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International Urogynecology Journal
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal 11/2019

01-11-2019 | Fibromyalgia | Review Article

Small fiber polyneuropathy as a potential therapeutic target in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome

Authors: Catherine A. Matthews, Shaun P. Deveshwar, Robert J. Evans, Gopal Badlani, Stephen J. Walker

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 11/2019

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are frequently co-occurring medical diagnoses in patients referred to the urology clinic for secondary and tertiary treatment options.

Methods

Abundant literature has shown that many patients with FM have small fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN) that can be confirmed via skin punch biopsy and immunological staining to measure nerve density.

Results and conclusions

This finding of SFPN provides a therapeutic target for FM and in this article we hypothesize and provide rationale for the idea that this same phenomenon (SFPN) might explain, in some IC/BPS patients, the finding of widespread pain and likewise provide a therapeutic target for these patients.
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Metadata
Title
Small fiber polyneuropathy as a potential therapeutic target in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome
Authors
Catherine A. Matthews
Shaun P. Deveshwar
Robert J. Evans
Gopal Badlani
Stephen J. Walker
Publication date
01-11-2019
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 11/2019
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-019-04011-x

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