Assessing UK specialists' knowledge of the diagnostic criteria for painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis.
The aim of this study was to assess UK clinicians' knowledge of the National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney diseases (NIDDK) criteria for painful bladder syndrome (PBS)/interstitial cystitis (IC). A questionnaire survey was distributed nationally to 100 gynaecologists and urologists. The main outcome measure was to determine whether respondents knew the NIDDK diagnostic criteria for PBS/IC. All respondents cared for women with lower urinary tract dysfunction in their daily practice; 40% had a special interest in urogynaecology. Most (83%) knew that urgency, frequency and pain are required to diagnose PBS/IC; however, few were aware of exclusion/inclusion criteria. The minority perform double fill at cystoscopy, and only 56% were aware that glomerulations and/or Hunner's ulcers are required to diagnose IC. Urologists with a special interest in female urology answered nearly 75% of the questionnaire correctly in contrast to less than 40% of general gynaecologists. The findings suggest misdiagnosis of PBS/IC may be widespread in the UK. The NIDDK criteria are complex and appear to be of little relevance in clinical practice highlighting the need for more clearly defined diagnostic criteria.
Marsh
Fiona
F
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK. medfm@leeds.ac.uk
Garthwaite
Mary A E
MA
Southgate
Jennifer
J
Ramage
Carmel
C
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013577:Syndrome; D006113:United Kingdom; D014572:Urology; D000078329:Workforce