The place of antifungal treatment in interstitial cystitis

Abstract

Background and objectives:

Initial study to treat interstitial cystitis with anti-fungal treatment.

Methods and results:

This is an initial report about anti-fungal treatment in three patients with interstitial cystitis. All patients had been diagnosed and receiving treatment for at least two years. Various modalities had led only to minimal improvement. Anti-fungal therapy in the form of fluconazole was commenced in these patients. There was significant response in two cases; the third one had a moderate response.

Conclusion:

Anti-fungal treatment may play a role in the treatment of interstitial cystitis; further elaborate studies are needed. Research is also needed to study the role of fungal infection in the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis.