Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Research Articles

Kronik Prostatit/Kronik Pelvik Ağrı Sendromu ile İlgili YouTube Videolarının Analizi: Kalite ve Güvenilirlik

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and quality of information about chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic
 pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) available on YouTube.
 Material and Methods: A total of 200 videos were gathered using the search terms “chronic prostatitis”
 and “male chronic pelvic pain syndrome.” Two urologists analyzed and rated the videos based on their
 usefulness, quality, and reliability of content. The modified DISCERN tool and the Global Quality Score (GQS) ranking system were used to assess the reliability and quality of the videos.
 Results: Out of the 200 videos, 120 were found to be suitable for evaluation. The majority of videos were
 found to be useful ( 65.83%), and were mostly produced by healthcare professionals (86 videos). Videos
 produced by healthcare professionals of academic origin had higher views and longer duration compared to those from private origin (p=0.043 and 0.011 respectively). Time since upload was longer for videos uploaded by academic healthcare professionals (p=0.003). The average reliability score, average GQS score, and average content score were all significantly higher for videos uploaded by academic healthcare professionals (p

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy for male chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundA systematic review of the evidence was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (LI-ESWT) for patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).MethodsA comprehensive search was undertaken of the Cochrane Register, PubMed, and Embase databases for controlled trials that evaluated patients with CPPS who were treated with LI-ESWT and that were published before August 2019. The National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) was the most frequently used tool to evaluate the treatment efficacy of LI-ESWT. The NIH-CPSI comprises subscales for pain [using a visual analog scale (VAS)], urinary function, and quality of life (QoL).ResultsSix studies analyzing 317 patients were published from 2009 to 2019. The overall meta-analysis of the data indicated that LI-ESWT demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of CPPS at 12 weeks [risk difference (RD): 0.46; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.28–0.63; P<0.00001]. The studies were divided into 3 groups based on time after LI-ESWT (1, 12, and 24 weeks) and were compared in total NIH-CPSI scores, QoL, VAS scores, and urinary symptoms. The total NIH-CPSI scores, QoL, VAS scores, and urinary symptom scores improved significantly at 12 weeks after LI-ESWT (P<0.05), but not at 1 week or 24 weeks (P>0.05).ConclusionsBased on these studies, LI-ESWT may transiently improve the total NIH-CPSI scores, QoL, pain scores, and urinary symptom scores of patients with CPPS. Future research may elucidate the mechanisms underlying the effects of LI-ESWT on CPPS. Well-designed and long-term multicenter randomized controlled trials are urgently needed to estimate the real potential and ultimate use of these devices in patients with CPPS.

A comprehensive physical therapy evaluation for Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A case series exploring common findings

IntroductionMale Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (MCPPS) is a complex condition and difficult to decipher due to the multifactorial etiologies and system interrelationships. No studies to date have described a movement-based, multisystem assessment including the musculoskeletal, visceral, nervous, lymphatic and vascular systems, as well as manual prostate mobility testing.The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation to identify predominant mechanical and movement-based dysfunctions related to multiple anatomical structures and their interrelationships. Furthermore, symptoms and potentially confounding psychosocial, and environmental factors linked to MCPPS will be presented, and an overview of prospective treatment will be provided. MethodA retrospective analysis of evaluative findings for ten men was performed. The men, with an average age 35 (range 24–46) were referred to physical therapy for MCPPS. ResultsThis retrospective analysis of ten patients identifies potential contributing pain factors associated with MCPPS. Similarities in clinical presentation among men suffering from MCPPS were identified to include predominant mechanical dysfunctions of the thoraco-lumbar spine, the liver, the kidney, the femoral nerve, the bladder, the prostate, and the pelvic floor. ConclusionThe observations in this retrospective study demonstrate that the use of a multisystem assessment approach in patients with MCPPS is critical for their more effective treatment. On the basis of these findings, and the close mechanical interrelationships of the anatomical elements involved and multisystem MCPPS etiologies, larger-scale research is warranted.

