Research Studies:

For patients interested in participating in research studies being conducted in this area, please contact the physicians or study coordinators of the following:

MaGIC Study ( Maryland Genetics of Interstitial Cystitis) -

Study Background:  

Although the cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, the disease does seem to run in some families suggesting that there may be a genetic susceptibility. The disease is found to be 17 times more common in first-degree relatives than the general population. Furthermore, if one twin has interstitial cystitis, the disease is much more common in identical co-twins than fraternal co-twins. This evidence suggests that, in some families, genes that make a person susceptible to interstitial cystitis are being passed from one generation to the next.

The University of Maryland School of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health are performing a study to identify these genes for susceptibility for interstitial cystitis. This study is entitled the Maryland Genetics of Interstitial Cystitis (MaGIC) study. The MaGIC study will investigate several hundred families with two or more blood relatives with interstitial cystitis. The study will seek to find changes in genes that are found far more commonly in family members who have interstitial cystitis than in those who do not have the disease.

Who is eligible to participate:  

This national study will be conducted by telephone and mail, in which patients can participate entirely from home.

A woman may be eligible if she.
•  Has interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome.
•  Has at least one blood relative with interstitial cystitis, painful bladder syndrome, or urinary symptoms similar theirs
•  Is 13 years of age or older.
•  Is available for a telephone, mail, or web site interview.
•  Lives in the USA or Canada

To contact the Recruitment Director, Linda Horne, please call 1-877-STUDY-IC (1-877-788-3942) or by email at studyic@medicine.umaryland.edu . The web site address is http://icresearch.umaryland.edu.

Pain & Interstitial Cystitis -
(Women only):
This study, conducted by Dr. Ursula Wesselman of Johns Hopkins Hospital , is currently researching pain and IC. You will be compensated $100.00 for your time (this study involves one visit lasting approximately three hours) and will greatly add to the understanding of pain management for interstitial cystitis.

Criteria for eligibility includes women who have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, are between the ages of 18 and 45, who are currently regularly menstruating or are on oral birth control medication and are not pregnant, you are an appropriate candidate for participation in this study. There are no risks associated with this research and you will experience minimal pain or discomfort during the examination.

If you are interested in participating in this study or would like more information, please contact Dr. Wesselman at Johns Hopkins Hospital , Blaustein Pain Treatment Center at (410) 614-4517 or via email at women@bme.jhu.edu . Dr. Wesselman's website is located at Pain@jhmi.edu.

>>The NIDDK and NIH sponsor this study.