Elevation of serum c-reactive protein in patients with OAB and IC/BPS implies chronic

[icnmgrjill]

Chung SD, Liu HT, Lin H, Kuo HC. Elevation of serum c-reactive protein in patients with OAB and IC/BPS implies chronic inflammation in the urinary bladder. Neurourol Urodyn. 2011 Jan 31.

Department of Urology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Abstract

AIMS: Chronic inflammation has been implicated in the development of overactive bladder (OAB) and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS). An elevation of C-reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with chronic inflammation and lower urinary tract symptoms. This study aims to elucidate the association between CRP and OAB or IC/BPS.

METHODS: Serum CRP and urinary nerve growth factor (NGF) levels were examined in 70 patients with OAB (n = 22) or IC/BPS (n = 48) and compared with 33 normal controls. Data of serum CRP and urinary NGF levels were compared among the controls, IC/PBS, and OAB. The Spearmen correlation analysis test and ANOVA (Kruskal-Wallis) test were used for statistical analysis with P < 0.05 considered significant.

RESULTS: Serum CRP levels were significantly higher in subjects with OAB (1.83 ± 2.30 mg/L vs. 0.59 ± 0.40 mg/L, P = 0.012) or IC/BPS (1.76 ± 3.56 mg/L vs. 0.59 ± 0.40 mg/L, P = 0.049) than in controls. No significant difference in CRP level was noted between patients with OAB and IC/BPS (P = 0.43). In a subgroup analysis, patients of OAB wet had higher serum CRP level than that of OAB dry (2.95 ± 3.08 mg/L vs. 0.90 ± 0.52 mg/L); however, the difference did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.34). The CRP between OAB wet and OAB patients with medical disease was not significantly different. There was no significant correlation between serum CRP and urinary NGF levels in the controls or patients with OAB or IC/BPS, except in the OAB patients with a CRP level >3 mg/L.

CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the association between chronic inflammation of the urinary bladder in patients with OAB or IC/BPS. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[marar76]

Very interesting. If this is the case I wonder why steroids aren't used more often to reduce inflammation? My father has MS and when in a flare up that is severe or of long duration he uses iv steroids. I think we'll find that IC is autoimmune in nature and that steroids could be of major benefit. I also think that an anti-inflammatory diet would be interesting to consider. I know dairy, red meat, and certain veggies and fruit are known to cause inflammation in the body. We might have to reconsider the IC diet. Thanks for the info.

Rachael

[Linda May]

oh I would hate the thought of having to remove more foods from our ic diet. What would be great is a cure for this horrible desease.

[Lindsay K.]

It is interesting that OAB shows signs of inflammation and could prove that maybe OAB is a milder form of IC?

[sshannon74074]

I read on yahoo news the other day that chronic inflammation can lead to heart disease.

[cmclien]

There is some thought that OAB and IC are one and the same, kind of along a continuem (sp?). This would support that theory. My UG doesn't think they are the same but I've read in other places some doctors/researchers do. Both conditions have frequency and urgency, OAB doesn't have pain associated with it. There is more incontinence associated with OAB but you can have OAB without having that symptom.

[suzannes]

My Cardiac-CRP has been over 3 ( which is high risk) before I was dx with IC. I thought it was odd because I have low BP, great lipids, don't smoke and am a good weight, but after I was dx with IC I told my urologist that I thought it was elevated because of IC.

Chronic inflammation leads to heart disease and aging of the body in general that is why there is a push for anti oxidants which help gobble up inflammation. I've been taking vit E and fish oil and my c-crp is now 1.8 which is better. Unfortunately carbs are pro inflammatory.

Steroids are great for reducing inflammation, but have long term side effects on bones, eyes, increases risk for diabetes and weakens the immune system.

Suzanne