Effect of radial shock wave on chronic pelvic pain syndrome/chronic prostatitis

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the effect of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (rESWT) on patients with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). [Participants and Methods] Forty male CPPS patients were randomly assigned into either an rESWT group or a control group. The first group was treated with rESWT two times per week for four weeks with a protocol 3,000 pulse, 12 Hz at 3 to 5 bar. The control group was treated with the same protocol, but the device’s probe had been turned off. The follow-up assessment was done using the National Institutes of Health-developed Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) before treatment, as well as one week, four weeks, and 8 weeks after treatment. [Results] No significant difference was found in terms of age, sub-domain, or the total score of the NIH-CPSI between the rESWT group and the control group at the baseline. A statistically significant decrease was determined in the pain domain, urine score, quality of life, and the total NIH-CPSI score of the rESWT group at all post-treatment time points. All domains and the total score of the NIH-CPSI at all three follow-up time points decreased more significantly in the rESWT group as compared to the control group. [Conclusion] The findings of this study confirmed that rESWT is an effective method for treating CPPS.

Comprehensive pelvic floor physical therapy program for men with idiopathic chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a prospective study.

BackgroundMale chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is a heterogeneous constellation of symptoms that causes significant impairment and is often challenging to treat. In this prospective study, we evaluated men with CPPS who underwent comprehensive pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) program. We used the previously validated Genitourinary Pain Index (GUPI) to measure outcomes.MethodsWe included 14 men who underwent physical therapy for idiopathic CPPS from October 2015 to October 2016. Men with clearly identifiable causes of pelvic pain, such as previous surgery, chronic infection, trauma, prostatitis and epididymitis were excluded. Treatment included: (I) manual therapy (internal and external) of pelvic floor and abdominal musculature to facilitate relaxation of muscles; (II) therapeutic exercises to promote range of motion, improve mobility/flexibility and strengthen weak muscles; (III) biofeedback to facilitate strengthening and relaxation of pelvic floor musculature; (IV) neuromodulation for pelvic floor muscle relaxation and pain relief. GUPI questionnaires were collected at initial evaluation and after the 10th visit. Higher scores reflect worse symptoms. Previous validation of the GUPI calculated a reduction of 7 points to robustly predict being a treatment responder (sensitivity 100%, specificity 76%) and a change in 4 points to predict modest response. Data are presented as medians (ranges).ResultsA total of 10 patients completed 10 visits, and the remaining four patients completed between 5 and 9 visits. The median National Institute of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) score at initial evaluation was 30.8 [16–39] and decreased to 22.2 [7–37] at the tenth visit. Five of the 10 patients (50%) in the study had a reduction of greater than 7 points indicating a robust treatment response, and two (20%) had a change of greater than 4 indicating moderate response. Three patients (30%) did not have any meaningful change in NIH-CPSI and the remaining four are in the process of completing 10 sessions. Duration of therapy appears to predict treatment response. Longer duration has better response.ConclusionsMale CPPS is difficult to treat and often requires a multimodal approach. Based on the results of our pilot study, pelvic floor rehabilitation may be an effective treatment option for select patients. A larger study with a control group is needed to validate the routine use of pelvic floor rehabilitation in men with CPPS and predict characteristics of men who would respond to therapy.

Comparing electromagnetic stimulation with electrostimulation plus biofeedback in treating male refractory chronic pelvic pain syndrome

