The Current and Future Burden and Cost of Overactive Bladder in Five European Countries

Tolterodine for the treatment of overactive bladder

BACKGROUND

The overactive bladder syndrome is a common condition affecting approximately 12% of men and women. It is extremely disturbing with a great impact on quality of life. Its treatment involves a combination of behavioural and pharmacological therapy. The latter includes antimuscarinic drugs such as tolterodine.

OBJECTIVE

To review the safety and efficacy of tolterodine in the treatment of overactive bladder in comparison with other available antimuscarinic agents.

METHODS

A Pubmed search was carried out differentiating randomised, clinical trials; longitudinal, retrospective studies; and metanalysis on the use of tolterodine for overactive bladder treatment. In the comparison with other antimuscarinic agents, only randomised, clinical trials were considered.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Tolterodine is available as immediate- or extended-release formulations. It has been extensively evaluated with long-term, randomised trials for safety and efficacy showing a significant improvement in overactive bladder symptoms with an excellent tolerability profile.

Diagnosis and treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of overactive bladder and bladder outlet obstruction among men in general practice in the UK

OBJECTIVE

To assess the epidemiology and treatment of storage symptoms suggestive of overactive bladder (OAB) and voiding symptoms suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) because of benign prostatic hyperplasia in UK general practice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of data collected between 2000 and 2006 and entered in The Health Improvement Network general practice database, containing medical records for > 1 million men (aged >or= 18 years) in the UK. Using Read codes, we analysed the prevalence of storage and voiding lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as well as prescribing trends for 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) and alpha-blockers for LUTS secondary to BOO and antimuscarinics for OAB.

RESULTS

In 2006, the prevalence of diagnosed LUTS/OAB was only 0.3% and the recorded prevalence of LUTS/BOO was only 2.2%. Treatment rates also remained low throughout the study period. In the 12 months before 1 January 2006, only 25% of men diagnosed with OAB and 6-7% of men with storage LUTS received antimuscarinics, whereas 36% of men with a record of LUTS/BOO received alpha-blockers and/or 5ARIs. Alpha-blockers were prescribed to approximately 10% of men diagnosed with OAB or storage LUTS who did not have any recorded BOO diagnosis or symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of both storage and voiding LUTS occurs at much lower rates than indicated by prevalence estimates. Despite the availability of effective prescription therapies, many men with storage and/or voiding LUTS may not be receiving appropriate treatment in UK general practice.

Symptom bother and health care-seeking behavior among individuals with overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE

To estimate symptom bother and health care seeking among individuals with overactive bladder (OAB; ie, cases) using current International Continence Society definitions.

METHODS

This was a nested case-controlled analysis of data from the EPIC study, a population-based, cross-sectional survey of adults in five countries. Cases and matched controls were asked about risk factors, use of coping techniques, and health care seeking for urinary symptoms. Cases were asked about symptom bother and assessed with the Overactive Bladder-Validated 8 and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition instruments.

RESULTS

Among cases (n=1434), 54% reported symptom bother; rates were similar between men (54%) and women (53%). Significantly more men with urinary incontinence (UI) reported bother (77%) than women with UI (67%; p<or=0.05). Among cases with UI who reported bother, more women (73%) than men (51%) used a urinary symptom coping technique, and the proportions were significantly greater than controls (men: 10%; women: 15%; p<or=0.05 for cases with UI vs. controls). Among cases using coping techniques, 63% of men and 69% of women initiated a conversation with a health care provider. Initiation of conversation with a health care provider was highest among cases who had a doctor visit within 6 mo (odds ratio [OR], 2.8), used coping techniques (OR, 2.2), or reported symptom bother (OR, 2.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Cases reporting symptom bother, particularly those with UI, were significantly more likely to use coping techniques and seek health care advice. Clinicians should screen for OAB in all cases and assess symptom bother in those affected to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Evolution of transdermal oxybutynin in the treatment of overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome affects millions of people worldwide. In addition to adversely affecting quality of life, the direct and indirect costs in managing patients with OAB incur a substantial financial burden on health services. Among the approved anticholinergics for treating OAB, oxybutynin is the most extensively studied drug in clinical trials. The principle metabolite of oxybutynin has a higher affinity for muscarinic receptors in salivary glands which lead to significantly high dry mouth rates. This prompted the development of alternative formulations of oxybutynin aiming to achieve better tolerability whilst sustaining efficacy. This editorial examines the efficacy and tolerability of transdermal oxybutynin (OXY-TD) in treating OAB. Articles were retrieved from PubMed between 2000 to the present day relating to OXY-TD. Data is presented from phase I-IV trials. The results from placebo-controlled trials indicate that OXY-TD is efficacious in treating patients with OAB associated with urge urinary or mixed incontinence. Systemic side effects most notably dry mouth, appear to be less with this formulation compared with oral anticholinergics. However, further study is required in different OAB populations. The main limitation appears to be related to application site adverse events such as pruritus and erythema. OXY-TD is likely to find its place as first-line pharmacotherapy in the clinicians' armamentarium in treating OAB.

