Health-related quality of life among adults with symptoms of overactive bladder: results from a U.S. community-based survey

Efficacy of tolterodine on overactive bladder symptoms and sexual and emotional quality of life in sexually active women

We evaluated overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and sexual and emotional health in sexually active women with OAB/urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) treated with tolterodine extended release (ER). Sexually active women with OAB symptoms were randomized to placebo or tolterodine ER. Five-day bladder diaries, Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female (SQOL-F), Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire (PISQ), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) were completed at baseline and week 12. Tolterodine ER (n = 201; mean +/- SD age, 49 +/- 12 years) reduced UUI episodes (P = 0.0029), total (P = 0.0006) and OAB (P < 0.0001) micturitions, and pad use per 24 h (P = 0.0024), and was associated with improvements in SQOL-F (P = 0.004), PISQ total (P = 0.009), and HAD Anxiety (P = 0.03) scores versus placebo (n = 210; mean +/- SD age, 47 +/- 12 years). OAB symptoms improved with tolterodine ER as did the scores of sexual health and anxiety measures in sexually active women with OAB.

Anticholinergic drugs, bladder retraining and their combination for urge urinary incontinence: a pilot randomised trial

Bladder retraining and anticholinergic drugs in women with urge urinary incontinence need to be compared. Women with urge urinary incontinence were recruited by advertisements, from primary care and from a urogynaecology clinic. Women were randomised using a web page to bladder retraining, anticholinergic drugs or both and followed up at 3 and 12 months. No blinding was attempted. The primary outcomes were the trial process and the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) quality-of-life measure. Recruitment was much slower than anticipated. There were no differences in the OAB-q at 12 months (87.9 SD 11.6 bladder retraining, 81.6 SD 19.3 drug therapy and 88.9 SD 9.9 combination) but dry mouth was more common in those taking drugs. It is feasible to run a pragmatic randomised trial with 12-month follow-up for women with urinary urge incontinence. This will require about 500 participants per arm.

Relationships between improvements in symptoms and patient assessments of bladder condition, symptom bother and health-related quality of life in patients with overactive bladder treated with tolterodine

AIMS

Relationships were evaluated between treatment-related improvements in overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms as recorded in bladder diaries and patient-reported symptom bother, bladder-related problems and health-related quality of life (HRQL).

METHODS

A post hoc analysis was performed on data from patients with OAB (n = 863) enrolled in a 12-week open-label trial of tolterodine extended release (ER) in a primary care setting. At baseline and week 12, patients recorded every micturition, urgency episode and urgency urinary incontinence episode in 3-day bladder diaries. Patients also completed the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC). Relationships between week 12 changes in bladder diary variables and OAB-q and PPBC scores were evaluated using Spearman correlations.

RESULTS

By week 12, tolterodine ER-related improvements in all bladder diary variables were significantly correlated with improvements on the PPBC (r = 0.26-0.36; p < 0.001), OAB-q Symptom Bother scale (r = 0.30-0.51; p < 0.001), and all OAB-q HRQL domains (r = -0.24 to -0.42; p < 0.001), although the correlations were generally small to moderate in size. Improvements on the PPBC were also significantly correlated with improvements on the OAB-q Symptom Bother scale (r = 0.63; p < 0.001) and all HRQL domains (r = -0.40 to -0.59; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Tolterodine ER-related improvements in OAB symptoms (assessed by diary variables) and patients' perceptions of the changes in symptom bother, bladder-related problems and HRQL (assessed by PPBC and OAB-q) were significantly correlated. The OAB-q and the PPBC provide a relevant and important patient perspective for OAB treatment evaluation.

Absolute bioavailability of imidafenacin after oral administration to healthy subjects

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

The absolute bioavailability of imidafenacin in rats and dogs is 5.6% and 36.1%, respectively. The pharmacokinetic profiles of imidafenacin after oral administration have been revealed. Imidafenacin is primarily metabolized to metabolites by CYP3A4 and UGT1A4.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

The absolute bioavailability of imidafenacin in human is 57.8%. The pharmacokinetic profiles of imidafenacin after intravenous administration are revealed. The formation of metabolites in the plasma is caused mainly by first-pass effects.

AIMS

To investigate the absolute bioavailability of imidafenacin, a new muscarinic receptor antagonist, a single oral dose of 0.1 mg imidafenacin was compared with an intravenous (i.v.) infusion dose of 0.028 mg of the drug in healthy subjects.

METHODS

Fourteen healthy male subjects, aged 21-45 years, received a single oral dose of 0.1 mg imidafenacin or an i.v. infusion dose of 0.028 mg imidafenacin over 15 min at two treatment sessions separated by a 1-week wash-out period. Plasma concentrations of imidafenacin and the major metabolites M-2 and imidafenacin-N-glucuronide (N-Glu) were determined. The urinary excretion of imidafenacin was also evaluated. Analytes in biological samples were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

The absolute oral bioavailability of imidafenacin was 57.8% (95% confidence interval 54.1, 61.4) with a total clearance of 29.5 +/- 6.3 l h(-1). The steady-state volume of distribution was 122 +/- 28 l, suggesting that imidafenacin distributes to tissues. Renal clearance after i.v. infusion was 3.44 +/- 1.08 l h(-1), demonstrating that renal clearance plays only a minor role in the elimination of imidafenacin. The ratio of AUC(t) of both M-2 and N-Glu to that of imidafenacin was reduced after i.v. infusion from that seen after oral administration, suggesting that M-2 and N-Glu in plasma after oral administration were generated primarily due to first-pass metabolism. No serious adverse events were reported during the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The absolute mean oral bioavailability of imidafenacin was determined to be 57.8%. Imidafenacin was well tolerated following both oral administration and i.v. infusion.

Prevalence of probable overactive bladder in a private obstetrics and gynecology group practice

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence of probable overactive bladder (OAB) in black, Hispanic, and white women.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey of women (aged > or = 18 years) presenting to a private obstetrics and gynecology group practice. The survey consisted of the Overactive Bladder-Validated 8 (OAB-V8) and other questions related to ethnicity, health history, desire for treatment, and reason for visit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The OAB-V8 is a validated, eight-item, self-administered questionnaire that assesses the degree of bother associated with OAB symptoms. Subjects scoring > or = 8 on the OAB-V8 were considered to have probable OAB.

RESULTS

A total of 947 women completed the OAB-V8: 82% were black, 10% were white, and 4% were Hispanic. The prevalence of probable OAB was similar among different races/ethnicities, with 35% of black, 36% of Hispanic, and 30% of white women scoring > or = 8 on the OAB-V8. Micturition frequency, nocturia, and waking up at night were the most bothersome symptoms. History of constipation, history of urinary tract infection, and number of pregnancies were independent risk factors for probable OAB. Thirty-five percent of patients with probable OAB and 5% of those without OAB desired information about OAB treatment options; however, only 5% of patients reported visiting their doctor for reasons related to their bladder symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

OAB is prevalent among black, white, and Hispanic women. Using a simple OAB awareness tool, such as the OAB-V8, can help clinicians identify patients with bothersome OAB symptoms who could benefit from treatment. The survey results may have been limited by incorrect self-reported responses, the demographics of the population, and incomplete surveys.

Efficacy of interferential low frequency therapy for elderly wet overactive bladder patients

OBJECTIVES

Examining the clinical efficacy on the interferential low frequency therapy (IF) for elderly nonneurogenic (idiopathic) overactive bladder patients with urgent urinary incontinence (wet OAB) prospectively, for whom anticholinergics were not effective.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects are elderly 80 patients (69-78, median age 72.0) with urinary incontinence, who are clinically diagnosed with wet OAB without urodynamics (pressure/flow study). For 3 months, they were administered anticholinergics (propiverine hydrochloride 20 mg/once per day in the morning), but all their quality of life (QOL) score were 4 or over due to poor control of storage symptoms and urinary incontinence. We selected patients for whom anticholinergics were not effective (above-mentioned 80 patients) and they were provided with IF alone for 3 months with informed consent. Before and after IF, the followings were examined. (1) frequency of IF treatment required to show optimal effects, (2) average weekly frequency of incontinence, (3) 60-min pad test, (4) frequency and voided volume in the daytime and nighttime, (5) fluid intake volume, (6) International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, (7) Uroflowmetry, (8) postvoid residual urine volume, (9) specific gravity of urine, (10) average hours spent outdoors, (11) average radius of action and activities of daily life score, (12) standing blood pressure (BP) and heart rate, (13) clinical laboratory findings, (14) adverse events, (15) plasma osmotic pressure (OP), and (16) Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).

RESULTS

(1) The patients showed improvements for eight treatments (median). Improvement was observed in the followings: (2), (3), (4) voiding frequency, (6), (7) voided volume, maximum and average flow rate, (10), (11), (12) BP, (15) OP, and (16).

CONCLUSIONS

The IF has safe and better effects than anticholinergics on the elderly wet OAB patients.

Long-term durability and functional outcomes among patients with artificial urinary sphincters: a 10-year retrospective review from the University of Michigan

PURPOSE

The artificial urinary sphincter continues to be one of the most effective and commonly used surgical treatments for severe urinary incontinence. The long-term durability and functional outcome remains unclear. This study sought to report the artificial urinary sphincter complication rates, associated risk factors with complications, and long-term quality of life and durability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single institution study reports the outcomes of 124 consecutive index cases of artificial urinary sphincter from 1996 to 2006 for complications (infection, erosion, and mechanical failure). Bivariate statistics and multivariable logistic models were used to identify patient and artificial urinary sphincter characteristics associated with complications. Functional outcomes and long-term durability were assessed using a cross sectional analysis of a validated health related quality of life survey and a product limit estimates, respectively.

RESULTS

Among the 124 male patients median followup was 6.8 years. The overall complication rate for patients undergoing an artificial urinary sphincter was 37.0%, with mechanical failure the most common cause (29), followed by erosion (10) and then infection (7). Significant differences between complications and specific patient and artificial urinary sphincter characteristics risk factors were not found. Functional outcomes appeared stable with similar mild-moderate urinary incontinence severity and 0 to 1 daily pad use at intervals of 0 to 4 years, 4 to 8 years and more than 8 years. Long-term durability was notable with 36% having complications (requiring surgical revision or removal) within 10 years and most events occurring within the first 48 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term durability and functional outcomes are achievable for the AMS 800, but there are appreciable complication rates for erosion, mechanical failure and infection in the first 48 months from implantation.

Satisfaction with tolterodine: assessing symptom-specific patient-reported goal achievement in the treatment of overactive bladder in female patients (STARGATE study)

AIMS

Open-label study to evaluate the effect of tolterodine extended-release (ER) on symptom-specific patient-reported goal achievement (PGA) of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in females.

METHODS

Eligible patients who had frequency >or= 8 and urgency >or= 2 episodes per 24 h with or without urgency incontinence were treated with 12-week tolterodine ER (4 mg once daily). Primary end-point was the rate of PGA by a visual analogue scale compared with initial expectation with treatment. At baseline, patients were asked to set their personal goals for each OAB symptom with treatment. Secondary efficacy variables were changes in symptom severity, voiding diary and patient perception of bladder condition (PPBC), global impression of improvement (GII), and willingness to continue treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 56 patients were entered. The median rate of symptom-specific PGA and reductions in symptom severity were for frequency (60%, 45%), episodes of urgency 60%, 55%), urge incontinence (80%, 71%), nocturia (50%, 52%) and tenesmus (30%, 26%) after 12 weeks treatment. There was a significant improvement in all OAB symptoms in voiding diary. Thirty-five patients (62.5%) experienced an improvement of >or= 2 points in PPBC. Thirty (53.6%) and 22 (39.3%) of patients reported much and little improvement of their symptoms in GII. A total of 41 (73.2%) patients wanted to continue taking the medication at the end of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Most OAB patients reported improvement of their OAB symptoms with 12-week tolterodine ER 4 mg treatment. There was a significant achievement of symptom-specific goal on the key OAB symptoms. But, PGA did not correlate with objective outcomes.

Effect of itraconazole on the pharmacokinetics of imidafenacin in healthy subjects

The effect of itraconazole, a potent inhibitor of the CYP3A isoenzyme family, on the pharmacokinetics of imidafenacin, a novel synthetic muscarinic receptor antagonist, was investigated. Twelve healthy subjects participated in this open-label, self-controlled study. In period I, subjects received a single oral dose of 0.1 mg imidafenacin. In period II, they received multiple oral doses of 200 mg itraconazole for 9 days and a single oral dose of 0.1 mg imidafenacin on day 8. Plasma concentrations of imidafenacin and M-2, the major metabolite of imidafenacin metabolized by CYP3A4, were determined. Analytes were measured by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Following coadministration with itraconazole, the maximum plasma concentration (C(max)) of imidafenacin increased 1.32-fold (90% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.12-1.56), and the area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity (AUC(0-infinity)) increased 1.78-fold (90% CI: 1.47-2.16). In conclusion, itraconazole increases the plasma concentrations of imidafenacin by inhibiting CYP3A4. Therefore, itraconazole or potent CYP3A4 inhibitors should be carefully added to imidafenacin drug regimens.

Solifenacin treatment for overactive bladder in Hispanic patients: patient-reported symptom bother and quality of life outcomes from the VESIcare Open-Label Trial

OBJECTIVE

The primary goal of overactive bladder (OAB) treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Although trials open enrolment to everyone, most OAB studies feature Caucasians. Here we present Hispanic data.

METHODS

VESIcare Open-Label Trial was a 12-week, open-label, flexible-dosing study in patients with OAB symptoms for >or=3 months. All patients started on solifenacin 5 mg/day, with a dosing option of 5 or 10 mg/day at weeks 4 and 8. Three patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures assessed symptom improvement and treatment satisfaction: the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) scale, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q).

RESULTS

94/2205 patients in the full population were Hispanic. Urgency was most frequently reported at baseline (93.6%), followed by frequency (91.5%), nocturia (84.0%) and urge incontinence (UI) (67.0%). Frequency was reported as the most bothersome symptom (MBS) by a higher proportion of Hispanics than the full population (40.4% vs. 28.1%). UI was reported as the MBS by a smaller proportion of Hispanics (18.1% vs. 27.3%). Patients reporting moderate-to-severe problems related to bladder condition at baseline reported improvement to 'some minor problems' at week 12. Over 72.0% of patients experienced PPBC score improvement. Both groups reported significant improvements in urgency, UI, frequency and nocturia on the VAS (all p<0.001) and all OAB-q domains (all p<0.001) at week 12.

CONCLUSION

Although numbers were small, Hispanics receiving solifenacin for OAB reported improvement from baseline in symptom bother and HRQoL, as assessed by three independent PRO measures.

Novel uses for antidiuresis

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a bothersome condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It consists of urgency, incontinence, frequency and nocturia. Treatment, in the form of lifestyle interventions, bladder training and pelvic floor muscle exercises, aim to alleviate symptoms. These treatment modalities have drawbacks, including being time consuming and require stamina on the part of the patient and treating physician. Drugs may be used if conservative measures fail or in combination with them. Antimuscarinics are the mainstay of OAB medication but may cause dry mouth, blurred vision or constipation. It is, therefore, crucial that new treatment modalities are sought to help with this potentially debilitating condition. Antidiuresis, using desmopressin, forms a potential candidate for a novel treatment. As the bladder fills with urine, symptoms of OAB are experienced by patients. It would be reasonable to hypothesise that if the rate of bladder filling is reduced then so would the symptoms of OAB. Desmopressin reduces the production of urine by the kidneys, therefore reducing the amount of urine in the bladder and, therefore, the symptoms of OAB. Desmopressin has been used previously in small single centre trials in neurogenic OAB patients with some success but recently two multi-centre, multinational randomised placebo controlled trials using this concept have been completed in idiopathic OAB sufferers and reported in the literature. The results were quite promising although there were minor side effects. These trials suggest that this potential novel treatment modality for OAB sufferers might avoid the necessity for invasive treatments, such as botulinum toxin, neuromodulation or surgery, in some instances. These trials also open the way to combination therapy with current treatment modalities of 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.

Overactive bladder and women's sexual health: what is the impact?

INTRODUCTION

Overactive bladder (OAB) is quite prevalent and significantly affects health-related quality of life and daily functioning.

AIM

The impact of OAB on sexual health is currently not known. This qualitative study was conducted to gain a thorough understanding of OAB's impact.

METHODS

Sexually active women with continent or incontinent OAB were recruited from urology and urogynecology clinics. Six focus groups of women (three continent and three incontinent) were conducted to assess the sexual health of women with OAB. Data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Qualitative data, Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire-Female, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Thirty-four women (11 continent; 23 incontinent) participated; mean age was 48.4 years; 76% were white, 67% postmenopausal, and 88% in a long-term relationship. Continent women reported more frequent sexual activity than incontinent women; 91% reported intercourse >or=1-3 times per month vs. 50% of incontinent women. Half of the incontinent women reported a reduction in sexual desire related to OAB, aging, and menopause. Over half of continent women experienced pain with intercourse, and the majority complained of having to interrupt intercourse to void. Although not all incontinent women reported incontinence during intercourse, the majority were embarrassed by their incontinence and OAB with resulting loss of self-image. Both continent and incontinent women reported difficulty achieving orgasm because of pain, fear of incontinence, or anxiety related to intercourse. Approximately a third of the women would not initiate discussion of sexual issues with their physicians, but all women expressed concern about the impact of OAB on their sexual life.

CONCLUSION

Overactive bladder with or without incontinence negatively affects women's sexual health, reducing sexual desire and ability to achieve orgasm. Given the impact of OAB on sexual health, sexual health should be routinely assessed by clinicians and addressed by researchers.

Reliability and Validity of the Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire in Patients With Neurogenic Urinary Incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To assess the reliability, validity, responsiveness, and minimally important difference (MID) of the Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) questionnaire in patients with urinary incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

DESIGN

Randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

Eight centers across Belgium, France, and Switzerland.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with urinary incontinence due to neurogenic detrusor overactivity inadequately managed on oral anticholinergics. Fifty-nine patients (spinal cord injury, n=53; multiple sclerosis, n=6) were enrolled.

INTERVENTION

Single dose of botulinum toxin type A (Botox) (200 or 300 U) or placebo.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

I-QOL questionnaire completed at screening and over a 24-week post-treatment period.

RESULTS

The Cronbach alpha ranged from .79 to .93, indicating that I-QOL is a reliable measure of QOL in neurogenic urinary incontinence patients. No item had more than 5.1% missing or out of range values. With the exception of 2 items, questions showed acceptable item-scale correlation and scaling success results varied by domain. Post-treatment correlations indicated acceptable construct validity. The I-QOL was responsive to improvements in symptoms. MID values ranged from 4 to 11 points.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that I-QOL is a reliable, valid, and responsive measure of incontinence-related QOL in neurogenic patients.

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.

Psychometric evaluation of the medical outcomes study-sleep scale in persons with overactive bladder

BACKGROUND

The Medical Outcomes Study-Sleep Scale (MOS-SS) is a commonly used self-reported instrument for assessing key constructs of sleep quality and quantity. Even though the MOS-SS has successfully undergone previous validation studies in the general population, it has not been evaluated in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the applicability of the MOS-SS to persons with a diagnosis of OAB.

METHODS

This study was a follow-up to a national nested case-control survey designed to provide estimates of the prevalence of OAB in the United States. OAB patients (N = 363) who consented to participate were mailed a postal survey to assess OAB symptoms and health-related quality of life. Analyses were then undertaken to assess the psychometric properties of the MOS-SS in this OAB sample. Psychometric evaluation of the MOS-SS included construct validity, internal consistency reliability, correlation between domains, floor/ceiling effects, and an examination of the factor structure. Results were compared with the original validation population of the MOS-SS by .

RESULTS

Internal consistency, correlations between domains, and floor/ceiling effects were generally consistent with results from the original validation study. Factor loadings of the MOS-SS items, as well as tests of construct validity, were similar between persons with OAB and individuals in the original validation population.

CONCLUSION

Psychometric evaluation conducted in this study supports the use of the MOS-SS instrument to assess sleep problems among persons with OAB.

The responsiveness of the OAB-q among OAB patient subgroups

AIMS

Although the majority of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) are continent, most patient-reported outcome measures for OAB were designed for patients with urinary incontinence. The overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) was developed to assess symptom bother and HRQL among both continent and incontinent OAB patients; however, the responsiveness of the OAB-q among continent patients has not been evaluated. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the responsiveness of the OAB-q among OAB patient subgroups with a focus on continent patients.

METHODS

Post-hoc analyses were conducted from two 12-week trials of tolterodine for the treatment of OAB. Patients completed the OAB-q and daily bladder diaries (assessing frequency, urgency, and incontinence episodes) at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Three patient subgroups were identified on the basis of continence status at all three timepoints: (1) continent; (2) incontinent; and (3) incontinent at baseline and continent by Week 12 (ITC). General linear models were used to compare changes from baseline, and Spearman correlations assessed the association between OAB-q changes and bladder diary changes. Effect sizes were computed separately for each group.

RESULTS

A total of 262 continent, 552 incontinent, and 397 ITC patients were included in this analysis. Continent patients tended to be younger than incontinent patients, and patients were predominantly female, although continent patients had the highest percentage of male patients in both studies. Compared with continent patients, patients who were incontinent at baseline tended to have greater symptom bother and lower HRQL at baseline. All OAB-q change scores were consistently greatest for the ITC group (12.1-33.9), and greater for continent patients (10.8-28.6) than for incontinent patients (7.6-20.1). All three groups of patients experienced reductions in frequency and urgency episodes, and these changes were significantly correlated with changes in the OAB-q scales. Among all three groups, effect sizes were in the moderate-to-large range for all OAB-q subscales except Social Interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

The OAB-q is highly responsive to change between continent and incontinent patients with OAB, and is a valid tool for measuring treatment outcomes among continent OAB patients.

Evaluating the Impact of Overactive Bladder on Sexual Health in Women: What Is Relevant?

INTRODUCTION

To assess sexual health, relevant, valid, and reliable questionnaires need to be used.

AIM

To assess the relevance and content validity of three sexual health questionnaires in women with overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire--Female (SQoL-F), Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ), and Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ).

METHODS

Women with OAB and urinary incontinence were recruited from five urology clinics in the United States; those who were interested in participating were mailed questionnaire packets with instructions. Each questionnaire item was followed by three questions regarding the understandability, relevance, and impact of bladder condition when responding to the question. Patients returned the completed questionnaires by mail; clinical information was obtained from chart review.

RESULTS

A total of 129 patients (74% response) returned the questionnaires. The mean age was 56 years; 78% were white; 64% were married. In this sample, 64% had urge incontinence; 32% had mixed incontinence; and 4% had stress incontinence. Participants experienced bladder symptoms for a mean of 12.2 years with the following treatments: surgery (43%), bladder training (26%), exercise/biofeedback (42%), and medications (67%). SQoL-F items were understood by more than 97% of the respondents, more than 89% for SFQ, and more than 82% for PISQ. There were two SQoL-F items, one SFQ item, and 11 PISQ items that less than 60% of the respondents deemed relevant to their bladder condition. Correlations among questionnaire items and relevance to bladder condition ranged from 0.04 to 0.64 for the SQoL-F, 0.04 to 0.47 for the SFQ, and 0.01 to 0.58 for the PISQ.

CONCLUSION

Women with OAB found the majority of items on all three questionnaires to be relevant to their bladder condition. Of these questionnaires, the SQoL-F had the highest understandability, fewest questions considered irrelevant, and correlated well with OAB symptoms.

Solifenacin provides effective antimuscarinic therapy for the complete management of overactive bladder

Solifenacin is an antimuscarinic agent, administered once daily, which has been newly approved for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Solifenacin administered at 5- and 10-mg once-daily doses shows efficacy for all the symptoms of OAB in both 'wet' and 'dry' patients, including improvements in patient quality of life and satisfaction. These improvements are observed as early as week 2 of treatment and are maintained over 12-week and 1-year time periods, without being compromised by the age or gender of the patient. Solifenacin demonstrates a favourable tolerability profile, with mild dry mouth as the most common adverse event associated with its use, both at the 5- and 10-mg doses; this allows for flexibility in the dosing regimen, in which physicians can administer solifenacin 5 mg, with the option to safely increase the dose to 10 mg if necessary based on the severity of patient's symptoms. The favourable efficacy and safety profile of solifenacin, coupled with its dose flexibility, are consistent with solifenacin being a convenient treatment option for patients with OAB.

Retrospective evaluation of outcomes in patients with overactive bladder receiving tolterodine versus oxybutynin

PURPOSE

The frequency, relative risk, resource utilization, and costs related to comorbidities associated with overactive bladder (OAB) were studied.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with OAB who initiated treatment with tolterodine extended release (ER), oxybutynin ER, or oxybutynin immediate release (IR) between January 2001 and December 2002 was conducted to evaluate the frequency, relative risk, resource utilization, and costs related to three specific comorbidities associated with OAB: urinary tract infections (UTIs), depression, and fracture. Two patient cohorts (tolterodine ER versus oxybutynin ER and tolterodine ER versus oxybutynin IR) were matched on a 1:1 basis according to their propensity to receive a prescription for tolterodine ER.

RESULTS

The frequency and relative risk of UTIs were significantly lower in the tolterodine ER group than in the oxybutynin ER and oxybutynin IR groups. The relative risk of depression was also lower in the tolterodine ER group than the oxybutynin ER and oxybutynin IR groups; however, the differences were only significant in the tolterodine ER versus oxybutynin IR comparison. The utilization of UTI- and depression-related services and the number of antiinfective and antidepressant prescriptions were significantly lower in the tolterodine ER group than in the oxybutynin ER group. UTI- and depression-related costs were generally lower in the tolterodine ER group than in the oxybutynin ER or oxybutynin IR group.

CONCLUSION

Treatment of OAB patients with tolterodine ER was associated with reduced frequency, relative risk, medical and pharmacy resource utilization, and incurred costs related to selected OAB-associated comorbidities compared with treatment with oxybutynin ER or oxybutynin IR.

The Overactive Bladder: Epidemiology and Morbidity

The International Continence Society recognizes the overactive bladder (OAB) as a "symptom syndrome suggestive of lower urinary tract dysfunction" that is defined as "urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia." Patients who have OAB are often sleep deprived and their sexual life is hindered. These patients have a restricted social life and an increased risk for depression. Accurate prevalence figures are difficult to obtain because most patients consider OAB an inevitable part of aging and some patients are too embarrassed to seek diagnosis. Primary care physicians need to be educated about the importance of identifying this clinical problem and managing it in a way that will minimize morbidity and maximize quality-of-life improvement. This article describes the various aspects of OAB, with special emphasis on epidemiology and morbidity.

Randomized controlled trial of foot reflexology for patients with symptomatic idiopathic detrusor overactivity

The aim of this study was to examine whether foot reflexology has beneficial effects on patients with idiopathic detrusor overactivity. One hundred and nine women with symptomatic idiopathic detrusor overactivity were randomized into either foot reflexology treatment group or nonspecific foot massage control group. The primary outcome measure was the change in the diurnal micturition frequency. There was significant change in the number of daytime frequency in the reflexology group when compared with the massage group (-1.90 vs -0.55, p = 0.029). There was also a decrease in the 24-h micturition frequency in both groups, but the change was not statistically significant (-2.80 vs -1.04 p = 0.055). In the reflexology group, more patients believed to have received "true" reflexology (88.9 vs 67.4%, p = 0.012). This reflects the difficulty of blinding in trials of reflexology. Larger scale studies with a better-designed control group and an improved blinding are required to examine if reflexology is effective in improving patients' overall outcome.

Assessment of treatment outcomes in patients with overactive bladder: importance of objective and subjective measures

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent symptom syndrome that negatively affects health-related quality of life (HRQL). In clinical practice, the diagnosis and treatment of OAB are largely driven by a patient's reporting of symptoms, often in combination with objective assessment. Thus, OAB provides the opportunity to examine the relations between objective (eg, urodynamic studies, bladder diary variables) and subjective (eg, symptom bother, HRQL) outcomes. We compared objective and subjective results from 27 trials recently evaluated in a systematic review and meta-analysis of antimuscarinic agents used to treat OAB. Many studies demonstrated concurrent improvements in both types of outcomes. However, several reports showed that although pharmacotherapy may reduce micturition frequency or increase bladder capacity, treated patients may not perceive a significant benefit to HRQL. We conclude that objective assessments can help determine the underlying causes of OAB symptoms and assess the effects of treatment, but that these results are not always predictive of subjective outcomes, which are influenced by a patient's priorities and lifestyle, and thus highly individualized. A patient's perception of treatment success should be regarded as an important measure of efficacy because a patient considers the trade-offs between symptom improvement, adverse events, and effects on daily life when assessing overall treatment benefit. We recommend that subjective measures become standard considerations in the initial evaluation and treatment of patients with OAB.

Patient-reported outcomes in overactive bladder: importance for determining clinical effectiveness of treatment

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition defined by its symptoms--urinary urgency with or without urgency urinary incontinence and often with frequency and nocturia. As such, determining the efficacy of OAB treatments using objective measures, such as urodynamic testing, can be difficult. A better means of gauging treatment efficacy for symptom-based conditions is through the use of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). With PROs, clinicians can gain insight into how a treatment affects a patient's symptoms and whether improvement in symptoms has a positive effect from the patient's perspective. PROs are increasingly being included as end points in clinical trials, including those of antimuscarinic drugs for OAB. Consequently, clinicians should become familiar with the most commonly used instruments. We provide an overview of instruments used to assess symptoms, health-related quality of life, and treatment satisfaction in patients with OAB and discuss how PROs can be incorporated into clinical trial protocols.

