title: AUA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a clinical framework for the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE® database (search dates 1/1/83-7/22/09) was conducted to identify peer reviewed publications relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Insufficient evidence-based data were retrieved regarding diagnosis and, therefore, this portion of the Guideline is based on Clinical Principles and Expert Opinion statements. The review yielded an evidence base of 86 treatment articles after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. These publications were used to create the majority of the treatment portion of the Guideline. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence for a particular treatment was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate) or C (low). Additional treatment information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinion when insufficient evidence existed. See text and algorithm for definitions, and detailed diagnostic management, and treatment frameworks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The evidence-based guideline statements are provided for diagnosis and overall management of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome as well as for various treatments. The panel identified first through sixth line treatments as well as developed guideline statements on treatments that should not be offered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is best identified and managed through use of a logical algorithm such as is presented in this Guideline. In the algorithm the panel identifies an overall management strategy for the interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome patient. Diagnosis and treatment methodologies can be expected to change as the evidence base grows in the future.
authors.affiliation: American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland, USA. phil.hanno@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Philip M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Hanno
authors.forename: David Allen
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Burks
authors.forename: J Quentin
authors.initials: JQ
authors.lastname: Clemens
authors.forename: Roger R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Dmochowski
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.forename: Mary Pat
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: John B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Forrest
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Mikel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Robert Dale
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Mayer
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Newman
authors.forename: Leroy
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nyberg
authors.forename: Christopher K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wesselmann
authors.forename: Martha M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Faraday
mesh_terms: D018856:Cystitis, Interstitial / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans