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Adelugba I, Siddiqui S, Aziz A, De EJB, Wolff G. Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome: What Today’s Urologist Should Know. CURRENT BLADDER DYSFUNCTION REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s11884-022-00676-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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Wolff DT, Walker SJ. Small Fiber Polyneuropathy May Be a Nexus Between Autonomic Nervous System Dysregulation and Pain in Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 2:810809. [PMID: 35295485 PMCID: PMC8915770 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.810809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a highly heterogeneous chronic and debilitating condition which effects millions of women and men in the United States. While primarily defined by urinary symptoms and pain perceived to be emanating from the bladder, IC/BPS patients frequently have co-occurring conditions and symptoms, many of which affect diverse body systems related to autonomic nervous system function. The impact on the autonomic system appears to stem from increased sympathetic innervation of the urinary tract, along with increased systemic sympathetic tone and decreased parasympathetic tone. Concurrent with these findings is evidence for destruction of peripheral sympathetic innervation to the sweat glands which may relate to small fiber polyneuropathy. It is unknown to what degree the wider alterations in autonomic function are also related to destruction/alterations in the small fibers carrying autonomic innervation. This potential nexus is an important point of investigation to better understand the unclarified pathophysiology of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome, the numerous co-occurring symptoms and syndromes, and for the identification of novel targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan T. Wolff
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Stephen J. Walker
- Department of Urology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Stephen J. Walker
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Mozafarpour S, Chen A, Paredes Mogica JA, Nwaoha N, Farhad K, Morrison SM, De EJB. Urodynamic autonomic bladder dysfunction in women with complex chronic pelvic pain is associated with small fiber polyneuropathy. Neurourol Urodyn 2021; 41:482-489. [PMID: 34936711 DOI: 10.1002/nau.24858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Small fiber neuropathy/polyneuropathy (SFN) has been found to be present in 64% of complex (refractory or multisystem) chronic pelvic pain (CPP) patients. The small fiber dysfunction seen in SFN can negatively impact autonomic control of micturition in addition to pain. This study investigated the clinical association of autonomic dysfunction (detrusor underactivity and primary bladder neck obstruction [BNO]) on video urodynamics (VUDS) with SFN in patients with CPP. METHODS This was a retrospective observational study, querying data from patients with complex CPP. Inclusion criteria were: the presence of complex (refractory or multisystem) CPP, and completion of both (1) subspecialty autonomic neurology evaluation for SFN and (2) high-quality VUDS performed according to ICS standards. Autonomic bladder dysfunction (BNO or detrusor underactivity) on VUDS was compared to the presence of SFN. RESULTS Thirty-two female patients with complex CPP met criteria. Of the 32, 23 (72%) were found to have SFN. Patient with autonomic bladder dysfunction (BNO or detrusor underactivity) were more likely to have SFN (OR = 9.5 [95% CI: 1.641, 55.00], p = 0.007). Post-void residual volume was higher in the SFN group (p = 0.011 [95% CI: 13.12, 94.0]) and symptoms of urge urinary incontinence were more likely to be present (p = 0.000 [95% CI: -3.4, -1.25]). CONCLUSIONS Patients with complex CPP with autonomic bladder dysfunction are more likely to have SFN. This suggests patients with complex CPP should be considered for diagnosis and treatment of SFN, particularly if BNO or detrusor underactivity is noted on VUDS evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annie Chen
- Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | | | - Ngozi Nwaoha
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Khosro Farhad
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Elise J B De
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ross C, Overholt T, Xu R, Badlani G, Evans RJ, Matthews CA, Walker SJ. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) as an adjunct therapy for pain management in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Int Urogynecol J 2021; 33:487-491. [PMID: 34100976 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-021-04862-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) often experience chronic pelvic and even systemic pain that can be difficult to clinically manage. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, a non-invasive strategy that has shown significant efficacy for pain reduction in other chronic pain conditions, may provide benefit for pain management in patients with IC/BPS. METHODS PEMF delivery to patients occurs via a bio-electromagnetic-energy device which consists of a flexible mat (180 × 50 cm) that the patient lies on for systemic, full-body delivery and/or a flexible pad (50 × 15 cm) for targeted delivery to a specific body region (e.g., pelvic area). The duration of individual sessions, number of sessions per day, total number of sessions, and follow-up observation period vary between previously published studies. Positive outcomes are typically reported as a significant reduction in visual analog scale (VAS) pain score and functional improvement assessed using validated questionnaires specific to the condition under study. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS The use of PEMF has been evaluated as a therapeutic strategy for pain management in several clinical scenarios. Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trials have reported positive efficacy and safety profiles when PEMF was used to treat non-specific low back pain, patellofemoral pain syndrome, chronic post-operative pain, osteoarthritis-related pain, rheumatoid arthritis-related pain, and fibromyalgia-related pain. Based on these positive outcomes in a variety of pain conditions, clinical trials to evaluate whether PEMF can provide a safe, non-invasive therapeutic approach to improve symptoms of chronic pain and fatigue in patients with IC/BPS are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Ross
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 391 Technology Way, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Tyler Overholt
- Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Raymond Xu
- Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Gopal Badlani
- Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Robert J Evans
- Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Catherine A Matthews
- Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Stephen J Walker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 391 Technology Way, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA. .,Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
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Small Fiber Polyneuropathy Is Associated With Non-Bladder-Centric Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Patients. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg 2020; 27:581-585. [PMID: 33109931 DOI: 10.1097/spv.0000000000000972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) comprises at least 2 phenotypes. Bladder centric patients typically demonstrate low bladder capacity (BC), often with Hunner lesion (HL), whereas non-bladder-centric patients typically have normal cystoscopic findings and more co-occurring nonurologic symptoms/syndromes (NUS), contributing to widespread pain beyond the bladder. Small fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) is significantly associated with fibromyalgia, a frequent IC/BPS codiagnosis and may play an etiologic role in IC/BPS. We assessed SFPN status in bladder-centric versus non-bladder-centric IC/BPS patients. METHODS Distal leg biopsies were obtained from 11 IC/BPS patients after therapeutic hydrodistention. Specimens were embedded/sectioned per standard protocol and stained for protein gene product 9.5, an intraepidermal nerve fiber marker. To determine SFPN status, intraepidermal nerve fiber density was calculated and compared with normative reference values stratified by age/sex. The SFPN prevalence and reported comorbidities were compared between low BC and/or HL-positive (bladder-centric) versus non-low BC, HL (non-bladder-centric) patients. RESULTS Seven patients (63.6%) were SFPN positive. Non-bladder-centric patients demonstrated significantly more SFPN (6/7, 85.7%) compared with bladder-centric patients (1/4, 25.0%; P = 0.027). Non-bladder-centric patients also reported more comorbid NUS overall (1.25 ± 0.83 vs 5.86 ± 2.47; P = 0.003), including fibromyalgia (P = 0.010), migraines (P = 0.035), anxiety/panic disorder (P = 0.035), allergies (P = 0.027), and asthma (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS In this pilot study, SFPN was significantly more common in non-bladder-centric IC/BPS, that is, those patients who also reported greater prevalence of NUS, including fibromyalgia, migraines, anxiety/panic disorders, allergies, and asthma. These findings suggest that SFPN may have an etiologic role in a larger, systemic pain syndrome and should be explored further.
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Phenotypes of BPS/IC. CURRENT BLADDER DYSFUNCTION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11884-020-00599-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
The aim of this review is to summarise the latest research related to different phenotypes of BPS/IC, addressing the evidence for current well-defined phenotypes as well as identifying novel potential phenotypes and highlighting areas for future study.
Recent Findings
Two distinct phenotypes of BPS/IC are well-recognised: Hunner’s lesion disease and non-Hunner’s lesion BPS/IC. Recent studies have shown these phenotypes exhibit distinct clinical, pathological and cystoscopic features, and targeted treatment to Hunner’s lesions can prove effective. Recent studies have also identified new potential phenotypes based on biochemical, molecular and histological markers, pathophysiological mechanisms of disease, clinical features, cystoscopic findings, radiological features and urodynamic factors. This evidence has improved our understanding of the underlying mechanism of disease and may enable more personalised and targeted therapy in the future.
Summary
Novel phenotypes of BPS/IC relate to the presence of certain biomarkers, alterations in the urinary microbiome, the characteristics of pain and presence of co-existing somatic and psychosocial conditions, altered patterns of brain white matter changes and urodynamic features. Further study is required to evaluate whether these potential phenotypes are clinically useful based on their ability to guide treatment selection and predict outcome from therapy, and therefore optimise therapeutic outcomes.
