title: [Interstitial cystitis: epidemiology].
abstract: The epidemiological assessment of intestitial cystitis (IC) is not definitive as no diagnostic criteria, such as endoscopy or biochemical and anatomopathological examination, exist. The diagnosis is solely based on symptoms like urgency, frequency and pelvic pain. The first studies on the population date back from 20 years ago and show a percentage of 10 cases every 100 thousand inhabitants. There is weak link between genetic factors, immunological diseases, previous cystitis or eating habits and intestitial cystitis. Epidemiological studies have highlight the frequency of this disease, and stressed the importance of stricted behavioural rules for the first stages of intestitial cystitis.
authors.affiliation: Divisione di Urologia, Azienda Ospedaliera C. Poma, Mantova.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bernardini
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bondavalli
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Luciano
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Schiavon
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dall'Oglio
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parma
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Parma
mesh_terms: D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans