E-Posters-Urodynamic Testing in Interstitial Cystitis Patients: Is Voiding Dysfunction Related to High Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Urodynamic Testing in Interstitial Cystitis Patients: Is Voiding Dysfunction Related to High Tone Pelvic Floor Dysfunction? - Tess Crouss, MD

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A study conducted by Drexel University's Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery department aimed to investigate the relationship between voiding dysfunction and high tone pelvic floor dysfunction in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is a chronic pelvic pain syndrome that affects the bladder, causing symptoms such as urinary frequency, urgency, and pain.<br /><br />The researchers reviewed the medical records of IC patients who had undergone urodynamic testing (UDT), which measures various parameters related to bladder function. They found that IC patients tend to have lower volumes on most UDT parameters, indicating dysfunctional voiding. This dysfunction is likely due to pelvic floor muscle dysfunction.<br /><br />The study also revealed that IC patients with increased symptom severity, more severe cystoscopic findings, and lower bladder capacities had lower UDT volumes. Non-anatomic bladder outlet obstruction was found in a higher degree in IC patients, possibly due to pelvic floor dysfunction.<br /><br />The researchers concluded that UDT can be a useful tool to identify IC patients with more severe voiding dysfunction who may benefit from advanced therapy for pelvic floor muscle relaxation.<br /><br />The demographic data of the study participants showed that the average age of the patients was 47.7 years, with a range of 18 to 85. The majority of patients were parous (76%) and menopausal (59%). Some patients had a history of depression (33%) and prior pelvic reconstructive surgery (18%).<br /><br />The study also assessed the severity of pelvic floor dysfunction and its relation to bladder pressures and sexual function. Patients with severe high tone pelvic floor dysfunction had higher rates of electromyography (EMG) uncoordinated voiding and bladder outlet obstruction. Sexual function, as measured by the Female Sexual Function Index, was also impacted in IC patients.<br /><br />In summary, this study suggests that voiding dysfunction in patients with interstitial cystitis is related to high tone pelvic floor dysfunction. Urodynamic testing can be helpful in identifying patients with more severe dysfunction who may benefit from advanced pelvic floor muscle relaxation therapy.

Keywords

voiding dysfunction

high tone pelvic floor dysfunction

interstitial cystitis

urodynamic testing

dysfunctional voiding

pelvic floor muscle dysfunction

bladder outlet obstruction

advanced therapy

demographic data

sexual function