Solifenacin significantly improves all symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a chronic condition characterised by urgency, with or without associated urge incontinence. Solifenacin succinate is a once daily, bladder selective antimuscarinic available in two doses (5 and 10 mg). The recommended dose is 5 mg once daily and can be increased to 10 mg once daily if 5 mg is well tolerated. This article presents pooled efficacy and safety data from four large, placebo-controlled, multinational phase III trials of solifenacin succinate with a total enrolment of over 2800 patients. Data from these trials show that solifenacin 5 and 10 mg once daily is significantly more effective than placebo at reducing urgency, incontinence, micturition frequency and nocturia and at increasing volume voided per micturition. Adverse events were mainly mild-to-moderate in all treatment groups. The results of these phase III trials support the use of solifenacin in the treatment of OAB.

Efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release in continent patients with overactive bladder and nocturia

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release (ER) in continent patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A post hoc analysis was conducted of data from a 12-week, double-blind study of 850 patients randomized to tolterodine ER (4 mg once daily) or placebo, taken within 4 h of going to bed. Patients with a mean of > or = 8 voids/24 h were enrolled, including a mean of > or = 2.5 voids/night. Patients completed 7-day voiding diaries, and for each void an urgency rating was assessed using a 5-point scale (1, none; 5, urgency incontinence); 24-h voids were categorized by urgency rating: total (1-5), non-OAB (1-2), OAB (3-4), and severe OAB (4-5) voids. All adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

The post hoc analysis included 513 patients (243 placebo; 270 tolterodine ER; 58% men) who were continent at baseline; 47% of 24-h voids were classed as non-OAB, and 12% as severe OAB. After 12 weeks of treatment, tolterodine ER significantly reduced mean urgency rating and 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids vs placebo. Tolterodine ER did not affect normal, non-OAB voids, and there were no significant adverse events related to voiding. Other than dry mouth (tolterodine ER, 9% vs placebo, 2%), all the adverse events were reported in <3% of patients; <2% of patients receiving tolterodine ER withdrew because of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

In continent patients with OAB, tolterodine ER significantly improved urgency rating and reduced 24-h OAB, severe OAB, and total voids, suggesting that it is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for this subpopulation. More studies are needed to better understand the clinical efficacy of tolterodine ER in this under evaluated group of OAB patients without incontinence.

The puzzle of overactive bladder: controversies, inconsistencies, and insights

Overactive bladder (OAB) affects millions of individuals and may severely impair the quality of life of those affected. The contribution of human behavior to manifestations of this symptom complex remains poorly understood. Continued evolution of our understanding of the pathophysiology of OAB has identified contributory mechanisms, which in turn may open new therapeutic avenues. Recent improvements in drug delivery systems represent advances in the management of OAB. However, more complete symptom control with greater tolerability is desirable; this awaits the development of agents specific for newly emerging and as yet unidentified pathophysiologic pathways. Importantly, as understanding of outcomes assessment in OAB matures, refined assessments of disease severity, response to intervention, and patient preference should be possible.

Efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release in men with overactive bladder and urgency urinary incontinence

A group of authors from the USA evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release on objective and subjective endpoints in men with an overactive bladder. They found that it significantly reduced incontinent episodes and improved patient perception of treatment benefit in men with an overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended-release (ER) on objective and subjective endpoints in men with overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UI). PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of data collected from men with OAB enrolled in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of tolterodine ER (4 mg once daily; tolterodine ER registration trial) and included men with urinary frequency (> or =8 micturitions/24 h) and urgency UI (> or =5 episodes/week). UI episodes were assessed using 7-day bladder diaries. Patient perception of treatment benefit was evaluated after 12 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded throughout the study.

RESULTS

In all, 163 men with OAB (placebo, 86; tolterodine ER, 77; mean age 65 years) were evaluated. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were similar for the two treatment groups. Compared with placebo, tolterodine ER significantly reduced weekly UI episodes (median % change, -71% vs - 40%, P < 0.05; mean numeric change, - 11.9 vs -5.9, P = 0.02). Men receiving tolterodine ER had fewer micturitions/24 h, but this was not a significant difference from placebo (median % change, -12% vs - 4%, P = 0.22). Significantly more men treated with tolterodine-ER (63%) than placebo-treated men (46%) reported a benefit of treatment after 12 weeks (P = 0.04). The most commonly reported AEs associated with tolterodine-ER vs placebo were dry mouth (16% vs 7%), constipation (4% vs 9%), dyspepsia (4% vs 1%), dizziness (5% vs 1%), and somnolence (3% vs 1%). One of the men receiving tolterodine ER had symptoms suggestive of urinary retention that led to his withdrawal from the study. None of the men had acute urinary retention requiring catheterization.

CONCLUSION

In men with OAB and urgency UI, tolterodine ER was well tolerated and significantly reduced episodes of urgency UI, and improved patient perception of treatment benefit.

The Validation of the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC): A Single-Item Global Measure for Patients with Overactive Bladder

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and responsiveness of a global measure for overactive bladder (OAB), the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC).

METHODS

Post-hoc analyses were conducted on two 12-wk clinical trials for OAB (Study 1: n = 865; Study 2: n = 520). In addition to the PPBC, patients completed two condition-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) measures, the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) and King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), and bladder diaries at baseline and 12 wk. Validity of the PPBC was evaluated through correlations with baseline diaries, OAB-q, and KHQ. The responsiveness of the PPBC was evaluated using correlations and general linear models to assess the degree of association between change in PPBC and change in the diaries, OAB-q, and KHQ.

RESULTS

Both samples were primarily women and white with mean ages of 61.0 and 58.8 yr. The majority of patients were incontinent (75.3% and 80.4%) with the greatest proportion of patients indicating that they had "moderate problems" (47.5% and 51.2%) on the PPBC at baseline. Significant correlations were present at baseline and among change scores between the PPBC and the bladder diaries (p < 0.001), OAB-q (p < 0.001), and KHQ (p < 0.01). In both studies, patients with major PPBC improvement had significantly greater reductions in frequency, urgency episodes, incontinence episodes, and Symptom Bother and significantly greater improvements in HRQL than patients with only a minor PPBC improvement.

