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UPOINT research
In a recent paper, presented by Dr Nickel and colleagues6, 100 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of PBS/IC were classified using the UPOINT system. The number of domains did not correlate with age, but did correlate with:
- Duration of symptoms
- Severity of symptoms (Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Indices)
- Pain (Visual Analogue Scale)
Almost all the patients were classified into the urinary and organ specific domains. Interestingly, it was noted that the domains demonstrating the greatest impact on quality of life were psychosocial, neurologic/systemic and tenderness, none of which directly involve the bladder. As such, even if the bladder symptoms of PBS/IC were to be cured, patients may still be left with residual domains requiring treatment. UPOINT has the potential to significantly improve the treatment of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis.
In summary, the UPOINT domain classification could radically change the way patients are treated but further research and validation is required.