IC/PBS definition — tentative agreement

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Status of International Consensus on Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome/Painful Bladder Syndrome: 2008 Snapshot -

Division of Urology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Over the last 6 years there have been ongoing efforts around the world to standardize nomenclature, definition, and evaluation of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome/painful bladder syndrome. The convergence this year of several new projects stimulated an effort to bring together thought leaders from around the world to give a snapshot of current thinking with regard to this disorder. The Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology brought together thought leaders from Europe, Asia, and the United States to Miami, and a broad, structured discussion ensued which is the subject of this report. The most appropriate name of the disease remains an area of contention. A final "definition" of BPS/IC did garner substantial agreement among participants: An unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes. It seems that the world is moving to a presumptive diagnosis based on history and physical examination, and relying on invasive procedures for more complex cases, although this is by no means a universal opinion, being more prevalent in the United States and Asia than in Europe. It is hoped that the conference proceedings can serve as a basis for future efforts to develop formal definitions, guidelines, and best practice policies to further advancement of the field.

Written by:
Hanno P, Dmochowski R.

Reference:
Neurourol Urodyn. 2009 Mar 3. Epub ahead of print.
doi:10.1002/nau.20687

PubMed Abstract
PMID:19260081