Are changes in symptom scores associated with changes in urine markers? Can one predict symptom response to distention on the basis of clinical features or predistention marker levels? Ericson and colleagues answered these questions based on a study of 33 new and untreated BPS/IC patients who underwent bladder hydrodistention for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Thirty-six per-cent of patients had a 30% or greater improvement in the University of Wisconsin total score 1 month after distention. While 12 patient improved after distention, 10 patients had worse symptoms.

After distention 2 markers had significant changes. Antiproliferative (apf) activity decreased significantly and heparin binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (hb-egf) increased. As distention may decrease apf activity by increasing hb-egf, the authors looked for an association between these values and did not find one, indicating that they appeared to be independent findings.

No significant associations were found between the percent change in any marker level and the percent change in the University of Wisconsin total score, nor could score changes be associated with any clinical features of the disorder.

It would have been nice if the decrease in apf activity had been associated with the decrease in symptoms, but this did not prove to be the case, perhaps leaving clues for future research.

Erickson DR, Kunselman AR, Bentley CM, Peters KM, Rovner ES, Demers LM, Wheeler MA, Keay SK

Journal of Urology, 177(2):556-560, 2007

UroToday.com Painful Bladder Syndrome Section

Written by Philip M. Hanno, MD, a Contributing Editor with UroToday.

Please log-in or register in order to submit comments.

Powered by AkoComment!