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Pharmacological Treatment of Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis

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Chronic Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Dysfunctions

Part of the book series: Urodynamics, Neurourology and Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions ((UNPFD))

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Abstract

Bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) is a chronic disorder characterized by pain perceived in the urinary bladder and urinary symptoms. Currently, there is no consensus about its aetiology, although it may include autoimmune mechanisms, infections, urothelial dysfunctions and mast cell activation. Its management requires a holistic approach with behavioural, physical and pharmacological treatments. Several medications could be used in the management of patients with BPS/IC, including antidepressants, antihistamines and other compounds. Moreover, pharmacological approaches include oral and intravesical therapy. Despite this variety of drugs, only few of them have been studied in clinical randomized controlled trials and at present time none of them have a grade A recommendation. BPS/IC management can be difficult as it requires a tailored approach to the patient with a combination of different therapies to improve outcomes.

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Abbreviations

ATP:

Adenosine triphosphate

AUA:

American Urological Association

BPH:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

BPS:

Bladder pain syndrome

CPP:

Chronic pelvic pain

EAU:

European Association of Urology

FDA:

Food and Drug Administration

GERD:

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

IC:

Interstitial cystitis

IgE:

Immunoglobulin E

LUTS:

Lower urinary tract symptoms

PDE5-I:

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors

UTI:

Urinary tract infections

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Minimally Invasive and Robotic Urologic Surgery and Kidney Transplantation, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

    Matteo Di Camillo, Simone Morselli & Vincenzo Li Marzi

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  1. Matteo Di Camillo
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  2. Simone Morselli
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  3. Vincenzo Li Marzi
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neuro-Urology Department, CTO-Spinal Unit Hospital, Citta' Della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy

    Alessandro Giammò

  2. Autonomic Dysfunctions Center - Rehabilitation Unit, S. Giovanni Bosco Hospital - ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy

    Antonella Biroli

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Di Camillo, M., Morselli, S., Marzi, V.L. (2021). Pharmacological Treatment of Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis. In: Giammò, A., Biroli, A. (eds) Chronic Pelvic Pain and Pelvic Dysfunctions. Urodynamics, Neurourology and Pelvic Floor Dysfunctions. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56387-5_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56387-5_16

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