Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a serious condition that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. We evaluated the interrelationships among clinical symptoms, the effects of endoscopic findings on clinical and diagnostic parameters, and developed a prognostic model for Hunner's lesions (HL)

A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Urology, Moscow Multidisciplinary Scientific and Clinical Center named after S.P. Botkin. We examined 60 patients diagnosed with IС/BPS. After screening based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 34 patients with HL were included in the study. An analysis of urination diaries, pain parameters, diagnostic scales and questionnaires (VAS, ICSI, ICSI), results of laboratory and instrumental diagnostics was performed. A correlation analysis and pairwise comparison of the studied parameters were performed. A multivariate logistic model was obtained to predict the number of HL. A statistically significant level was considered at p <0.05

Correlation analysis revealed a relationship between the number of Hunner's lesions (HL) and the presence of urge incontinence (r=0.36). Persistent pain is associated with higher VAS scores compared to sporadic pain (r=0.43). ICSI scores correlate with ICPI (r=0.42), VAS (r=0.42), and with the presence of urge incontinence and persistent pain (r=0.39 and 0.57, respectively). There is no statistically significant correlation between the ICSI score and urination frequency, urination volume, or nocturia (p>0.05). ICPI scores correlate with persistent pain (r=0.36), but no statistically significant correlation was found with nocturia, urination frequency, urge incontinence, or VAS scores (p>0.05).

Patients with 2 or fewer Hunner's lesions (HL) differ from those with 3 or more HL in terms of urination volume and positive urine culture. A logistic model was developed with a sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 64.3%. According to this model, a maximum urination volume of 100 ml or less increases the probability of having 3 or more HL by 85.2%.

The ICSI and ICPI questionnaires are not relevant for the cohort of patients with HL. A urinary tract infection does not exclude the diagnosis of IC but may be an associated condition. Our prognostic model underscores the importance of assessing functional bladder capacity in patients with IC/BPS.