Abstract

Painful bladder syndrome (PBS) is the term used to refer to a chronic symptom complex of urinary frequency and bladder 'pressure', discomfort or pain in the absence of any other reasonable cause for these symptoms. Interstitial cystitis (IC) is the established term used by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) consensus workshop for which a research definition was formulated in the late 1980s. The pathogenesis of IC is still not completely understood, but it is likely multifactorial. The diagnosis of IC can be made clinically and by cystoscopy and hydrodistension. The sensitivity and specificity of urinary markers and the potassium sensitivity test have not been prospectivly studied. New developments in the study of IC/PBS include the identification of a potential cells in IC and thought to inhibit proliferation. In addition, condition-specific validated questionnaires should aid evaluation, and a growing number of randomised controlled trials should enable clinicians to use evidence-based therapeutic options.

• Keywords: Interstital, Cystitis, Bladder, Pain, Syndrome