Interstitial cystitis: unexplained associations with other chronic disease and pain syndromes

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of concomitant disease in individuals with interstitial cystitis and to compare these results to the general population.

Methods: We used a questionnaire-based study evaluating 12 disease processes and a survey of interstitial cystitis characteristics. The population was 2,405 individuals with interstitial cystitis who responded to the initial survey and an additional 277 individuals who were randomly selected and individually contacted.

Results: Allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, and sensitive skin were the most common diseases in the interstitial cystitis population. In comparison to the general population, individuals with interstitial cystitis are 100 times more likely to have inflammatory bowel disease and 30 times more likely to have systemic lupus erythematosus. In addition, allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, sensitive skin, and fibromyalgia have an increased association with interstitial cystitis.

Conclusions: Interstitial cystitis has, as yet, an unexplained association with certain other chronic disease and pain syndromes.