Introduction: Interstitial cystitis (IC) or bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is defined as supra-pubic pain related to bladder filling.
IC is characterized by a particular symptom complex with no identifiable causes; as with bladder hypersensitivity it is usually associated with urinary frequency and urgency with bladder pain. No current treatments have a significant impact on symptoms over time.
Areas covered: This systematic review examines the pharmacokinetic aspects and adverse event of present IC therapy to highlight appropriate treatment to improve the symptoms of IC. This article reviews material obtained via Medline, PubMed, and EMBASE literature searches up to October 2013.
Expert opinion: The correct approach to IC should consider a multidisciplinary team of specialists and a multimodal treatment package that include psychotherapy, behavior change, physical activation, and analgesic treatment. Unfortunately, a single therapeutic target for IC is not yet known. With regard to pathophysiology and therapy, there is more to discover. The first insult damages the bladder urothelium, hence vehicles that lead the drug to penetrate the wall of the bladder might be a novel strategic approach.
Written by:
Gardella B, Porru D, Allegri M, Bogliolo S, Iacobone AD, Minella C, Nappi RE, Ferrero S, Spinillo A. Are you the author?
University of Pavia, Fondazione IRCCS, Policlinico San Matteo, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 19 Viale Camillo Golgi, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Reference: Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol. 2014 Mar 12. Epub ahead of print.
doi: 10.1517/17425255.2014.896338
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 24621003
UroToday.com Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Section
