INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

Interstitial cystitis is a urologic disorder with protean pelvic manif estations (urologic, gynecologic, gastroenterologic) and variable prev alence. Although current research indicates a non-bacteriologic etiolo gy, interstitial cystitis has features suggestive of autoimmunity, a d eficient bladder wall lining, activated bladder sensory neuropeptides and bladder mastocytosis, Pentosan polysulfate sodium is a recently ap proved oral treatment for interstitial cystitis. Further research into the gynecologic and pain aspects of interstitial cystitis is clearly needed.