Comparison of Bladder Directed and Pelvic Floor Therapy in Women with Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a debilitating constellation of symptoms including urinary urgency, frequency, and pain related to the bladder, which predominantly affects women. Although symptoms appear to be bladder related, there has been little solid evidence linking IC/BPS with a dysfunctional bladder epithelium unless ulcers are present. There is growing evidence that the bladder may be an innocent bystander in a more diffuse syndrome with a complex interplay of various systems/factors. It is our objective to assess the role of the pelvic floor muscles as a major contributor to pelvic pain and voiding dysfunction in adult women with IC/BPS symptoms. Our primary focus has been on study recruitment and enrollment. Due to the national shortage of one of the medications that are used for bladder instillations (bladder focused therapy), we only enrolled 1 of 128 total women (64 in each treatment arm) in the first project year. In August 2017 we obtained a limited supply of the medication, and study recruitment and enrollment resumed. In Years 2 and 3, recruitment activities expanded to increase enrollment. In mid-March of Year 4 all in-person research visits, and enrollment and screening activities were halted due to COVID-19. Identification of enrollment barriers and possible resolutions are ongoing. Although our targeted enrollment goals are not met, enrollment has been steadily growing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1111970
Entities
People
- Kenneth M. Peters