Comparative Risk of Developing Interstitial Cystitis with Childhood Gastrointestinal, Urological, Autoimmune, or Psychiatric Disorders

Abstract

Aims: Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic urological condition associated with significant discomfort, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Although its etiology remains unclear, early-life conditions such as gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, urological anomalies (UA), psychiatric disorders (PD), and autoimmune diseases (AD) have been hypothesized as potential risk factors for developing IC in adulthood. This study aims to investigate these associations by conducting a retrospective cohort analysis utilizing data from the TriNetX US Collaborative Network, encompassing over 118 million patient records. Methods: The study and control groups were established across four categories of childhood disorders, with IC incidence monitored over a 14-year period. Statistical methodologies, including propensity score matching and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, were employed to compare outcomes between cohorts. Results: Findings indicate that childhood GI and UA conditions significantly elevate the risk of IC in adulthood, with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and urinary tract infections (UTIs) exhibiting risk ratios of 2.9 and 3.2, respectively. Gender disparities were also noted, with females exhibiting higher incidences of diseases included, particularly UA and AD during adolescence. Additionally, individuals with these early-life conditions demonstrated a higher prevalence of comorbidities, underscoring the complex interplay of health factors contributing to IC pathogenesis. Conclusions: These findings suggest that childhood GI and UA conditions may serve as predictive markers for IC, emphasizing the need for targeted early interventions and preventative care strategies. By identifying at-risk populations, this study provides valuable insights into early detection and management approaches, potentially mitigating the long-term burden of IC on affected individuals. Trial Registration: This paper includes an observational retrospective study. No clinical trial has been conducted.