Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) remains a challenging condition with no universally effective or long-lasting treatment. The diverse underlying pathophysiology of this disease may contribute to treatment variability. This study aimed to explore the association between clinical parameters, urinary biomarkers, and overall treatment outcomes in women with IC/BPS.

This retrospective study included female patients diagnosed with IC/BPS. Clinical symptoms, videourodynamic findings, cystoscopic features under anesthesia, and urinary inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were analyzed. Patients were categorized based on their treatment satisfaction, and predictive clinical factors for a favorable treatment response were identified.

A total of 315 IC/BPS patients were included, comprising 291 non-Hunner’s IC (NHIC) and 24 Hunner’s IC cases, with a mean age of 53.3 ± 13.3 years and a median follow-up period of 10 years. Among NHIC patients, 167 (57.4%) achieved a satisfactory treatment outcome (GRA 2 or 3). A larger maximal bladder capacity (MBC) during hydrodistention and a greater first sensation of filling (FSF) on videourodynamic study were associated with better treatment responses. Additionally, lower urinary levels of C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and 8-isoprostane were predictive of a favorable outcome in NHIC patients.

These findings suggest that NHIC patients with greater FSF, larger MBC, and lower urinary levels of CXCL10, 8-OHdG, and 8-isoprostane are more likely to experience a satisfactory treatment response. This highlights the potential role of reduced bladder inflammation in achieving better therapeutic outcomes.