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Chen A, Argoff C, Crosby E, De EJ. Chronic Pelvic Pain Patients Demonstrate Higher Catastrophizing in Association with Pelvic Symptoms and Comorbid Pain Diagnoses. Urology 2020; 150:146-150. [PMID: 32668289 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2020.06.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To elucidate the relationship between catastrophization and pelvic pain symptomatology in chronic pelvic pain (CPP) patients using standardized questionnaires. METHODS CPP patients completed standardized questionnaires which included: genitourinary pain index, patient health questionnaire for anxiety and depression, interstitial cystitis symptom index, and pelvic floor distress inventory. Scores and number of comorbidities were compared to Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) by linear regression. Patients categorized as "extreme catastrophizing" (PCS score ≥30), traditionally associated with worse outcomes in the pain literature [10-11], were also analyzed separately. RESULTS 184 patients were included (mean age 42 years, N = 23 male). Higher number of pain comorbidities was correlated to PCS (P < .001) as well as higher scores on all standardized questionnaires (P < .001). Forty-four percent of patients (81/184) were extreme catastrophizers and scored significantly worse on all standardized measures when compared to nonextreme catastrophizers. Mean scores for nonextreme vs extreme catastrophizers were: genitourinary pain index (25.7 ± 6.8 vs 32.7 ± 6.5, P < .001), interstitial cystitis symptom index (6.5 ± 4.7 vs 9.4 ± 5.8, P < .001), pelvic floor distress inventory (88.8 ± 52 vs 121.1 ± 62.8, P < .001), patient health questionnaire anxiety (1.7 ± 2.0 vs 3.6 ± 2.1, P < .001), and depression (1.4 ± 1.6 vs 3.3 ± 2.0, P < .001). Number of comorbidities was not significant predictor of extreme catastrophizing (3.5 vs 3.7 P = .22). CONCLUSION Higher scores on standardized questionnaires and more comorbidities was associated with more catastrophizing in CPP patients. This study highlights the significance of standardized questionnaires, including the PCS, to predict which patients may be extreme catastrophizers and thus subject to worse outcomes. Future studies are needed to look at catastrophization as a potentially modifiable and treatable risk factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Chen
- Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook Medicine HSC T9 Room 040, Stony Brook, NY 11794.
| | | | | | - Elise Jb De
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Urology, 165 Cambridge St 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02114
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Matthews CA, Deveshwar SP, Evans RJ, Badlani G, Walker SJ. Small fiber polyneuropathy as a potential therapeutic target in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Int Urogynecol J 2019; 30:1817-1820. [PMID: 31240362 DOI: 10.1007/s00192-019-04011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are frequently co-occurring medical diagnoses in patients referred to the urology clinic for secondary and tertiary treatment options. METHODS Abundant literature has shown that many patients with FM have small fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) that can be confirmed via skin punch biopsy and immunological staining to measure nerve density. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS This finding of SFPN provides a therapeutic target for FM and in this article we hypothesize and provide rationale for the idea that this same phenomenon (SFPN) might explain, in some IC/BPS patients, the finding of widespread pain and likewise provide a therapeutic target for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Matthews
- Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Shaun P Deveshwar
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 391 Technology Way, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA
| | - Robert J Evans
- Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Gopal Badlani
- Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Stephen J Walker
- Department of Urology/Female Pelvic Health, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA.
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, 391 Technology Way, Winston Salem, NC, 27101, USA.
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Zheng P, Zhang W, Leng J, Lang J. Research on central sensitization of endometriosis-associated pain: a systematic review of the literature. J Pain Res 2019; 12:1447-1456. [PMID: 31190954 PMCID: PMC6514255 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s197667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis-associated pain afflicts an enormous number of women who suffer from endometriosis. There is an urgent need to explore the pathogenesis of endometriosis-associated pain to identify targets for treatment of hyperalgesia. A search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using the search terms "endometriosis" AND ("pain" OR "hyperalgesia" OR "nociception" OR "allodynia") AND "central sensitization". The search was limited to articles published in English from 01/01/2008 to the present. Among the search results, 15 articles were eligible for systematic review, including 6 reviews, 6 human studies (one in the form of a conference abstract only), and 3 animal studies. The articles were classified into 4 lists to describe the mechanism of endometriosis-associated pain and synthesize different aspects of research on it. In conclusion, there is a need to explore the mechanism of endometriosis-associated pain in terms of innervation, vascularization, local inflammation, cross-correlated visceral sensitization, and central sensitization to identify the target molecules and signaling pathways of key genes and relevant biomarkers through new techniques, all with the goal of developing a more comprehensive treatment strategy for endometriosis than is currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Leng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghe Lang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Roy H, Offiah I, Dua A. Neuromodulation for Pelvic and Urogenital Pain. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8100180. [PMID: 30274287 PMCID: PMC6209873 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8100180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain affecting the pelvic and urogenital area is a major clinical problem with heterogeneous etiology, affecting both male and female patients and severely compromising quality of life. In cases where pharmacotherapy is ineffective, neuromodulation is proving to be a potential avenue to enhance analgesic outcomes. However, clinicians who frequently see patients with pelvic pain are not traditionally trained in a range of neuromodulation techniques. The aim of this overview is to describe major types of pelvic and urogenital pain syndromes and the neuromodulation approaches that have been trialed, including peripheral nerve stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, spinal cord stimulation, and brain stimulation techniques. Our conclusion is that neuromodulation, particularly of the peripheral nerves, may provide benefits for patients with pelvic pain. However, larger prospective randomized studies with carefully selected patient groups are required to establish efficacy and determine which patients are likely to achieve the best outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Roy
- Neurosurgery Department, University Hospitals Plymouth, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK.
| | - Ifeoma Offiah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Plymouth, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK.
| | - Anu Dua
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Plymouth, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK.
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