CONCLUSION

The PPBC, a global patient-reported measure of bladder condition, demonstrated good construct validity and responsiveness to change. These findings support the use of the PPBC as a global assessment of bladder condition among patients with OAB.

Tolterodine extended release improves patient-reported outcomes in overactive bladder: results from the IMPACT trial

We evaluated the effect of tolterodine extended release (ER) on patient- and clinician-reported outcomes in a primary care setting. Patients had overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms for >or=3 months and were at least moderately bothered by their most bothersome symptom, as indicated on the patient-completed OAB Bother Rating Scale. Patients completed the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q), American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUA-SI), and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition at each visit; investigators completed the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement at week 12. By week 12, there were statistically significant and clinically meaningful decreases on the OAB-q and AUA-SI total and subscale scores (p < 0.0001). Seventy-nine per cent of patients experienced some improvement in their overall bladder condition. Physicians reported that 68% of patients were 'much improved' or 'very much improved'. For symptom-defined conditions, patient-reported outcomes are a valuable means for determining responses to treatment.

Effectiveness and tolerability of extended-release oxybutynin vs extended-release tolterodine in women with or without prior anticholinergic treatment for overactive bladder

The efficacy and the tolerability of extended-release oxybutynin chloride, 10 mg daily, and extended-release tolterodine tartrate, 4 mg daily, in women with or without prior anticholinergic treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) were compared in a post-hoc analysis of data from the Overactive Bladder: Performance of Extended Release Agents (OPERA) trial. The patient population and study methods have been described previously (Diokno et al., for the OPERA Study Group, Mayo Clin Proc 78:687-695, 2003). Among the group with anticholinergic experience, extended-release oxybutynin was significantly more effective than extended-release tolterodine in reducing micturition frequency at last observation (p=0.052). Complete freedom from urge incontinence was reported by significantly more patients taking oxybutynin than tolterodine at last observation (23.6 vs 15.1%, p=0.038). In addition, among patients completing a full 12 weeks of oxybutynin treatment, significantly greater reductions were observed compared with those taking tolterodine on the primary efficacy variable, number of urge incontinence episodes (p=0.049), and the combined total of urge and non-urge episodes (p=0.012), although the differences between treatment groups were not significant at last observation. In the anticholinergic-naïve group, efficacy and tolerability outcomes were similar across treatments, except that oxybutynin was associated with a significantly lower frequency of micturition at last observation (p=0.035). No efficacy differences favoring tolterodine were observed, and tolerability of the treatments was comparable. Dry mouth (mostly mild to moderate in severity) was reported significantly more often among participants taking extended-release oxybutynin than extended-release tolterodine (32.2 vs 19.2%, p=0.004), but only among those with previous anticholinergic experience. Discontinuation rates were comparably low across groups. The results demonstrate the appropriateness of initiating treatment for OAB with extended-release oxybutynin, particularly in women presenting with incontinence.

Probable Interaction Between Tolterodine and Warfarin

53-year-old woman with a history of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism was receiving warfarin to prevent thromboembolic complications; her international normalized ratio (INR) had been stable for 1 month. Extended-release tolterodine 4 mg/day was then prescribed to manage overactive bladder. On her next anticoagulation clinic visit, the patient's INR had increased, although the dosage of warfarin had been reduced when the tolterodine had been prescribed. Due to the absence of other contributing factors and the temporal relationship between tolterodine and prolonged INR, the event was determined to be a probable drug interaction. When patients are prescribed tolterodine and warfarin concurrently, clinicians should monitor INR carefully, and a reduction in warfarin dosage may be required.

Cost implications of antimuscarinic drugs in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome

Overactive bladder syndrome is highly prevalent, particularly among the elderly. As well as the consequent morbidity, such as urinary infections, skin irritation and bone fractures, almost all aspects of quality of life, personal and social, are influenced. Therefore, the associated cost is substantial. Pharmacotherapy with antimuscarinics is the mainstay of treatment. Because of the good balance between efficacy, safety and tolerability, these drugs seem to be cost-effective therapeutic modalities for overactive bladder. In the milieu of a constantly ageing population, rising demand for the treatment of health conditions and the need for rational use of healthcare resources, further studies with long-term antimuscarinic drug treatment and follow-up are needed to redefine their therapeutic value.

The Causes and Consequences of Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a syndrome characterized by symptoms of urinary urgency with or without urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), usually with frequency and nocturia. OAB affects approximately 17% of women in the United States and Europe. The causes of OAB, as with many bladder disorders, are multifactorial and are not completely understood. The primary functions of the lower urinary tract (bladder and bladder outlet mechanism) are storage and evacuation of urine. The bladder and the micturition cycle are under complex neural control involving both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Micturition may occur in response to the activation of receptors in the bladder muscle and detection of chemical stimuli by receptors within the bladder lining. Neurogenic or myogenic bladder dysfunction can lead to the symptoms of urgency, frequency, and UUI that characterize OAB. The consequences of this condition are far-reaching and include direct medical consequences and coping strategies that adversely affect quality of life. Although the prevalence of OAB increases with age, it is not a normal consequence of aging. Antimuscarinic agents (e.g., oxybutynin, tolterodine, trospium, solifenacin, and darifenacin) have demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of OAB symptoms in multiple clinical trials. This review explores the physiological basis for OAB, the effects of OAB on health-related quality of life, and the pharmacotherapies that may provide relief to patients with this distressing condition.

Using anticholinergics to treat overactive bladder: the issue of treatment tolerability

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic syndrome with debilitating symptoms that negatively affect health-related quality of life. Although anticholinergic agents have been first-line treatment for OAB for many years, the efficacious pharmacologic management of this condition has been compromised by concerns regarding tolerability. Anticholinergic agents prevent involuntary contractions of the bladder detrusor muscle by preventing acetylcholine from binding to the M2 and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes. Anticholinergics are not tissue specific, and their use for treatment of OAB has been associated with side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. Recent studies with extended-release formulations and newly developed receptor subtype-specific anticholinergic agents demonstrate that side effects are typically mild to moderate and generally tolerable, seldom leading to patient withdrawal. By incorporating patient-initiated dose adjustment into the protocol, the primary care physician can effectively manage adverse events associated with OAB without compromising efficacy. Recent dose-adjustment data with extended-release oxybutynin suggest that, given some control in the process, patients are willing to tolerate certain side effects in exchange for symptom relief.

