Stratification of Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome According to the Anatomical Bladder Capacity

Abstract

Objective: To compare the data of score symptoms (Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index, Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index, Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale and SF-36quality of life), voiding diaries, urodynamic studies, and cystoscopy under general anesthesia according to the anatomical bladder capacity for patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS).

Material and method: Single-centre descriptive observational epidemiological study based on retrospective review of 134 patients managed for IC/BPS between January 2010 and December 2016. Patients were stratified into 2 groups according to anatomical bladder capacity measured under general anesthesia: ≤400 mL (n = 40) and >400 mL (n = 94).

Results: Patients with an anatomical bladder capacity less than 400 of mL presented significantly different results for voiding diary data: higher total frequency (P = .0023) especially at night (P = .0008), lower functional bladder capacity (P = .0082) and lower maximum bladder capacity (P = .0001); urodynamic data: earlier onset of painful urge during bladder filling (P = .0002), lower maximum bladder filling capacity (P = .0001) and lower compliance (P = .0067); and the findings of cystoscopy under general anesthesia: more Hunner's lesions (P = .00013). These patients presented poorer Pelvic Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale symptom scores (P = .0176) but associated with better overall quality of life as assessed by SF-36 (P = .0295).

Conclusion: The anatomical bladder capacity, measured under general anesthesia, can be used objectively to define 2 distinct groups of patients with symptoms of IC/BPS.