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) versus electrostimulation plus biofeedback (ESB) for the treatment of refractory chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) in men. Materials and MethodsA total of 23 male refractory CPPS patients were included in the study. EMS was applied for 30 minutes, three times weekly, for 6 weeks, for pelvic floor rehabilitation. We retrospectively compared the outcomes with 22 male refractory CPPS patients treated with ESB twice a week for 2 weeks, and later once a week for 4 weeks. Each ESB session lasted 45 minutes, including biofeedback (15 minutes) followed by electrostimulation (30 minutes). The outcome measures included the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptoms Index (NIH-CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and a visual analogue score for pain from baseline to 12 weeks after completion of treatment. ResultsSignificantly reduced pain, improved quality of life (QoL), and lowered total score of the NIH-CPSI were observed in both groups (all p < 0.05). The ESB group also demonstrated improvement in the urinary subscore of the NIH-CPSI. No significant differences were found between the groups in the urinary score measures of the NIH-CPSI. The mean pain score (p=0.035), QoL (p=0.012), and total score (p=0.009) improved significantly in the ESB group compared with EMS group. Total IPSS and visual analogue score improved significantly after treatment in both groups. However, no significant differences were noted between the groups in the total and subdomain sums of the IPSS. ConclusionBoth EMS and ESB physical therapy of the pelvic floor muscle effectively reduce pain, increase the QoL, and improve urinary tract symptoms in male CPPS patients who are refractory to medical treatments. The combination therapy of ES plus biofeedback demonstrates additional benefits in pain and QoL when compared with EMS alone.

Manual Therapy and Education for Physical Therapy Management of Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Manual Therapy and Education for Physical Therapy Management of Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (MCPPS) is defined as chronic pain, pressure, or discomfort localized to the pelvis, perineum, or genitalia of males lasting more than 3 months that is not due to readily explainable causes. Other names for the disorder include prostatodynia and chronic nonbacterial (abacterial) prostatitis, although it is unclear how the symptoms relate to the prostate. And it appears to be extensive variability in clinical presentation and may result in chronic neuropathic pain and neuromuscular pain. Therefore patients with MCPPS should be cared by multimodal treatment including antihyperalgesics, antidepressants and pain intervention procedures such as caudal block. We report successful care in two men with MCPPS.

Male chronic pelvic pain syndrome and the role of interdisciplinary pain management

This paper is a team collaboration which aims to describe the multidisciplinary chronic pelvic pain (CPP) service for men in a major London teaching hospital. Evidence from the European Association for Urology Guidelines and the small pool of relevant psychological literature is reviewed as well as results from our pelvic pain programme (LINK) in association with a description of the programme. Treatment targets for men with CPP are outlined. The roles of the consultant in pain management, clinical nurse specialist, clinical psychologist and specialist physiotherapist in delivering treatment are described. This includes the journey from initial consultation through treatment options. Finally, we describe our pelvic pain programme (LINK) which aims to deliver an effective multidisciplinary intervention via single sex groups. This programme links all significant treatment dimensions as well as connecting groups of patients to reduce their sense of isolation. Evidence is presented from the formal evaluation of the programme.

Neuromodulation in male chronic pelvic pain syndrome: rationale and practice

This review explores the treatment of male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) (i.e., chronic prostatitis) through the use of neuromodulation, which is the electrical stimulation of the nervous system. Neuromodulation has been used for the treatment of chronic pain for decades, and this review will examine the theory and use of neuromodulation and the various techniques available for the treatment of CPPS. Existing literature on the use of neuromodulation of the pelvic nerves for the treatment of chronic urogenital pelvic pain was reviewed. Because of limited published research, much of the data are not explicitly for male CPPS. Neuromodulation techniques used for chronic pelvic pain conditions include SNS, PTNS and pudendal nerve stimulation. Only SNS and PTNS are currently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of urinary symptoms, and none of these methods are acknowledged as standard therapies for treating chronic pelvic pain syndromes. The improvement of urinary symptoms is more clearly defined than improvements in pain, but at least a subset of patients in most of the published studies and case series derive some benefit in the short term and limited evidence suggests that long-term improvement of symptoms is possible. However, explantation rates are high in all long-term series of patients receiving implantable neuromodulation devices. Neuromodulation appears to provide benefits for patients with CPPS. However, because of the paucity of data and the limitations of small studies, the conclusions of the existing literature must be carefully considered. Because we are still becoming familiar with the pathophysiology of the pain syndromes and the mechanism of neuromodulation on urinary and pain symptoms, we cannot yet predict a particular individual's response to neuromodulation. To determine the long-term efficacy of this therapy, more clinical study is needed to explore the use of neuromodulation in the treatment of male CPPS.

