Bladder pain syndrome:validation of simple tests for diagnosis in women with chronic pelvic pain: BRaVADO study protocol

BACKGROUND: Bladder pain syndrome (BPS), a condition with no gold standard diagnosis, comprises of a cluster of signs and symptoms. Bladder filling pain and bladder wall tenderness are two basic clinical features, present in a high number of sufferers. This study will validate the performance of these simple tests for BPS in women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP). METHODS/DESIGN: We will conduct a prospective test validation study amongst women with unexplained CPP presenting to gynaecology outpatient clinics. Two index tests will be performed: patient reported bladder filling pain and bladder wall tenderness on internal pelvic bimanual examination. A final diagnosis of BPS will be made by expert consensus panel. We will assess the rates of index tests in women with CPP; evaluate the correlation between index tests and Pelvic Pain Urgency/ Frequency (PUF) questionnaire results; and determine index test sensitivity and specificity using a range of analytical methods. Assuming a 50% prevalence of BPS and an 80% power approximately 152 subjects will be required exclude sensitivity of < 55% at 70% sensitivity. DISCUSSION: The results of this test validation study will be used to identify whether a certain combination of signs and symptoms can accurately diagnose BPS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN1302860

MRI reporting standard for chronic pelvic pain:Consensus development

AIM: To identify radiological parameters that should be reported on gynaecological MRI in order to create a standardized assessment pro forma for reporting CPP, which may be used in clinical practice. METHODS: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in females is a common problem presenting a major challenge to healthcare providers. The complex multifactorial aetiology requires a multidisciplinary approach and often necessitates diagnostic laparoscopy for assessment. MRI is emerging as a potential non-invasive alternative for evaluation of CPP; however, standardization of reporting is required for it to be used in routine clinical practice. A two-generational Delphi survey with an expert panel of 28 radiologists specializing in gynaecological MRI from across the UK was used to refine a proposed reporting template for CPP. RESULTS: 75% response rate for the first round and 79% for the second. Following the second round, agreement was reached on the structure of the pro forma and the way in which information was sought, with overall consistency of agreement between experts deemed as fair (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.394). This was accepted as the final version by consensus. CONCLUSION: The standardized pro forma developed in this study will form the basis for future prospective evaluation of MRI in CPP. This template could be modified for the assessment of other benign gynaecological conditions. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Female CPP is a significant problem presenting challenges for clinicians. MRI is often used for evaluation and standardization of techniques, and reporting is required. The pro forma developed in this study will form the basis for future prospective MRI evaluation

Assimilating evidence quality at a glance using graphic display: research synthesis on labor induction

Evidence profiled in the World Health Organization induction of labor guideline extended to 84 tables and 116 pages, which is hard to assimilate. Summarizing this evidence graphically can present information on key outcomes succinctly, illustrating where the gaps, strengths and weaknesses lie. For induction of labor, graphic representation clearly showed that evidence was lacking on maternal complications when comparing oxytocin with other agents, evidence was strong on birth within 24 h when comparing vaginal prostaglandins with placebo or no treatment, but again it was weak on uterine hyperstimulation when comparing oxytocin with vaginal prostaglandins. These graphs/plots allow readers to capture the essence of the information gathered at a glance. The use of graphical displays when interpreting and publishing data on several comparisons and outcomes is encourage

MRI reporting standard for chronic pelvic pain: consensus development

AIM: To identify radiological parameters that should be reported on gynaecological MRI in order to create a standardized assessment pro forma for reporting CPP, which may be used in clinical practice. METHODS: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in females is a common problem presenting a major challenge to healthcare providers. The complex multifactorial aetiology requires a multidisciplinary approach and often necessitates diagnostic laparoscopy for assessment. MRI is emerging as a potential non-invasive alternative for evaluation of CPP; however, standardization of reporting is required for it to be used in routine clinical practice. A two-generational Delphi survey with an expert panel of 28 radiologists specializing in gynaecological MRI from across the UK was used to refine a proposed reporting template for CPP. RESULTS: 75% response rate for the first round and 79% for the second. Following the second round, agreement was reached on the structure of the pro forma and the way in which information was sought, with overall consistency of agreement between experts deemed as fair (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.394). This was accepted as the final version by consensus. CONCLUSION: The standardized pro forma developed in this study will form the basis for future prospective evaluation of MRI in CPP. This template could be modified for the assessment of other benign gynaecological conditions. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Female CPP is a significant problem presenting challenges for clinicians. MRI is often used for evaluation and standardization of techniques, and reporting is required. The pro forma developed in this study will form the basis for future prospective MRI evaluation