Evaluating Symptom Severity and Urinary Cytokine Levels in Interstitial Cystitis/bladder Pain Syndrome Patients, with and Without Hunner's Lesions

Overview

Journal Am J Clin Exp Urol

Specialty Urology

Date 2024 May 13

PMID 38736620

Authors

Bernadette Mm Zwaans

Sabrina Mota

Sarah N Bartolone

Elijah P Ward

Kenneth M Peters

Michael B Chancellor

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a condition characterized in part by urinary urgency, frequency, and pain. There is a strong interest in gathering more data to compare and assess the differences in characteristics based on the presence of Hunner's lesions in patients with IC/BPS.

Materials And Methods: Using a nationwide crowdsource effort, we collected surveys and urine samples from patients with a history of IC/BPS. Participants completed the Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index (ICSI) and Problem Index (ICPI), Overactive Bladder questionnaire (OABq SF), and pain scores. In addition, participants reported any co-morbidities and lifestyle modifications. Urinary cytokine levels were measured and compared to symptom severity.

Results: 491 participants enrolled: 119 with history of ulcerative Hunner's lesions (UIC), 372 reported no lesions (NHIC), and 2 unknowns. 96.3% were female, and prevalence of UIC was equal for both genders. Average age was higher for UIC vs. NHIC group (P = 0.011), as was the duration since diagnosis (P < 0.001). Symptom scores were elevated in UIC patients (P < 0.001). Both groups widely implemented lifestyle modifications, with dietary changes being most prevalent (70.1%), followed by prescription medication usage (63.1%). More UIC compared to NHIC participants experienced co-morbidities (P = 0.010). Urine samples were analyzed for GRO, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. MCP-1 levels were significantly higher in UIC patients (P = 0.044). Weak positive correlation was found between cytokines and symptom scores.

Conclusions: Patients with UIC and NHIC from across the United States displayed distinct phenotypic and urine biological characteristics. These findings contribute to increased understanding of IC/BPS and may aid in improving our knowledge of the condition.

Citing Articles

The Pathomechanism and Current Treatments for Chronic Interstitial Cystitis and Bladder Pain Syndrome.

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PMID: 39335564 PMC: 11428245. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12092051.

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Chen Y, Jiang Y, Jhang J, Kuo H Int J Mol Sci. 2024; 25(17).

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