Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports/Section BPS/Interstitial Cystitis Phenotyping BPS/IC Patients

Purpose of Review When clinicians and researchers talk about phenotyping BPS/IC (Bladder Pain Syndrome / Interstitial Cystitis) patients, they usually mean grouping patients into more precise subtypes based on symptoms, clinical findings, and sometimes pathophysiology. The actual situation is presented in his paper. Recent Findings Most international authorities and research networks identify 4 clinically useful phenotypes that affect prognosis and treatment choice: -Hunner-lesion (classic/bladder-centric) phenotype — visible inflammatory lesions on cystoscopy; distinct histology; often better response to lesion-directed therapies. -Bladder-centric phenotype without Hunner lesions. -Myofascial / pelvic-floor-pain phenotype, responds to pelvic-floor physiotherapy. -Widespread/systemic pain phenotype — pain beyond the pelvis, multiple somatic comorbidities (fibromyalgia, IBS, et al. suggesting central sensitization; tends to respond less to bladder-directed therapy. Summary Literature data support this grouping and show clinically meaningful differences in age at onset, bladder capacity, and treatment response. Future research should aim at refining this system of phenotyping.