Summary
This RFA seeks to expand a longitudinal follow-up study of a nationwide multiethnic cohort of veterans and non-veterans with Interstitial Cystitis (IC) to better understand its natural history, treatment patterns, and impact on quality of life.
What they want
The project involves expanding an existing prospective cohort of 378 VA patients with IC to 500, and adding additional cohorts at UCSD (200 patients) and Kansas University (100 patients). Patients will be contacted yearly to complete validated Quality of Life (QoL) surveys, 24-hour food recalls, and use Fitbit activity trackers. The study will also capture symptom flares, monitor for the development or worsening of comorbid conditions like PTSD and depression, measure disparities in care and outcomes, and validate previously tested urine biomarkers. The project will continue partnership with the IC Network (ICN) for education and dissemination of findings.
Deliverables
- Expanded prospective cohort of 800 IC patients (500 VA, 200 UCSD, 100 Kansas University)
- Annual validated QoL surveys from cohort patients
- Annual 24-hour food recalls from cohort patients
- Fitbit activity tracker data from cohort patients
- Data on symptom flares and comorbid conditions (PTSD, depression)
- Analysis of disparities in care and outcomes
- Validation of urine biomarkers
- Research findings disseminated through the IC Network
Technical requirements
- Use of validated questionnaires for annual follow-up
- Implementation of 24-hour food recalls
- Utilization of Fitbit activity trackers
- Measurement of urine biomarkers
