth factor mRNA levels in the bladder, and to a lesser extent in the colon, were significantly impacted by NMS and WAS. Peripheral mRNA levels of stress-responsive receptors were differentially influenced by early life and adult stress in bladder, but not colon, of naïve and NMS mice. Histological evidence of mast cell degranulation was increased in NMS bladder, while protein levels of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) were increased by WAS. Together, this study provides new insight into mechanisms contributing to stress associated symptom onset or exacerbation in patients exposed to early life stress.

Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Bladder Pain Syndrome. Spanish Urological Association Consensus Document

INTRODUCTION

Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (BPS/IC) and other bladder pathologies share common manifestations, such as the presence of mictional symptoms and a negative impact on the patient's quality of life. To be properly diagnosed and clinically managed, it is important to distinguish between its clinical modalities and diagnostic criteria for adequate exclusion.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to standardize criteria for making decisions in BPS management, for its diagnosis, initial treatment and follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

A nominal group methodology was employed, using scientific evidence on BPS taken from a systematic (non-exhaustive) literature review for developing recommendations along with specialist expert opinions.

RESULTS

The diagnosis of BPS should be made based on the patient's clinical history, with emphasis on pain and mictional symptoms as well as excluding other pathologies with similar symptomatology. BPS treatment should be directed towards restoring normal bladder function, preventing symptom relapse and improving patients' quality of life. It is therefore advisable to start with conservative treatment and to adopt less conservative treatments as the level of clinical severity increases. It is also recommended to abandon ineffective treatments and reconsider other therapeutic options.

CONCLUSIONS

Quickly identifying the pathology is important when trying to positively influence morbidity and care quality for these patients.

Anesthetic Bladder Hydrodistention Is Superior to Superior Hypogastric Plexus Neurolysis in Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis-bladder Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate efficacy and safety of superior hypogastric plexus neurolysis (SHN) for treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC)-bladder pain syndrome (BPS) in comparison with bladder hydrodistention (HD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a prospective study, 24 female patients were randomly allocated to receive either SHN or HD. Patients were evaluated by recording the O'Leary-Sant IC symptom indices, IC problem indices, pain visual analog scale (VAS), number of daytime frequency, and nocturia. Pressure flow study was conducted for all patients. Intraoperative and postoperative changes and adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

Basal IC symptom indices, IC problem indices, and VAS scores were comparable between both groups (P = .31, .63, and .94, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups with respect to urodynamic parameters. Only pain VAS at first week was improved in SHN in comparison with HD (P = .012). Thereafter, all parameters were significantly improved in favor of the HD group at 2- and 4-week visits. Adverse events in both groups were ranked as Grade 1 Clavien-Dindo classification including transient hematuria in the HD group and transient back ache in the SHN group.

CONCLUSION

Despite effective pain control in cases with IC-BPS after SHN, it lacks durability. It seems that SHN in its current form is not to be a suitable line of treatment for IC-BPS. Multimodality treatment would be needed for proper control of patients' symptoms.

Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging as a diagnostic tool to assess bladder permeability and associated colon cross talk: preclinical studies in a rat model

PURPOSE

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome is a devastating disease associated with multiple symptoms. It is usually diagnosed based on pain, urgency and frequency in the absence of other known causes. To our knowledge there is no diagnostic test to date.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a model of rats intravesically exposed to protamine sulfate we performed in vivo diagnostic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with intravesical administration of Gd-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid contrast medium via a catheter to visualize increased bladder urothelium permeability. Gd-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid was administered intravenously to visualize secondary tissue effects in the colon.

