E-Posters-Histological Evidence Supports Low Bladder Capacity as a Bladder-Centric Disease Phenotype in Interstitial Cystitis/ Bladder Pain Syndrome

Histological Evidence Supports Low Bladder Capacity as a Bladder-Centric Disease Phenotype in Interstitial Cystitis/ Bladder Pain Syndrome - Jeffrey S. Schachar, MD

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This study aimed to determine if histopathological evidence from bladder biopsies supports low bladder capacity (BC) as a marker for interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) phenotypes. The study included 82 patients, with 34 in the low BC group (≤ 400 ml) and 39 in the comparator group (BC > 400 ml). Patients in the low BC group were older and had higher rates of Hunners lesions on cystoscopy. Analysis of the pathology slides revealed that patients in the low BC group had significantly higher rates of acute inflammation, chronic inflammation, and ulceration compared to the comparator group. However, there were no significant differences in mast cell counts between the two groups, although there was heterogeneity in the stains used for mast cell count. The study provides further support that low bladder capacity is indicative of a bladder-centric IC/BPS phenotype.<br /><br />The study emphasizes the need for standardized reporting of pathology findings in bladder biopsies for IC/BPS. Currently, there is a lack of standardization, making it difficult to compare reports by different pathologists. By using a single, blinded pathologist for re-reviewing the pathology slides, the study aims to reduce variability in the interpretation of the slides.<br /><br />Overall, the findings suggest that low bladder capacity is associated with increased inflammation and ulceration in IC/BPS patients. However, mast cell counts did not differ significantly between the low BC and comparator groups. These results contribute to the understanding of IC/BPS as a bladder-centric disease phenotype and support the use of low bladder capacity as a biomarker for this condition. Standardized reporting of pathology findings can improve the consistency and comparability of future studies in IC/BPS.

Keywords

bladder biopsies

low bladder capacity

interstitial cystitis

bladder pain syndrome

Hunners lesions

acute inflammation

chronic inflammation

ulceration

mast cell counts

standardized reporting