Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) patients are more susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTIs), likely worsening pre-existing symptoms. However, this receives limited attention in guidelines. This study aimed to explore the burden of UTIs on IC/BPS patients' quality of life and their healthcare.
Two quantitative retrospective database studies were conducted in cystoscopically proven IC/BPS patients: one compiled existing patient survey data (n = 217) from July 2021 to examine physical and emotional UTI burden, and the other used a patient file database (n = 100) from January 2020 to May 2022, focusing on UTI prevalence, healthcare use, urine cultures and antibiotic resistance.
A delay in diagnosis was seen in 70% of patients, due to doctors confusing IC/BPS symptoms with UTIs. The UTI prevalence was over 50%; these patients also report anxiety for new UTIs (70%) and worsening of IC/BPS symptoms (60%). Additionally, for UTI+ patients, healthcare consumption was significantly increased in both studies. Antibiotic resistance (80% of cultures) and prophylactic antibiotic use were common.
These findings highlight the burden of UTIs on quality of life in IC/BPS patients and the healthcare system. These results emphasize the need for improved UTI guidelines concerning diagnosis, management and prevention for IC/BPS patients to improve quality of life and care.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland). 2023 Oct 18*** epublish ***
Cléo Baars, Charlotte van Ginkel, John Heesakkers, Mathilde Scholtes, Frank Martens, Dick Janssen
Department of Urology, Radboudumc, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands., Department of Urology, Maastricht UMC+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands., Interstitial Cystitis Patient Association ICP, 4000 AB Tiel, The Netherlands.