Interstitial cystitis in men with an observed higher incidence in Native American men of Cherokee descent.

A series of 92 men with cystoscopically confirmed interstitial cystitis meeting NIDDK diagnostic criteria are presented for review. Eight-three were Caucasian males and 17% were American Indians of Cherokee descent. The predicted distribution in the Oklahoma population, using a non-association model, is 2% in the male population, with 95 other Native American tribes being represented in Oklahoma. The average age of presentation was higher among the Cherokee males with a longer duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis. In all patients, regardless of ethnic background, progression from mild to severe symptoms was 2.5 years. Cystoscopy with hydraulic distention of the bladder under anesthesia revealed low volume bladders with an average volume of 510 ml. Urinary cytologies were within normal limits along with negative TB urine cultures when clinically appropriate. Ongoing studies of the possible unique characteristics of this Native American population will be presented.

John B. Forrest, MD, and Sunshine Schmidt, BS. Tulsa, OK, Urologic Specialists of Oklahoma, Inc, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center-Tulsa, St John Medical Center, Tulsa, OK.