Overactive bladder: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Overactive bladder is an important lower urinary tract syndrome that negatively affects the quality of life of millions of people worldwide. Both sexes and all age groups may be affected; therefore many specialists, including urologists, gynaecologists, geriatricians, paediatricians, physiotherapists and continence advisors, are involved in the management of patients with overactive bladder.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is ongoing research, both basic science and clinical trials, to establish the cause of overactive bladder and to determine the best method of managing patients who suffer from this syndrome. New theories and modified definitions of overactive bladder have been proposed, structured evidence-based management guidelines have been established, more prevalence studies have been conducted and new treatment strategies have emerged.

SUMMARY

Overactive bladder is now recognized as a chronic debilitating condition that costs millions of dollars. With an ageing population these costs will increase, and it is necessary that health systems around the world recognize this. Further research into the basic science of the condition is required to identify the true cause of overactive bladder, allowing new targeted treatments to be established.

Design and Validation of a New Screening Instrument for Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: The Bladder Control Self-Assessment Questionnaire (B-SAQ)

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a short patient self-assessment screening questionnaire: bladder control self-assessment questionnaire (B-SAQ) for the evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms. This first validation study was undertaken amongst women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Three hundred twenty-nine women attending general gynaecology and urogynaecology clinics completed both the B-SAQ and Kings Health questionnaire prior to medical consultation, and independent physician assessment of the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and need for treatment. The psychometric properties of the B-SAQ were subsequently analysed.

RESULTS

The B-SAQ was quick and easy to complete, with 89% of respondents completing all items correctly in less than 5 min. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha score 0.90-0.91), criterion validity (Pearson's correlation values of 0.79 and 0.81, p<0.0001 with the incontinence impact domain of the Kings Health questionnaire), and test-retest reliability of the questionnaire were good. The sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire to identify patients with bothersome LUTS was 98% and 79%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

LUTS are commonly underreported. Empowering patients to self-assess their bladder symptoms and the need for treatment will improve treatment-seeking behaviour. The B-SAQ is a psychometrically robust, short screening questionnaire that offers patients the ability to assess their bladder symptoms and the bother they cause, and the potential benefit of seeking medical help.

Treatment outcomes in the STAR study: a subanalysis of solifenacin 5 mg and tolterodine ER 4 mg

OBJECTIVE

To compare OAB symptom outcomes following initial randomised treatment with solifenacin 5 mg or tolterodine ER 4 mg at the 4-week clinic-visit and again at 12 weeks for patients choosing to remain on this treatment dose from 4 weeks.

METHODS

A prospective, double blind, double-dummy, two-arm, parallel-group, 12-week study (The STAR study) was conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of solifenacin 5/10 mg and tolterodine extended release (ER) 4 mg in OAB patients.

RESULTS

At 4 weeks mean improvements in OAB symptoms, including urgency, frequency (primary variable), incontinence and nocturia, were larger in patients randomised to solifenacin 5 mg; with the difference for incontinence being statistically significant (mean reduction in incontinence episodes/24 hrs in the solifenacin group of -1.30 vs. -0.90 (p=0.0181); the mean result for solifenacin 5 mg amounted to a 44% additional improvement.) There was an associated significant reduction in pad use (reduced by -1.21 vs. -0.80; p=0.0089); the mean result for solifenacin 5 mg amounted to a 51% additional improvement over that of tolterodine ER 4 mg. For patients choosing to remain on these treatments improvements in favour of solifenacin were maintained at study end (12-weeks). Treatments were well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Within 4 weeks solifenacin 5mg was statistically significantly better than tolterodine ER 4 mg in improving incontinence and reducing incontinence pad use. Differences in efficacy in favour of solifenacin 5 mg were maintained from 4 weeks for the duration of the study for patients choosing to remain on their starting dose.

The Economic Costs of Overactive Bladder in Germany

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the annual direct costs of overactive bladder (OAB) in Germany from a societal perspective.

METHODS

Direct costs were calculated based on prevalence figures and medical resource utilisation due to hospitalisation, office-based physician visits, visits to other health care professionals, medication, medical aids and devices, and nursing care.

RESULTS

A total of 6.48 million adults>or=40 yr of age in Germany are affected by OAB, and 2.18 million of these individuals experience incontinence. The annual incidence of comorbidities attributable to OAB is 310,000 for skin infections, 40,000 for falls, 12,000 for fractures, and 26,000 for depression (based on 2004 census data). Direct OAB-related costs per year are euro3.98 billion, with euro1.76 billion covered by statutory health insurance, euro1.80 billion by nursing care insurance, and euro0.41 billion by the patients. Nursing care accounts for euro1.80 billion of total costs (45%), devices account for euro0.68 billion (17%), physician visits account for euro0.65 billion (16%), complications account for euro0.75 billion (19%), and medication accounts for euro0.08 billion (2%).

CONCLUSION

OAB imposes a substantial economic burden on German health and nursing care, insurance, and on patients with OAB. Direct annual costs are comparable to those of other chronic diseases such as dementia or diabetes mellitus.

Efficacy and Tolerability of Tolterodine Extended Release in Male and Female Patients with Overactive Bladder

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended release (ER) in men and women with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

We analyzed data from two 12-wk, placebo-controlled trials of tolterodine ER (4mg QD). Patients completed 7-d bladder diaries and rated the urgency sensation associated with each micturition on a 5-point urgency rating scale. Micturitions were categorized by urgency rating: total (1-5), non-OAB (1-2), OAB (3-5), or severe OAB (4-5). Changes in micturitions during 24-h, daytime, and nocturnal intervals were assessed.

RESULTS

At baseline, 73% (547 of 745) of men and 57% (539 of 953) of women were continent. By week 12, tolterodine ER (n=848) reduced OAB and severe OAB micturitions during 24-h, daytime, and nocturnal intervals in both sexes compared with placebo (n=850). Adverse event rates were low and similar across treatment and gender.

CONCLUSIONS

In men and women with OAB, tolterodine ER reduced OAB and severe OAB micturitions, and was well tolerated.

Transdermal Oxybutynin: Sticking to the Facts

OBJECTIVES

This article critically reviews all the available published and presented data about transdermal oxybutynin to provide a summary of its efficacy, tolerability, and acceptability.

RESULTS

For patients with urge incontinence or mixed incontinence, transdermal oxybutynin offers equivalent efficacy to variable dose oral oxybutynin IR and tolterodine LA 4 mg/d. At present no data are available for patients with frequency and urgency but without incontinence (overactive bladder [OAB] dry). Transdermal oxybutynin offers marked improvements compared with placebo in incontinence episodes, daily urinary frequency, and nocturia. These objective improvements are matched by improvements in quality of life. The rate of anticholinergic side-effects is lower than that for oral anticholinergic preparations. This benefit is offset by a rate of local skin reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

The balance of efficacy and tolerability suggests that transdermal oxybutynin should be considered as a potential first-line therapy in OAB or mixed incontinence.

Spontaneous activity of mouse detrusor smooth muscle and the effects of the urothelium

AIMS

To characterize the detrusor muscle of the mouse urinary bladder in order to understand more precisely spontaneous contractile behavior of this organ. This study examined the spontaneous electrical activity and Ca(2+) dynamics of the detrusor smooth muscle and investigated the role of the urothelium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Detrusor smooth muscle strips were isolated from mouse bladders. The urothelium was either kept intact or removed. Changes in membrane potential were recorded using sharp electrode intracellular recording. To image Ca(2+) dynamics, tissue strips were exposed to 10 microM Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1 AM for 70 min, and then image series were acquired with a laser-scanning confocal microscope.

RESULTS

(1) Mouse detrusor smooth muscle cells (SMCs) generate nifedipine-sensitive spontaneous action potentials (sAPs) at a low frequency (1.3 +/- 0.9 min(-1), n = 11) in preparations with intact urothelium. This frequency increased when the urothelium was removed (7 +/- 8.3 min(-1), n = 17) (P < 0.05, Student's t test). (2) Frequent ATP-mediated spontaneous depolarizations were recorded in all cells. (3) The frequency of whole cell Ca(2+) flashes of detrusor smooth muscle cells was higher in preparations with the urothelium removed (median 1.2 min(-1), n = 7) than in urothelium denuded preparations (median 0.6 min(-1), n = 7) (P < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U-test).

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous activity of the mouse detrusor smooth muscles was characterized enabling future comparative work on gene knock-out strains. Evidence suggesting release of an inhibitory factor by the urothelium was apparent.