Comparison of voiding questionnaires between female interstitial cystitis and female idiopathic overactive bladder.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to find out any different characteristics in various different voiding symptom questionnaires in the outpatient clinics between interstitial cystitis and overactive bladder.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2005 and December 2007, retrospectively were analyzed the consecutive 41 IC female patients' and 43 OAB female patients' questionnaires, who had completed three questionnaires at the outpatient department (Incontinence Quality of Life; I-QoL, King's Health Questionnaire; KHQ, International Prostate Symptom Score; IPSS). Additionally, the 41 IC patients also completed O'Leary Sant Questionnaire (OLS, or ICSI/ICPI).
RESULTS: No statistical differences existed in age and symptom duration between two groups (p>0.05). In I-QoL, only the social embarrassment score was statistically different between two groups (p<0.05), but the total score, avoidance and limiting behavior, and psychosocial impact scores were not (p>0.05). In KHQ, the general health perceptions, impact on life, social limitations, personal relationships, emotions, and sleep/energy scores were statistically different (p<0.033), but the role limitations, physical limitations, and incontinence severity measures scores were not (p>0.059). In IPSS, the straining symptom, and quality of life scores were different between two groups (p<0.05). The IC patients also completed OLS questionnaire with mean interstital cystitis symptom index score of 14.10±3.92, and interstitial cystitis problem index score of 11.79±3.75.
CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that some differences among symptom questions in questionnaires did exist between the two groups and that the IC group had much more impaired quality of life than the OABs.