RESULTS

Bladder urothelium and colon mucosa were assessed 24 hours after bladder protamine sulfate exposure. Enhanced contrast magnetic resonance imaging established bladder urothelium leakage of Gd-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid according to the change in magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity in rats exposed to protamine sulfate vs controls (mean ± SD 399.7% ± 68.7% vs 39.2% ± 12.2%, p < 0.0001) as well as colon related uptake of contrast agent (mean 65.2% ± 17.1% vs 20.8% ± 9.8%, p < 0.01) after bladder protamine sulfate exposure. The kinetics of Gd-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid uptake and excretion were also assessed during 20 minutes of bladder and 30 minutes of colon exposure with increased signal intensity at 7 and 12 minutes, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These preliminary studies indicate that contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging can be used to monitor primary bladder urothelium loss of permeability and secondary enhanced contrast medium in the colon mucosa. It can be considered a potential clinical diagnostic method for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome that involves loss of the permeability barrier. It can also be used to assess visceral organ cross talk.

Pretreatment features to influence effectiveness of intravesical hyaluronic Acid instillation in refractory interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) instillation in treating patients with refractory interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) and to identify any related factors that influence its therapeutic effect.

Methods

Thirty-three female IC/PBS patients who demonstrated poor or unsatisfactory responses to previous treatments between December 2010 and October 2012 were enrolled. Despite previous treatments, the enrolled patients had visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores ≥4 and total scores (symptom and bother scores) ≥13 on the pelvic pain and urgency/frequency (PUF) questionnaire and ≥12 on the O'Leary-Sant interstitial cystitis symptoms index (ICSI)/problems index (ICPI). All patients received once weekly intravesical instillations of 40-mg HA diluted in 50-mL saline for 4 weeks. The efficacy of the HA instillation was evaluated by comparing the mean changes in the scores of the VAS and questionnaires from baseline to 4 weeks after treatment. Improvement was defined as a ≥2 decrease in the VAS. Moreover, we investigated the effects of the presence of Hunner's ulcer and previous treatment modalities on the therapeutic outcome of HA instillation.

Results

The mean age was 57.0±1.8 years (range, 28-75 years). The VAS score significantly decreased from baseline to 4 weeks after treatment (-2.5, P<0.001). The mean changes in the PUF, ICSI, and ICPI from baseline to 4 weeks after the treatment were -3.8 (P<0.001), -2.3 (P<0.001), and -2.7 (P<0.001), respectively. Twenty patients (61%) showed improvements. Previous treatment modalities did not affect the efficacy of HA instillation and the presence of Hunner's ulcer was unrelated to outcomes. No complications were observed.

Conclusions

These results show that intravesical HA instillation is an effective and safe treatment for patients with refractory IC/PBS. Previous treatment modalities and presence of Hunner's ulcer do not affect the efficacy of HA instillation.

The mouse cyclophosphamide model of bladder pain syndrome: tissue characterization, immune profiling, and relationship to metabotropic glutamate receptors

Abstract Painful bladder syndrome/Interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) is a chronic disorder characterized clinically by recurring episodes of pelvic pain and increased urination frequency, significantly impairing patients' quality of life. Despite this, there is an unmet medical need in terms of effective diagnostics and treatment. Animal models are crucial in this endeavor. Systemic chronic administration of cyclophosphamide (CYP) in mice has been proposed as a relevant preclinical model of chronic bladder pain. However, molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of this model are lacking. Here, we show that mice, subjected to repetitive systemic injections of CYP, developed mild inflammatory response in bladder tissue characterized by submucosal edema, moderate increase in proinflammatory cytokine gene expression, and mastocytosis. No signs of massive inflammatory infiltrate, tissue hemorrhages, mucosal ulcerations and urothelium loss were observed. Instead, CYP treatment induced urothelium hyperplasia, accompanied by activation of proliferative signaling cascades, and a decrease in the expression of urothelium-specific markers. Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors have been implicated in chronic pain disorders. CYP administration induced differential changes in mGlu receptors mRNA levels in bladder tissue, without affecting gene expression at spinal cord level, pointing to the potential link between peripheral mGlu receptors and inflammation-induced bladder malfunction and hyperalgesia. Taken together, these data indicate that chronic CYP treatment in mice is a model of PBS mostly relevant to the major, nonulcerative subtype of the syndrome, characterized by a relatively unaltered mucosa and a sparse inflammatory response. This model can help to elucidate the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease.