Chronic pelvic pain syndromes: clinical, urodynamic, and urothelial observations

A cohort of 408 patients with bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) was evaluated, and findings were discussed in this retrospective chart review.

Based on the chief complaints, they were divided into four subgroups: BPS/IC (n = 157), CPP (n = 98), vulvodynia/dyspareunia (n = 40), and "other" (n = 113). Similar findings were found in all four subgroups: complaints of voiding dysfunction (70%), dyspareunia (54%), mean PUF score of 15.9 +/- 6.4, and a positive potassium sensitivity test in 83%. Urodynamics revealed a maximal urethral pressure of 131 cm of water and an abnormal uroflow in 80%. Urothelial therapy in the form of intravesical therapeutic anesthetic cocktails provided benefit in all groups (50%, 67%, 73%, and 77% for vulvodynia, CPP, BPS/IC, "other").

All subgroups had similar findings and response to therapy. Five to 10% of patients with chief complaints of stress or urge incontinence or prolapse were also found to have BPS/IC.