IC / BPS not primarily a bladder disease

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World J Urol. 2011 Nov 5. [Epub ahead of print]
Global concepts of bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis).
Nordling J, Fall M, Hanno P.
University of Copenhagen, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark

BACKGROUND: Bladder pain syndrome (BPS), commonly referred to as "interstitial cystitis", is no longer considered a rare disorder. It may affect up to 2.7% of the adult female population (Ueda et al. in Int J Urol 10:1-70, 2003) with up to 20% of cases occurring in men.

METHODS: The last two decades have seen a worldwide effort to try to standardize its nomenclature, definition, diagnosis, and treatment algorithm. The literature has been reviewed.

RESULTS: In this article, we will detail current terminology, diagnostic approaches and treatment. Standard therapies will be discussed, and a section that concentrates on the management of the subset of patients with a Hunner's lesion will be highlighted.

CONCLUSIONS: BPS is today viewed through a new paradigm. It is no longer considered primarily a bladder disease, but rather one of a number of chronic pain syndromes that is distinguished by being manifest through bladder-related symptoms. A distinct subgroup of patients with Hunner's lesion has specific characteristics, and successful treatment of this subgroup is available.

PMID: 22057291