Predictors of Medication Adherence and Associated Health Care Costs in an Older Population With Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

PURPOSE

We examined the relationship between self-reported health status data, subsequent antimuscarinic medication adherence and health care service use in older adults with OAB syndrome in a managed care setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a longitudinal cohort study of older adults in the southeastern United States with OAB who completed a health status assessment, used antimuscarinic medications and were enrolled in an HMO continuously for 1 to 3 years. Demographic, clinical and use related economic variables were also retrieved from the administrative claims data of patient HMOs. Prescription refill patterns were used to measure medication adherence. Associations were examined with a sequential, mixed model regression approach.

RESULTS

A total of 275 patients were included. The severity of comorbidity (Charlson index), patient perception of quality of life (Short Form-12 scores) and total number of prescribed medications during the year prior to enrollment in a Medicare HMO were independently associated with decreased antimuscarinic MPRs after enrollment. After controlling for other variables increased antimuscarinic MPR remained the strongest predictor of decreased total annual health care costs (5.6% decrease in annual costs with every 10% increase in MPR, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found strong associations between decreased antimuscarinic medication adherence and increased health care service use in older adults with OAB in a managed care setting. Health status assessments completed at enrollment had the potential to identify enrollees at higher risk for nonadherent behaviors and poor health related outcomes.

Disruptive effects of overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence in younger women

Although most studies of overactive bladder (OAB) have investigated older patients, many younger women suffer from OAB syndrome with and without urge urinary incontinence. OAB in these women is associated with an increased risk of depression, sexual dysfunction, sleep disruption, and lost productivity in the workplace. Many patients adopt coping strategies rather than seeking treatment; therefore, available treatments are underused in this population.

Evaluación de la función sexual femenina antes y después de un procedimiento para la corrección de la incontinencia urinaria de esfuerzo

The prevalence of urinary incontinence is around 20% of healthy middle-aged women. Incontinence causes a negative impact on the quality of life and sexuality. From August 2002 to January 2004, 30 patients (mean age 43 years) with stress urinary incontinence (59%), overactive bladder (15%) and mixed incontinence (26%) answered the ICIQ-SF(International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnarie-Short Form) and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) questionnaires before and after treatment for urinary incontinence. The follow-up ranged from 12 to 53 months. Mean ICIQ score was 17 and 7 before and after treatment respectivelly (p<0,001). Overactive bladder showed the worst scores in all domains. The patients who underwent surgery increased their scores of desire (p=0,02), satisfaction (p=0,05) and total score (p=0,02). Thirteen patients which ICIQ was zero increased: desire (p<0,01), satisfaction (p=0,05) and total score (p=0,01). Urinary incontinence significantly affects the quality of life. Therefore sexual evaluation in incontinence patients is recommended.

The validation of patient-rated global assessments of treatment benefit, satisfaction, and willingness to continue--the BSW

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the validity of three single-item, patient-rated, interviewer-administered, global assessments of treatment benefit, satisfaction with treatment and willingness to continue treatment, collectively referred to as the BSW.

METHODS

The BSW, micturition diaries, the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) and the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) were included in part or in total in three OAB clinical trials. Discriminant validity for full and dichotomized responses was assessed with anovas models and correlations were used to evaluate construct validity.

RESULTS

The BSW demonstrated significant differences among the majority of the response levels on all measures of micturitions in all studies. The BSW also demonstrated discriminant validity with the OAB-q and the KHQ. BSW measures demonstrated significant differences among the change scores for all subscales of the OAB-q and the majority of the KHQ domains with both full and dichotomized responses. Patients who were dissatisfied with treatment and those unwilling to continue treatment also reported significantly worse OAB-q and KHQ scores compared with those who were satisfied with treatment or willing to continue treatment. BSW measures were moderately correlated with the micturition variables, moderate to strongly correlated with the OAB-q and weak to moderately with the KHQ, providing support for the construct validity of the BSW measures.

CONCLUSIONS

The BSW is a useful tool to capture patients' global impressions of three key elements of treatment outcome: a perceived benefit, satisfaction with treatment, and the willingness to continue treatment, and can facilitate patient-physician communication as well as be informative to researchers.

FACTORS THAT DISTINGUISH CONTINENT FROM INCONTINENT OLDER ADULTS WITH DETRUSOR OVERACTIVITY

PURPOSE

In older adults detrusor overactivity (DO) is almost as common in continent individuals as in those with urge incontinence (UUI). Thus, UUI likely reflects the contribution of additional factors. We postulated that of functionally independent individuals in whom transient causes were excluded those in whom DO was accompanied by UUI would be more likely to have smaller functional bladder capacity, less warning and less ability to avert urine loss in the face of DO.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

While blinded to continence status, we reviewed the records of all 52 cognitively intact and nonobstructed volunteers older than 65 years who had DO associated with urgency during urodynamic testing and had been asked to try to prevent leakage for 2 minutes. Of these individuals 31 were continent at home.

RESULTS

In patients with UI mean functional bladder capacity +/- SD was smaller (313 +/- 153 vs 390 +/- 178 ml, p = 0.06) and warning was briefer (87 +/- 81 vs 120 +/- 116 ml), although the association with warning was less impressive (p = 0.14). The ability to forestall leakage for at least 2 minutes correlated strongly with being continent at home (p < 0.002). For continence detrusor suppression at the onset of DO was more important than sphincter contraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Urge incontinence in older adults involves more than simply the presence of DO. Physical function, cognitive function and medications are already known to be important for continence. Our data suggest that functional bladder capacity and the ability to suppress involuntary contraction (and possibly warning) are also potentially important covariates. These factors may represent additional potential targets for behavioral and pharmacological therapy.