Abstract
BACKGROUND: Bladder pain syndrome (BPS), a condition with no gold standard diagnosis, comprises of a cluster of signs and symptoms. Bladder filling pain and bladder wall tenderness are two basic clinical features, present in a high number of sufferers. This study will validate the performance of these simple tests for BPS in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP).
METHODS/DESIGN: We will conduct a prospective test validation study amongst women with unexplained CPP presenting to gynaecology outpatient clinics. Two index tests will be performed: patient reported bladder filling pain and bladder wall tenderness on internal pelvic bimanual examination. A final diagnosis of BPS will be made by expert consensus panel. We will assess the rates of index tests in women with CPP; evaluate the correlation between index tests and Pelvic Pain Urgency/ Frequency (PUF) questionnaire results; and determine index test sensitivity and specificity using a range of analytical methods. Assuming a 50% prevalence of BPS and an 80% power approximately 152 subjects will be required exclude sensitivity of < 55% at 70% sensitivity.
DISCUSSION: The results of this test validation study will be used to identify whether a certain combination of signs and symptoms can accurately diagnose BPS.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 61 |
Journal | Reproductive Health |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2013 |
Keywords
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Clinical Protocols
- Cystitis, Interstitial
- Female
- Humans
- Pelvic Pain
- Prospective Studies
- Questionnaires