title: Pregnancy outcomes following the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the outcome of pregnancy in patients treated for interstitial cystitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Over a 4-year period, 12 patients with interstitial cystitis who had one course of intravesical dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) therapy for interstitial cystitis were studied. Information on the effects of the treatment-to-conception interval, symptom control during pregnancy and immediately post partum, other pregnancy events and pregnancy outcome were collected.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean age was 32 years (SD = 5.4), and 6 (50%) were nulliparous. Fifty-eight percent of the women presented with combined urinary and pain symptoms, 25% with a pain symptom only and 17% with a urinary symptom only. Eleven women had 1 course (6 doses) of DMSO therapy. Symptom relief was maintained during pregnancy in almost all the women. The mean interval from diagnosis of interstitial cystitis to the first day of the last menstrual cycle preceding all pregnancies beyond 28 weeks was 19.3 months (SD = 14.7). This interval was 6 months or less for 2 pregnancies that were terminated on account of symptoms attributable to interstitial cystitis. Thirteen healthy babies were delivered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Pregnancy outcomes appear good following treatment for interstitial cystitis with 1 course of intravesical DMSO.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mid Essex Hospitals NHS Trust, St Johns Hospital, Chelmsford, UK. jilonwude@btconnect.com
authors.forename: Joseph L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Onwude
authors.forename: Daniel O
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Selo-Ojeme
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012074:Remission Induction; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide