Usefulness of the classification of urinary dysfunction for the prognosis of the first endoscopic treatment of vesicoureteral reflux in children over the age of 3. / Utilidad de la clasificación de los patrones de disfunción miccional en el pronóstico del primer tratamiento endoscópico del reflujo vesicoureteral en niños mayores de 3 años.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic performance of urinary dysfunction patterns associated with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in children over the age of 3 according to the result of the first endoscopic treatment (ENDT1), grouped into a classification designed by our group (CMD.URI-La Fe). Comparison with other current classifications such as that of Van Batavia et al. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ambispective cross-cutting study of a sample of 50 children. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: previous ENDT, age ≤ 3 years, anatomical or neurological anomalies and a history of ureteral or abdominopelvic surgery. Prior to the ENDT1, a bladder voiding function assessment by uroflowmetry+electromyography (UF-EMG) and post-mictional residue (ultrasound). Other variables from the bladder diary, pre-mictional bladder wall thickness and other clinical variables. The correction of VUR was assessed by isotope cystography 3 months after the treatment. Urinary patterns were classified according to the significant variables (URI-La Fe), and the diagnostic performance of this classification was assessed, comparing it to the classification of patients as proposed by Van Batavia et al. RESULTS: Mean age: 6.8±2.28 years. Males/females (44%/56%). Grades of VUR (mild/moderate/severe). ENDT1 VUR correction rate: 77% (n=38). Diagnostic performance (Van Batavia; URI-La Fe): correct prediction (37.5%; 75%), sensitivity (32.4%; 87.8%), specificity (54.5%; 46.6%), positive predictive value (70.6; 78.3%) and negative predictive value (19.4%; 63.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show the usefulness of the non-invasive test and the classification of urinary dysfunction in children aged over 3 years prior to the first endoscopic treatment of VUR.

Retrospective evaluation of early risk factors in children with different types of micturition disorders.

AIM: The aetiology of micturition disorders in children is multifactorial and still unclear. The perinatal factors may play a role in the development of children's urinary incontinence. We compared each type of micturition disorders in terms of length of gestation, birthweight, family history of bedwetting and delivery type. METHODS: Data were from 488 patients of the Department of Pediatrics and Nephrology, Children's Clinical Hospital of the Medical University of Bialystok, and included: age, sex, clinical diagnosis, perinatal history, constipation, history of vesicoureteral reflux, family history of nocturnal enuresis, urodynamic diagnosis, bladder capacity. We performed statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney and Spearman tests. RESULTS: Combined daytime-nocturnal incontinence made a higher percentage and nocturnal enuresis made a lower percentage of clinical diagnoses in children with low birthweight compared with group of normal birthweight. In children with micturition disorders, lower birthweight was associated with smaller bladder capacity than normal for age. CONCLUSION: Low birthweight might predispose to combined daytime-nocturnal incontinence. We are the first to show that patients suffering from micturition disorders with low birthweight present lower estimated bladder capacity than age-matched children. Thus, we assume that low birthweight may have strong clinical relevance in children's micturition disorders.

[Buried Penis: A Comprehensive Review on Aetiology, Classification and Plastic-Surgical Reconstruction]. / "Buried Penis": Aktuelle Übersicht über Ätiologie, Klassifikation und plastisch-chirurgische Rekonstruktion.

The buried penis, also called hidden or concealed penis, is associated with morbid obesity or seen after massive weight loss in adults. In highly obese, bariatric patients, the penile shaft invaginates into the pre-pubic fat masses, resulting in voiding problems and urine wetting of the surrounding tissue. This leads to infection, skin maceration, lichen sclerosus and eczema. Sole circumcision without mons pubis plasty or penile fixation does not suffice to alleviate the discomfort and leads to recurrence. In post-bariatric patients, penile retraction is only partially present or absent, but abundant pre-pubic skin tissue forms an apron covering the genitals with problems in hygiene and sexual intercourse. In these cases, plastic-reconstructive interventions include mons pubis plasty with or without penile fixation. This article provides a comprehensive overview on aetiology, a novel classification of the buried penis and plastic-surgical reconstructive interventions matched to the stages of the condition.

Complications of untreated and ineffectively treated neurogenic bladder dysfunctions in children: our own practical classification.

The neurogenic dysfunctions of the detrusor and the sphincter are caused by either a known congenital defect of the nervous system or by acquired damage to the nervous system. In patients with idiopathic bladder dysfunctions neurological examinations fail to reveal any pathology in the nervous system. The treatment strategy for the patient with detrusor-sphincter dysfunction should be based on a comprehensive functional and morphological evaluation. Clean Intermittent Catheterization is mandatory if voiding is ineffective. Reduced bladder capacity related to detrusor overactivity and decreased bladder walls compliance is successfully managed conservatively with oral anticholinergics. Conservative treatment prevents complications in the majority of patients. However, despite proper conservative treatment, some patients still develop complications. We propose our own practical classification of complications characteristic for the bladder and sphincter dysfunctions: 1. Urinary tract infections; 2. Urolithiasis; 3. Anatomic changes in the lower urinary tract; 4. Anatomic changes in the upper urinary tract; 5. Functional disturbances of kidneys parenchyma; 6. Urinary incontinence. Proposed practical classification of complications of bladder and sphincter dysfunctions is clear and simple. This classification can be used both in children with neurogenic and non-neurogenic dysfunctions. It is helpful in planning follow-up procedures and evaluation of treatment results.

[Voiding disorders in childhood: from physiology to symptomatology]. / Troubles mictionnels de l'enfant : de la physiologie à la symptomatologie clinique.

Micturition is a natural event occurring several times a day, the result of a complex and partially unknown physiology. It involves different muscles (striated and smooth) as well as the central and autonomic nervous systems in an innate voiding reflex. This reflex is controlled after 2 years of age. If there is a failure or dysfunction of one of these elements, a miction disorder may appear. Two types of miction disorders are identified: neuromuscular disorders of the bladder and defective central control. Multiple factors such as constipation, bladder irritation, or an increase in abdominal pressure can interfere with the voiding reflex. The new international definitions and classifications of voiding disorders allow an easier clinical approach through careful and complete questioning and a simple clinical exam, efficient enough in most cases to provide the diagnosis and adapted treatment.

Development and validation of the shy bladder scale.

Paruresis, characterized by the difficulty or inability to urinate in a variety of social contexts, is a scientifically under-studied phenomenon. One reason for this state of affairs is the paucity of reliable and valid measures for assessing this problem. The present article attempted to address this limitation by investigating the psychometric properties and validity of a new measure of paruresis: the Shy Bladder Scale (SBS). In two undergraduate samples, the SBS demonstrated excellent internal consistency and a stable factor structure assessing difficulty urinating in public, impairment and distress, and paruresis-related fear of negative evaluation. Undergraduate students evidenced very low levels of paruresis-related concerns. In contrast, SBS scores were markedly elevated among individuals recruited from an online support network who appeared to meet diagnostic criteria for paruresis-specific social phobia. Our findings highlight the SBS's potential utility as a measure of paruresis in clinical and research contexts.

Defining female voiding dysfunction: ICI-RS 2011.

Whilst symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and post micturition symptoms are more commonly reported in men a significant number of women may also complain of voiding dysfunction. However, despite the recent advances in the standardisation of terminology of lower urinary tract dysfunction there remains a lack of consensus regarding a precise diagnosis and definition of voiding abnormalities in women. In addition voiding symptoms may co-exist with storage symptoms as well as those associated with urinary incontinence. Consequently many patients present with a spectrum of different urinary symptoms, related to both storage and voiding, which may be multifactorial in origin or be related to one another. The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature in order to accurately define and classify female voiding dysfunction including causes and aetiology. In addition to reviewing the investigation and management of those women with voiding dysfunction recommendations are proposed for management in clinical practice as well as suggestions for future research.

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy causes fewer side effects than three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy when used in combination with brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To measure the benefits of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) compared with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) when used in combination with brachytherapy for the treatment of prostate cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with localized prostate cancer who received external-beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in combination with brachytherapy with at least 1 year follow-up (n = 812). Combination therapy consisted of (103)Pd or (125)I implant, followed by a course of EBRT. From 1993 to March 2003 521 patients were treated with 3D-CRT, and from April 2003 to March 2009 291 patients were treated with IMRT. Urinary symptoms were prospectively measured with the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire with a single quality of life (QOL) question; rectal bleeding was assessed per the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Schema. The Pearson χ(2) test was used to compare toxicities experienced by patients who were treated with either IMRT or 3D-CRT. Logistic regression analyses were also performed to rule out possible confounding factors. RESULTS: Within the first 3 months after treatment, patients treated with 3D-CRT scored their urinary symptoms as follows: 19% mild, 44% moderate, and 37% severe; patients treated with IMRT scored their urinary symptoms as follows: 36% mild, 47% moderate, and 17% severe (p < 0.001). The 3D-CRT patients rated their QOL as follows: 35% positive, 20% neutral, and 45% negative; IMRT patients rated their QOL as follows: 51% positive, 18% neutral, and 31% negative (p < 0.001). After 1 year of follow-up there was no longer any difference in urinary morbidity between the two groups. Logistic regression confirmed the differences in International Prostate Symptom Score and QOL in the acute setting (p < 0.001 for both). Grade ≥ 2 rectal bleeding was reported by 11% of 3D-CRT patients and 7% of IMRT patients (p = 0.046); logistic regression analysis also confirmed this observation (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: When used in combination with brachytherapy, IMRT offers less Grade ≥ 2 rectal bleeding, less acute urinary toxicities, and is associated with a higher QOL compared with 3D-CRT.

Association between metabolic syndrome and male lower urinary tract symptoms in Japanese subjects using three sets of criteria for metabolic syndrome and International Prostate Symptom Score.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), as defined by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). METHODS: A total of 900 men underwent digital rectal examination of the prostate and completed an IPSS questionnaire. These men had visited our hospital for metabolic screening from April 2008 to March 2009. The IPSS includes scores for 3 questions on voiding symptoms, 3 on storage symptoms, and 1 on postmicturition symptoms. The relationships of the LUTS (determined from the IPSS subscores) with the metabolic syndrome diagnosed using the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity, 2005 National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III, and 2005 International Diabetes Federation criteria were examined. The severity of LUTS was compared among the younger, middle-age, and older men (<50, 50-64, and ≥65 years old, respectively) with and without the metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: A diagnosis of the metabolic syndrome was made in 16.7%, 16.6%, and 11.7% of the men using the Japan Society for the Study of Obesity, 2005 National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III, and 2005 International Diabetes Federation criteria, respectively. Regardless of the presence of the metabolic syndrome, aging was significantly associated with an increased rate of moderate or severe LUTS, except for postmicturition symptoms. In the middle-age men, the metabolic syndrome had a significant negative correlation with storage symptoms (odds ratio 0.258-0.426). In the younger and older men, LUTS was observed equally in those with and without the metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship between age and LUTS was observed; however, the metabolic syndrome did not show a clear association with LUTS. Our results suggest that LUTS is associated with aging, regardless of the presence of the metabolic syndrome.

Assessment of non-neurogenic incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms in adolescents and young adults.

AIMS: The aim of this article is to provide insight to clinicians who principally treat adults, about non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) either pre-dating or presenting in adolescence. Assessment fundamentals, diagnostic classification, and rationale behind the process of care are discussed. METHODS: Standardized terms are used to describe the current classification of symptoms of LUT dysfunction in young adults. The etiology and symptomatology of continuous and organic incontinence, along with the intermittent presentations of incontinence, nocturnal enuresis, and bowel dysfunction are presented. Minimally acceptable assessment processes are defined. Indications for the inclusion of urodynamic investigations are presented. Throughout the review specific needs of adolescents, as they apply to clinical management of LUTS, are highlighted. RESULTS: Puberty and growth are likely to challenge compensatory mechanisms for a safe urinary system in young adults with organic/structural/developmental LUT disorders. The priority of care is to screen for and detect precursor signs of renal deterioration. In adolescents with non-neurogenic bladder dysfunction a clear diagnosis and identification of both incomplete bladder emptying and high detrusor pressure will minimize permanent changes to both the upper and lower urinary tracts. CONCLUSIONS: The assessment of adolescents with LUTS requires time, thoughtful enquiry, and communication. Dysfunction pre-dating young adulthood commonly inhibits autonomy, recreational and social activities thus impacting on the adolescent's self-esteem and adherence to treatment regimes.

Comparison of urodynamics between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients; can we suggest the category of urinary dysfunction in patients with cerebrovascular accident according to type of stroke?

AIMS: The aim of this study is to compare the urodynamic parameters in ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients with bladder dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and urodynamic study and identified 84 cases among 150 stroke patients underwent urodynamic test due to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) from June 2003 to May 2008. Exclusion criteria are diabetes mellitus (DM) cystopathy, previous pelvic surgery, spinal cord injury, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and other neurologic etiology. RESULTS: Among analyzed variables of urodynamic study, total bladder capacity, postvoid residual urine volume and bladder compliance have a significant value between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke group (P = 0.004, P = 0.017, P = 0.007). Ischemic group have detrusor overactivity (DO) (70.7%), detrusor underactivity (DU) (29.3%), and hemorrhagic group have DO (34.6%), DU (65.4%). (P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of the stroke type may be helpful in the determination of the type of urinary dysfunction and in deciding the appropriate bladder management. The urodynamic study, however, is essential to manage LUTS in stroke patients.

[Iodine 125 prostate brachytherapy: prognostic factors for long-term urinary, digestive and sexual toxicities]. / Curiethérapie de prostate par iode 125 : facteurs pronostiques de longue durée de toxicité urinaire, digestive et sexuelle.

PURPOSE: For patients with good urinary function and presenting with a low risk prostate cancer, prostate brachytherapy using iodine implants represents one of the techniques of reference. This retrospective analysis investigates urinary (U), digestive (D) and sexual (S) toxicities and their prognostic factors of duration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From August 2000 to November 2007, 176 patients presenting with prostate adenocarcinoma underwent interstitial brachytherapy. Urinary, digestive and sexual toxicities were classified according to Common toxicities criteria for adverse events, version 3.0 (CTCAE V3.0). For each toxicity (U, D, S), the number of complications U (dysuria, nicturia...), D (proctitis, diarrhea...) and S (sexual dysfunction, loss of libido, ...) was listed and analyzed according to criteria related to the patient, implant, dosimetric data and characteristics of the toxicity. Prognostic factors identified in univariate analysis (UVA) (Log Rank) were further analyzed in multivariate analysis (MVA) (Cox model). RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 26 months (1-87), 147 patients (83.5 %) presented urinary toxicities. Among them, 29.5 % (86 patients) and 2.4 % (seven patients) presented grade 2 and 3 U toxicity respectively. In UVA, urinary grade toxicity greater than or equal to 2 (p=0.037), the presence of initial U symptoms (p=0.027) and more than two urinary toxicities (p=0.00032) were recognized as prognostic factors. The number of U toxicities was the only prognostic factor in MVA (p=0.04). D toxicity accounted for 40.6 % (71 patients). Among them, 3 % (six patients) were grade 2. None were grade 3. Two factors were identified as prognostic factors either in UVA and MVA: the number of D toxicities greater than or equal to 2 (univariate analysis: p=0,00129, multivariate analysis: p=0,002) and age less than or equal to 65 years (univariate analysis: p=0,004, multivariate analysis: p=0,007). Eighty-three patients (47.4 %) presented a sexual toxicity; 26.9 % (49 patients) and 5 % (nine patients) were scored as grade 2 and 3 respectively. A number of seeds greater than 75 (p=0.032) and S grade greater than or equal to 2 (p<0.0001) were recognized as prognostic factors in UVA. S grade was the only prognostic factor in MVA (p=0.0015). CONCLUSION: The duration of U, D and S toxicity is strongly correlated with a high number of toxicities and the grade of toxicity. This analysis allows for better information given to the patient regarding the duration of the post-treatment complications.

Model for differential nursing diagnosis of alterations in urinary elimination based on fuzzy logic.

Nursing diagnoses associated with alterations of urinary elimination require different interventions. Nurses, who are not specialists, require support to diagnose and manage patients with disturbances of urine elimination. The aim of this study was to present a model based on fuzzy logic for differential diagnosis of alterations in urinary elimination, considering nursing diagnosis approved by the North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, 2001-2002. Fuzzy relations and the maximum-minimum composition approach were used to develop the system. The model performance was evaluated with 195 cases from the database of a previous study, resulting in 79.0% of total concordance and 19.5% of partial concordance, when compared with the panel of experts. Total discordance was observed in only three cases (1.5%). The agreement between model and experts was excellent (kappa = 0.98, P < .0001) or substantial (kappa = 0.69, P < .0001) when considering the overestimative accordance (accordance was considered when at least one diagnosis was equal) and the underestimative discordance (discordance was considered when at least one diagnosis was different), respectively. The model herein presented showed good performance and a simple theoretical structure, therefore demanding few computational resources.

Clinical phenotyping of women with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome: a key to classification and potentially improved management.

PURPOSE: We have proposed a clinical phenotype system (UPOINT) to classify patients with urological pelvic pain to improve the understanding of etiology and guide therapy. We examined the relationship between UPOINT and symptoms in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome were classified in each domain of UPOINT, that is urinary, psychosocial, organ specific, infection, neurological/systemic and tenderness. Symptoms were assessed using the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index, Pain/Urgency/Frequency score and visual analogue scale for pain/urgency/frequency. Clinically relevant associations were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of 100 consecutive patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome was 48 years, median symptom duration was 7 years and median Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index score was 12.8. The percent positive for each domain was urinary 100%, psychosocial 34%, organ specific 96%, infection 38%, neurological/systemic 45% and tenderness 48%. All patients were included in at least 2 domains, with 2 domains for 13%, 3 domains--35%, 4 domains--34%, 5 domains--13% and 6 domains--5%. The number of domains was associated with greater symptom duration (p = 0.014) but not age. The number of domains was also associated with poorer general interstitial cystitis and pain symptoms (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index p = 0.012, pain p = 0.036) but not with frequency or urgency. The psychosocial domain was associated with increased pain, urgency and frequency, while tenderness was associated with increased Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index score, pain/urgency/frequency score and urgency. The neurological/systemic domain was associated with increased Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index score while the infection domain was not associated with any increased symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The UPOINT phenotyping system can classify patients with interstitial cystitis according to clinically relevant domains. Increased symptom duration leads to a greater number of domains, and domains that function outside of the bladder (psychosocial, neurological, tenderness) predict a significant impact on symptoms. We hypothesize that the UPOINT system can direct multimodal therapy and improve outcomes.

Two types of urgency.

AIMS: To determine whether urinary urgency, as defined by the International Continence Society, is an intensification of the normal sensation that occurs when micturition must be delayed once the urge to void is felt (Type 1 urgency) or a discrete, pathologic symptom different from the normal urge (Type 2 urgency). METHODS: Forty-eight consecutive patients who complained of urinary urgency completed two different questionnaires designed to answer the question posed above. The patients were divided into two groups of 24. For the test-retest, group 1 completed questionnaire 1 twice within 3-10 days and group 2 did the same with questionnaire 2. On the second administration of the questionnaire, each subject crossed over and answered the other questionnaire. For the test-retest, since the data set is dichotomous (yes/no), the degree of agreement between the two sets of data was assessed by calculating the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: There were 37 women and 11 men ranging in age from 54 to 87 years. There was no difference in age and sex between the two groups (P = 0.19). There was excellent agreement in the test-retest responses for both questionnaires (kappa = 1.0, P < 0.001). For questionnaire 1, the urge sensation was an intensification of the normal sensation in 33 (68.8%) and it was a different sensation in 15 (31.3%). Similarly, for questionnaire 2, it was an intensification of the normal urge in 34 (70.8%) and different in 14 (29.2%). The differences in patient responses between the two groups were not significant. In the crossover section, only 1 of 48 subjects changed their response, resulting in a very high degree of agreement (kappa = .95, p < .001). Combining the two groups, urgency was perceived as an intensification of the normal urge to void in 33/48 patients (69%), a different sensation in 14/48 (29%) and 1/48 (2%) was not sure. CONCLUSIONS: Urgency is comprised of at least two different sensations. One is an intensification of the normal urge to void and the other is a different sensation. The implications of this distinction are important insofar as they may have different etiologies and respond differently to treatment.

Prevalence, severity, and symptom bother of lower urinary tract symptoms among men in the EPIC study: impact of overactive bladder.

BACKGROUND: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent among men. OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence, severity, and symptom bother of LUTS in all men and men with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in the EPIC study. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A secondary analysis of data from EPIC, a multinational population-based survey of 19,165 adults, was performed. Current International Continence Society definitions were used for individual LUTS and OAB; OAB cases were defined as men reporting urgency. MEASUREMENTS: Participants were asked about the presence of individual LUTS and associated symptom bother. LUTS severity was measured using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: There was substantial overlap of storage, voiding, and postmicturition symptoms among all men (n=7210) and in men with OAB symptoms (n=502); men with OAB symptoms were more likely to experience multiple LUTS subtypes. Among both populations, nocturia was the most commonly reported symptom, except for urgency (the hallmark symptom) among men with OAB symptoms; terminal dribble and sensation of incomplete emptying were the most common voiding and postmicturition symptoms. The prevalence of all LUTS increased with age among the general population; only storage LUTS increased with age among men with OAB symptoms. Number of LUTS and mean IPSS increased with age in both populations but were higher among men with OAB symptoms at all ages; the proportion reporting moderate-severe LUTS was higher than the general population (30% vs 6%). The proportion of men with OAB symptoms reporting symptom bother increased with urgency severity and severity and number of LUTS. LUTS severity may have been underestimated by the IPSS, which does not assess incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Men with LUTS commonly experience coexisting storage, voiding, and postmicturition symptoms, emphasizing the need for comprehensive urologic assessments. Men with OAB symptoms reported more LUTS and greater severity than the general population. Symptom bother was related to number of LUTS and urgency severity.

Terminology of lower urinary tract symptoms. Helpful or confusing?

An established standardized terminology is necessary for communication of scientific information, and for prevention of mistreatment and misdiagnosis. Terminology concerning the lower urinary tract has been much discussed; in particular, the meaning of terms like lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), urgency, frequency and nocturia, overactive bladder (OAB), and detrusor overactivity (DO). It is natural and desirable that all suggested definitions are subject to criticism, and it is important that discussions for improvement of the existing terminology continue.

[From end-organ disease to a classifiable bladder pain syndrome: paradigm shift in the understanding of urological pain syndromes exemplified by the condition currently called interstitial cystitis]. / Von der Endorganerkrankung zum klassifizierbaren Blasenschmerzsyndrom: Paradigmenwechsel im Verständnis urologischer Schmerzsyndrome am Beispiel der interstitiellen Zystitis.

Growing clinical and scientific data imply that the condition currently called interstitial cystitis is not just a mere bladder end-organ disease but that the symptoms perceived to be related to the bladder are rather one aspect of a complex pelvic pain syndrome. The term bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) suggested by the European Society for the Study of IC/PBS (ESSIC) for this condition is currently the only one strictly consistent with the taxonomy guidelines of the European Association of Urology and the International Association for the Study of Pain. BPS would be diagnosed on the basis of chronic pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, accompanied by at least one other urinary symptom such as persistent urge to void or urinary frequency. Confusable diseases as the cause of the symptoms must be excluded. Classification of BPS types might be performed according to findings at cystoscopy with hydrodistention and morphologic findings in bladder biopsies. The end-organ condition interstitial cystitis has thus become a chronic pain syndrome with a predominantly neurovisceral pathophysiology. In daily practice, therapeutic approaches aiming at both the peripheral bladder urothelium and central nervous targets should be combined. A multimodal treatment strategy, such as the combination of tricyclic antidepressants with instillation therapy, still appears reasonable and justified.