Does this case hold the answer to one of the worse types of pain in medicine--that of loin pain haematuria syndrome (LPHS)

Is Tadalafil an Effective Treatment Option for Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome? A Report of a Challenging Case

Interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS) is a chronic pelvic pain (CPP) syndrome that is frequently seen in female patients. Since its molecular mechanism and etiopathogenesis are not clearly elucidated, its treatment options are limited. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors act on nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and are an effective treatment option in some CPP syndromes. We discuss the case of a 44-year-old female patient who presented to our clinic with a two-year history of frequent urination and pain in the pelvic area. The cystoscopy of the patient, who did not benefit from first- and second-line treatments, was normal. With the diagnosis of IC/PBS, she was started on tadalafil (oral) 5 mg/day. At the end of a total of 12 months of follow-up, it was observed that the patient's symptoms significantly regressed.

Based on our findings, the relaxing effect of PDE-5 inhibitors on the bladder neck/detrusor muscle and the vasodilator effect on the blood supply to the pelvic organs may have improved the patient's symptoms. In this case report, for the first time in the literature, we present the clinical outcomes of treatment with tadalafil (5 mg/day), which is a PDE-5 inhibitor, in a female patient with IC/PBS who did not respond to first-and second-line treatments. The results indicated that tadalafil, which shows activity through the NO-cGMP and prostaglandin pathway, is a potential alternative in IC/PBS patients resistant to conventional first- and second-line treatments.

Treatment and Management of Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Loin pain hematuria syndrome (LPHS) is rare and seldom diagnosed, yet it has a particularly significant impact on those affected. This is a review of the latest and seminal evidence of the pathophysiology and diagnosis of LPHS and presents the typical clinical presentation and treatment options available.

RECENT FINDINGS

LPHS is typically found in young women with characteristic symptoms, including severe recurrent flank pain and gross or microscopic hematuria. The majority of patients will experience crippling pain for many years without effective therapy, often requiring frequent use of narcotic medication. However, the lack of conclusive pathophysiology, in conjunction with the rarity of LPHS, has prohibited the development and trial of definitive treatment options. Nevertheless, in order to combat this rare but severe disease, management strategies have continued to evolve, ranging from conservative measures to invasive procedures. This review presents an overview of the current hypotheses on the pathophysiology of LPHS in addition to summarizing the management strategies that have been utilized. Only 30% of LPHS patients will experience spontaneous resolution, whereas the majority will continue to face chronic, crippling pain. Several methods of treatment, including invasive and non-invasive, may provide an improved outcome to these patients. Treatment should be individually tailored and multi-disciplinary in nature. Further research is required to further elucidate the pathophysiology and develop new, specific, treatment options.

Interventional Approaches for Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome and Kidney-Related Pain Syndromes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Loin pain hematuria syndrome (LPHS) frequently presents with severe chronic pain that poses a clinical challenge. Current treatment approaches are mostly empirical and include a wide range of therapeutic strategies such as physical therapy, local and systemic analgesia, interventional and surgical approaches usually flanked by psycho-behavioral therapy, and other strategies. LPHS often impacts negatively on quality of life particularly in patients who are refractory to treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

With recent advances in catheter-based treatment approaches and better understanding of the pathophysiology of LPHS, intraluminal renal denervation (RDN) has been proposed as a valuable treatment option for kidney-related pain syndromes. The present review provides a brief overview of the clinical challenges associated with LPHS, highlights recent insights into its underlying mechanisms, and summarizes currently available data on the use of RDN in the context of LPHS and kidney-related pain syndromes. Renal denervation via various approaches including surgical and catheter-based techniques has shown promise in alleviating kidney-related pain syndromes. Randomized controlled trials are now required to better define its role in the management of these conditions.

Renal autotransplantation results in pain resolution after left renal vein transposition

Left renal vein transposition is often the preferred treatment of nutcracker syndrome. However, pain returns in some patients despite surgery. One solution to this problem is renal autotransplantation. Here we report our initial results of renal autotransplantation in patients with persistent flank pain despite a previous left renal vein transposition. We used the University of Wisconsin loin pain hematuria syndrome test as a diagnostic maneuver to determine who may benefit from renal autotransplantation; this procedure subsequently resulted in complete pain resolution in all three patients. All patients underwent successful renal autotransplantation and remain pain free. These cases support the test as a diagnostic maneuver to determine which patients may benefit from renal autotransplantation.

The "UW-LPHS Test": A New Test to Predict the Outcome of Renal Autotransplant for Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this pilot study were twofold. First, we aimed to elicit whether the "UW-LPHS test" definitively localizes pain from patients' loin pain hematuria syndrome to the ureter and thus proves our hypothesis. Second, we aimed to understand whether a positive UW-LPHS test predicts a successful outcome after renal autotransplant.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The UW-LPHS test is described in detail in this manuscript. Briefly, 0.5% bupivacaine is injected into the ureter of the affected side and kept there using a balloon catheter for 5 minutes.

RESULTS

All six patients studied had complete pain relief at a mean follow-up of 9.2 months after renal autotransplant. All patients were successfully weaned from opioids and have returned to a normal lifestyle.

CONCLUSIONS

The UW-LPHS test can be used to predict renal autotransplant outcomes and should be applied to all patients who are being considered for this operation.

Commentary: Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome

Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome (LPHS) remains a rare disease but has a significant impact on those affected by it. Patients diagnosed with LPHS experience severe, constant or intermittent flank pain that radiates to the groin and may be exacerbated even by a gentle touch. These patients often require significant narcotic regimens for pain control and are unable to maintain a functional lifestyle. Previously, diagnosis has been made based on clinical presentation. One treatment for this syndrome is renal autotransplant; however, success rates are varied. Therefore, patient selection for this procedure is important. We have developed the UW-LPHS test as a diagnostic maneuver in order to determine which patients with LPHS would benefit from renal autotransplant. To perform this diagnostic test, bupivacaine is instilled into the ureter on the affected side and left to dwell. Patients who experience pain relief following this test are deemed to benefit from renal autotransplant. Here we describe this novel diagnostic test and initial success rates following renal autotransplant.