The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction in Interstitial Cystitis Patients

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
This is a prospective cohort study to investigate differences in the bladder environment (i.e. urinary microbiome) amongst women with interstitial cystitis (IC) before and after undergoing mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) treatment, including yoga and meditation practices.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Interstitial cystitis (IC), or Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS) is a debilitating condition of the bladder that is estimated to affect 3-8 million women in the United States. The pathophysiology of the disease is poorly understood, and thus treatment modalities and treatment efficacy vary widely. Lately, much attention has shifted toward investigating how the bladder 'environment' differs amongst women with IC compared to those who do not suffer from IC. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), a complementary alternative medicine (CAM)-based therapy, is a standardized program including components of meditation and yoga. Recent studies show that MBSR improves symptoms in the IC patient population. The purpose of this study is to compare measurable differences in the urinary microbiome among women with IC before and after MBSR treatment.

Official Title
-----------------
The Effects of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction on the Urinary Microbiome in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome

Conditions
-----------------
Interstitial Cystitis

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Other: MBSR


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Adults 18 years of age or older English-speaking Established patient of Cincinnati Urogynecology Associates, TriHealth Inc. Current diagnosis of IC/PBS, as defined by the American Urological Association (AUA) Negative urinalysis or urine culture within 2 months of enrollment Currently undergoing first or second-line treatment for IC, as defined by the AUA Willingness to participate in study Exclusion Criteria: Non-English speaking Unwillingness to participate in study Pregnancy or breastfeeding Physical or mental impairment that would affect the subject's ability to participate in the MBSR treatment, including patients with Dementia, Parkinsonism, or those who have impaired mobility or hearing Current or expected prolonged catheterization Expected travel or surgery that would hinder the ability to attend all eight MBSR sessions Undergoing third-, fourth-, fifth-, or sixth-line treatment for IC as defined by the AUA Subjects on antibiotics currently or prior use within one week of consenting

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Other: Mindfulness Cohort<br>Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) treatment group | Other: MBSR<br>* Guided yoga and meditation practices<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Difference in the urinary microbiome before and after MBSR treatment | Urinary microbiome sequencing analysis will be performed by Resphera Biosciences Laboratory | Before intervention and after completion of the intervention, up to 9 weeks |