Rockville, MD (July 16, 2008). Interstitial cystitis (IC), also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), was the topic of the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA) Regional Forum in Tampa, Florida, on Sunday, July 13.
The paucity of information on IC drew more than 115 attendees from across the country. One patient traveled from Ecuador to hear internationally-known IC expert, Robert Evans, MD, discuss IC etiology theories, diagnostic techniques, treatments, and self-help measures. Tampa-based physical therapist, Molly Miller, MS, PT, highlighted helpful exercises and emphasized the importance of working with a physical therapist who understands IC. Ms. Miller noted that Kegel exercises, often recommended to strengthen pelvic muscles, can worsen IC pain. Dr. Evans and Ms. Miller concurred that treating underlying pelvic floor dysfunction in people with IC can yield positive results and provide significant pain relief.
IC affects more than one million Americans-of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. In the United States, for every one person with Parkinson's disease, two people suffer from IC. The cause of this debilitating condition remains unknown and there is no cure. For people living with IC, pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort related to the bladder is typically associated with a persistent urge to void or urinary frequency, in the absence of infection or other pathology.
Dr. Evans shared that 25 research sites in the United States are investigating a new medicine by Pfizer [PF-04383119 (RN624)] which may help modulate pain responses in IC patients. The intravenous drug is thought to block nerve growth factor, a cause of both acute and chronic pain.
The forum also allowed people living with IC to draw comfort from others with IC. Dr. Evans and Ms. Miller listened attentively to personal stories and offered treatment guidance to patients. One participant commented, "I was diagnosed about ten years ago. I thought I was the only one around with this--it was absolutely wonderful to meet and speak with other people who have IC, too."
Dr. Evans is a member of the ICA Board of Directors and Medical Advisory Board. He is the president of the medical staff at the Moses Cone Health System, in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has a thriving IC clinical practice at Alliance Urology Specialists. Molly Miller is physical therapist with a special interest in women's health. She offers expertise in the assessment and treatment of pelvic floor dysfunction, which is known to be a key component of the symptom complex of many individuals with IC.
The ICA provides comprehensive and up-to- date information; offers IC patients, their families, and friends support; educates the medical community and public; advocates for IC patients, healthcare providers, and researchers; and promotes and funds research to find effective treatments and a cure.
The Tampa Forum was made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Pfizer Inc, with other funding from Alaven Pharmaceutical LLC, Medtronic, Inc., and Desert Harvest, Inc.
For more information, visit www.ichelp.org or call 800-HELP ICA (800-435-7422).