6-Day Intensive Treatment Protocol for Refractory Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Using Myofascial Release and Paradoxical Relaxation Training

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome continues to elude conventional therapy. Evidence supports the concept that phenotypes of pelvic muscular tenderness and psychosocial distress respond to myofascial trigger point release and specific relaxation training. This case series reports long-term outcomes of a 6-day intensive combination of such therapies in refractory cases. A total of 200 men with pain for a median of 4.8 years referred themselves to Stanford University Urology for participation in an established protocol. Daily 3 to 5-hour sessions including intrapelvic/extrapelvic physiotherapy, self-treatment training and paradoxical relaxation training provided a solid introduction to facilitate self-management. Subjects answered baseline and followup questionnaires at variable intervals after initiation of therapy including the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, global response assessment and a psychological query. We followed 116 men for a median of 6 months. Baseline total symptom index was 26 out of a maximum 43 points. Scores decreased by 30% (p <0.001) at followup with 60% of subjects demonstrating a 6-point or greater decrease (range 6 to 30). Domains of pain, urinary dysfunction and quality of life showed significant improvement (p <0.001). Global response assessment revealed that 82% of subjects reported improvement (59% marked to moderate, 23% slight). Men with chronic pelvic pain refractory to traditional treatment benefit from intensive myofascial trigger point therapy and concomitant paradoxical relaxation training. Education in techniques for self-administered trigger point release and continued pelvic muscle relaxation help patients reduce pain and dysfunction. Refinement of clinical phenotyping and selection of patients with pelvic muscle tenderness should enhance the success rate with this treatment modality.

A pilot study of botulinum toxin A for male chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) has been the subject of numerous clinical trials, but so far, no uniformly effective treatment has been identified. A commonly reported tender spot in men with CPPS is the bulbospongiosus muscle. A randomized placebo controlled pilot trial of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) injection into the perineal skeletal musculature for the treatment CPPS was conducted. Twenty-nine men with CPPS were identified from a urology clinic. Symptom evaluation was performed using a Global Response Assessment (GRA) and the Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI). All subjects were randomized to receive either BTX-A 100 U or normal saline injected into the perineal body and bulbospongiosus muscle. BTX-A injection was administered in 13 men. At the 1 month follow-up there was a 30% response rate for BTX-A treatment compared with 13% for placebo (p = 0.0002), based on GRA results. Total CPSI score did not reach significance in the BTX-A-treated group, compared with controls. The CPSI pain subdomain score reached statistical significance in the BTX-A patients compared with controls (p = 0.05). The injections were well tolerated. There were no complications from the injections and no patients reported side-effects. BTX-A injection into the perineal body and bulbospongiosus muscle results in a modest response rate on the GRA compared with placebo for overall symptoms associated with CPPS. The treatment is well tolerated and safe. BTX-A use may enhance polytherapeutic pain management.

Use of the UPOINT Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome Classification in European Patient Cohorts: Sexual Function Domain Improves Correlations

Patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome are difficult to treat due to the unknown etiology and complex clinical presentation. Clinical phenotyping may better correlate with multimodal treatment concepts than a current diagnosis. We evaluated a novel clinical phenotyping system in a database of patients with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome at 2 European institutions and correlated it with patient symptoms. We also investigated the addition of a sexual dysfunction domain in regard to symptom correlation and system internal consistency. We retrospectively classified 937 patients from Milan, Italy, and 290 from Giessen, Germany, with chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome into a 6-domain phenotyping system, consisting of urinary, psychosocial, organ specific, infection, neurological and muscle tenderness domains, termed UPOINT. Symptom severity was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index and the International Prostate Symptom Score. There was significant correlation between the number of positive UPOINT domains and Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index/International Prostate Symptom Score symptoms in the total and Italian cohorts but not in the German cohort. After adding a sexual dysfunction domain to create the modified UPOINTS system phenotypic domains also correlated significantly with Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index symptoms in the German cohort. Consistency of the UPOINT chronic prostatitis-chronic pelvic pain syndrome clinical phenotyping system was generally confirmed by our study and further refined by adding a sexual dysfunction domain. The treatment effect of clinical phenotyping with UPOINT(S) must be extensively evaluated in prospective treatment studies.

