Prevalence of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis-like symptoms in women: a population-based study in Korea

Despite growing clinical interest in painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC, also known as bladder pain syndrome), estimating its prevalence is difficult because of its variable presentation and the lack of clear diagnostic criteria. In this study, we estimated the prevalence of PBS/IC-like urinary symptoms in adult women in the general population of South Korea. A population-based cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted among 2,323 women (18-71 years of age), selected by geographically stratified random sampling, based on Korean census data. The survey was performed by trained interviewers between September 22, 2008, and October 6, 2008. All participants were interviewed by telephone using a validated questionnaire, the O'Leary-Sant IC Symptom and Problem (OLS) index. Women with high symptom and problem index scores of 12 or greater and scores of two or greater for pain and nocturia symptoms were considered to have "probable PBS/IC," according to previously suggested criteria. After exclusions, a total of 2,300 respondents were included. The severity of symptoms increased with age. Eight respondents (0.35%) reported severe symptoms and problems (OLS survey scores of a parts per thousand yen12). Of these, six (261/100,000 or 0.26%, 95% CI 242-278) met previously suggested criteria for probable PBS/IC. The prevalence of PBS/IC-like urinary symptoms in South Korean women appeared to be lower than in Europe and the United States, and similar to that of Japan, according to common criteria. Screening for symptoms that are consistent with the disease may improve our understanding of its true prevalence.