Clinical evaluation of 30 patients with interstitial cystitis complicated by fibromyalgia

PURPOSE: Although interstitial cystitis (IC) complicated by fibromyalgia (FM) is yet unreported in Japan, we encountered patients with the complications almost as frequently as in the USA. We report the present status of such patients and the significance of this complication. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the clinical findings of 30 patients with IC complicated by FM in the last four years. RESULTS: Average IC symptom index and problem index was 14.9 and 14.6, respectively. Average numbers of tender points for the criteria for FM was 16 locations. Both diseases have some similarities in the decrease in pain threshold, extensive pain, factors exacerbating symptoms and treatment methods. CONCLUSION: Approximately 11% of patients with IC have a complication of FM. They feel isolated due to the lack of understanding of the disease and endure generalized intolerable pain.