Painful Myofascial Trigger Points and Pain Sites in Men With Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

A combination of manual physiotherapy and specific relaxation training effectively treats patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. However, little information exists on myofascial trigger points and specific chronic pelvic pain symptoms. We documented relationships between trigger point sites and pain symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. We randomly selected a cohort of 72 men who underwent treatment with physiotherapy and relaxation training from 2005 to 2008. Patients self-reported up to 7 pelvic pain sites before treatment and whether palpation of internal and external muscle trigger points reproduced the pain. Fisher's exact test was used to compare palpation responses, ie referral pain, stratified by reported pain site. Pain sensation at each anatomical site was reproduced by palpating at least 2 of 10 designated trigger points. Furthermore, 5 of 7 painful sites could be reproduced at least 50% of the time (p <0.05). The most prevalent pain sites were the penis in 90.3% of men, the perineum in 77.8% and the rectum in 70.8%. Puborectalis/pubococcygeus and rectus abdominis trigger points reproduced penile pain more than 75% of the time (p <0.01). External oblique muscle palpation elicited suprapubic, testicular and groin pain in at least 80% of the patients at the respective pain sites (p <0.01). This report shows relationships between myofascial trigger points and reported painful sites in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Identifying the site of clusters of trigger points inside and outside the pelvic floor may assist in understanding the role of muscles in this disorder and provide focused therapeutic approaches.

Male chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Prevalence, risk factors, treatment patterns, and socioeconomic impact

Type III prostatitis (chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome) is the most common form of prostatitis, accounting for 8% to 15% of urology outpatient office visits. Symptoms, including pain in the perineum, suprapubic region, testicles, or tip of the penis, are often exacerbated by urination or ejaculation. Currently available therapies have limited effectiveness in alleviating these symptoms. Further, there is an unexplained association between type III prostatitis and other unexplained somatic symptoms. Due to its high prevalence and lack of effective therapies, direct and indirect costs associated with type III prostatitis are substantial.

Prostatite chronique et syndrome douloureux pelvien chronique de l’homme. Enquête auprès des urologues français

OBJECTIVE OF THE SURVEY: To determine the usual practice of French urologists in relation to the diagnostic and therapeutic management of chronic prostatitis. A questionnaire on the diagnostic and therapeutic management of chronic prostatitis was sent by mail in June 2003 to 810 urologists, members of the Association Française d'Urologie and working in France. 124 (15%) urologists returned the questionnaire. 61% of these urologists diagnosed less than 11 new cases of chronic prostatitis per year and 65% were not familiar with the new classification proposed in 1995 in the USA by the NIH (National Institutes of Heath) designed to remove this disease from the strict context of the prostate, placing greater emphasis on the concept of pain and introducing the concept of male chronic pelvic pain syndrome. 83% of urologists performed microbiological investigations often or always, but only 10% often or always performed a Meares and Stamey test comprising analysis of prostatic secretions after massage and 68% never performed this test. On the other hand, 76% of urologists ordered a first-stream urine culture, 61% ordered a second-stream urine culture and 76% ordered semen culture. 73% often or always prescribed antibiotics (82% used fluoroquinolones and 43% used the trimethoprim-sulfmethoxazole combination). Even in the absence of microbiological proof of infection, 41% of urologists often or always prescribed antibiotics, 89% sometimes or often prescribed an alpha-blocking agent, 89% sometimes, often or always prescribed a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, 81% sometimes, often or always prescribed analgesics, 52% sometimes or often prescribed anxiolytics, and 66% sometimes or often referred the patient to another specialist. This survey shows that chronic prostatitis, now generally referred to as "chronic pelvic pain syndrome", continues to raise diagnostic and therapeutic problems for French urologists.

A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, PLACEBO CONTROLLED, DOUBLE-BLIND STUDY OF PELVIC ELECTROMAGNETIC THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PELVIC PAIN SYNDROME WITH 1 YEAR OF FOLLOWUP

Male chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a condition of uncertain etiology and treatment is often unsatisfactory. There is evidence that the symptom complex may result from pelvic floor muscular dysfunction and/or neural hypersensitivity/inflammation. We hypothesized that the application of electromagnetic therapy may have a neuromodulating effect on pelvic floor spasm and neural hypersensitivity. Following full Stamey localization men with National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases category III prostatitis were prospectively randomized to receive active electromagnetic or placebo therapy. Active therapy consisted of 15 minutes of pelvic floor stimulation at a frequency of 10 Hz, followed by a further 15 minutes at 50 Hz, twice weekly for 4 weeks. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 3 months and 1 year after treatment using validated visual analog scores. A total of 21 men with a mean age of 47.8 years (range 25 to 67) were analyzed. Mean symptom scores decreased significantly in the actively treated group at 3 months and 1 year (p <0.05), unlike the placebo group, which showed no significant change (p >0.05). Subanalysis of those receiving active treatment showed that the greatest improvement was in pain related symptoms. The novel use of pelvic floor electromagnetic therapy may be a promising new noninvasive option for chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men.

A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Multicentre Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Finasteride for Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Category IIIA Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis)

A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Multicentre Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Finasteride for Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (Category IIIA Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis)

The Italian Version of the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index

Objectives: To perform the Italian version of the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NHI-CPSI), and to study its linguistic validity and its correlations with the Visual Analogue Scale for pain (VAS) and the Italian version of International Prostatic Symptom Score (I-PSS) in men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) and healthy controls. Methods: A rigorous double-back translation of the original English NHI-CPSI was performed by a staff composed of 3 professional bilingual experts and 3 urologists. The study population consisted of 160 male CPPS patients and 125 healthy controls, who were asked to self complete the Italian version of the NHI-CPSI together with the VAS and the Italian I-PSS. The discriminatory power, psychometric properties, internal correlations and convergent validity of the questionnaire were tested. Results: Of the 285 enrolled patients, 223 patients (142 with CPPS and 81 healthy patients) were definitively considered for the study. The overall Italian NIH-CPSI scores and each subscale differed significantly ( p < 0.001) between the two groups, and so that the index proved a good discriminant validity. High correlations were found between the VAS and the pain domain (0.88) and between I-PSS and void domain (0.94), suggesting a good convergent validity of the Italian version of the NIH-CPSI. The questionnaire proved to have a high internal consistency. Conclusions: The Italian NIH-CPSI is a reliable symptom index that can be self-administrated in about 5 minutes in daily clinical practice for the follow-up of the Italian patients with chronic prostatitis.

MULTIDISCIPLINARY PAIN ABSTRACTS: 21 . Neurology (21)

The authors evaluated men with and without chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) to determine if there were differences between the two groups in their responses to noxious heat stimuli. Sixty‐six healthy men without CPPS and 36 men with a history of CPPS were recruited for the study. Thermal sensory tests were conducted with a small thermode programmed to deliver two series of four rapid bursts of noxious heat stimuli to the perineum and the anterior thigh. The subjects reported sensation on a computerized visual analog scale (COVAS) with a manual sliding lever. The average peak COVAS values and time to peak values from thigh and perineum of each series of thermal bursts were compared between CPPS and controls. The mean pain score on questionnaires was 9.7 (4 or greater indicating significant pain). The mean urinary score was 4.7 (range 0 to 10) and the mean quality of life impact score was 7.3 (range 3 to 13). There was no difference between groups in the peak COVAS value on the thigh. The authors concluded that men with CPPS have altered heat sensation/pain sensitization in the perineum compared to controls. This finding is another that supports the resemblance of CPPS to other chronic pain syndromes and may help explain why CPPS is often refractory to treatment. Further investigations into male CPPS should focus on the mechanisms inducing and maintaining pain in an effort to treat this condition effectively.