The economic impact of nocturia

Transitioning from transrectal to transperineal prostate biopsy using a freehand cognitive approach

OBJECTIVES

To report a single-centre experience of a complete transition from transrectal (TR) to transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy under local anaesthesia using a freehand cognitive coaxial approach and without use of antibiotic prophylaxis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Analysis was performed of a prospective database of patients undergoing prostate biopsy performed by four surgeons between 1 June 2018 and 31 May 2022. Outcomes of interest were complications, cancer detection rate, inter-operator reliability, and tolerability.

RESULTS

Overall, 1915 patients underwent 2337 separate prostate biopsy sessions. Only 2.4% patients in the TP group received antibiotic prophylaxis, while 100% received antibiotics in the TR group. The complication rate was significantly lower in the TP group compared to the TR group (0.3% vs 5.0%, P < 0.001). In contrast to the TR group, there were no cases of urosepsis or admissions to intensive care in the TP group. The total cancer detection rate by TP biopsy was 70% and the overall pathology detection rate was 88.4%. There was no difference in cancer or pathology detection between operators. A stable level of cancer detection was reached early on for both Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System 4 and 5 lesions. All cases performed were performed successfully without need for early termination.

CONCLUSION

Implementing a complete transition from TR to TP biopsy can result in a significant reduction in complications and hospital re-admissions. A cognitive freehand coaxial technique is well tolerated by patients and achieves a high cancer detection rate.

Association of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality: a prospective cohort study with up to 31 years of follow-up

Background

Nocturia is a highly prevalent and under-considered condition and impacts the quality of life for many individuals. The long-term impact of nocturnal voiding on mortality, especially mortality from cardiovascular disease, remains unknown. The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship of nocturnal voiding episodes with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality among adults in the United States.

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study of a nationally representative sample of 13,862 U.S. adults aged 20 years or older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-1994). Nighttime urination frequency was reported during an in-house interview. All-cause and cause-specific mortality were ascertained by linking to National Death Index mortality data through December 31, 2019. The associations of nocturia with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality were estimated using weighted Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

Throughout a median follow-up of 26.7 years, 5,029 deaths were reported, comprising 1,720 deaths from cardiovascular disease. In the fully adjusted model, participants who reported once, twice, and three or more times nocturnal voiding episodes have a higher risk of cardiovascular mortality (HR1, 1.22 [95% CI, 0.997-1.49], HR2, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.13-1.91], and HR ≥ 3, 1.96 [95% CI, 1.52-2.53]) as well as all-cause mortality (HR1, 1.12 [95% CI, 0.90-1.39], HR2, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.23-1.93], and HR ≥ 3, 2.48 [95% CI, 1.81-3.40]), compared to those without nocturia, and heart disease-specific mortality (HR1, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.08-1.64], HR2, 1.62 [95% CI, 1.25-2.10], and HR≥3, 2.07 [95% CI, 1.61-2.67]). Nevertheless, there was no significant relationship between the number of nocturia episode changes and stroke-specific mortality.

Conclusion

Nocturia was associated with a significantly augmented risk of overall and heart disease-specific mortality in a dosage-dependent manner. Early recognition and taking precautions may benefit individuals with nocturia by promoting quality of life and cardiac health.

'Nocturomics': transition to omics-driven biomarkers of nocturia, a systematic review and future prospects

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review studies that investigated different biomarkers of nocturia, including omics-driven biomarkers or 'Nocturomics'.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed® , Scopus® , and Embase® were searched systematically in May 2022 for research papers on biomarkers in physiological fluids and tissues from patients with nocturia. A distinction was made between biomarkers or candidates discovered by omics techniques, referred to as omics-driven biomarkers, and classical biomarkers, measured by standard laboratory techniques and mostly thought from pathophysiological hypothesis.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies with 18 881 patients in total were included, eight of which focused on classical biomarkers including: atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), C-reactive protein (CRP), aldosterone, and melatonin. Five were 'Nocturomics', including one that assessed the microbiome and identified 27 faecal and eight urinary bacteria correlated with nocturia; and four studies that identified candidate metabolomic biomarkers, including fatty acid metabolites, serotonin, glycerol, lauric acid, thiaproline, and imidazolelactic acid among others. To date, no biomarker is recommended in clinical practice. Nocturomics are in an embryonic phase of conception but are developing quickly. Although candidate biomarkers are being identified, none of them are yet validated on a large sample, although some preclinical studies have shown a probable role of fatty acid metabolites as a possible biomarker of circadian rhythm and chronotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Further research is needed to validate biomarkers for nocturia within the framework of a diagnostic and therapeutic precision medicine perspective. We hope this study provides a summary of the current biomarker discoveries associated with nocturia and details future prospects for omics-driven biomarkers.

Partially different? The importance of general equilibrium in health economic evaluations: An application to nocturia

Both the human capital approach and the friction cost approach are frequently used to quantify the productivity costs associated with illness, disability or death in health economic evaluations. In this paper we argue that these approaches have one major, but common shortcoming: they only capture partial equilibrium (PE) effects and therefore underestimate the true potential productivity costs associated with health conditions. They neglect the sizable, indirect, ripple effects in the economy captured by general equilibrium (GE) models. To demonstrate our point, we compare a traditional PE with a GE approach for the application to nocturia, a condition characterized by the need to frequently wake up at night to urinate. Nocturia is associated with substantial impairment of daytime functioning and work productivity. We employ large-scale United Kingdom (UK) employer-employee survey data to estimate the prevalence and productivity loss. These estimates are then used as shared inputs to drive both approaches. We find that the traditional PE approach underestimates the annual productivity cost of clinically relevant nocturia by around 16%. We propose a generalized GE/PE multiplier to approximate the GE effect for other health conditions. Our findings stress the importance of accounting for sizable GE effects when conducting health economic evaluations.

Overactive bladder (OAB): a failed concept needing revision to accommodate an external anatomical control system

THESIS AND AIMS

In 45 years, the definitions and practice of the urodynamically based overactive bladder (OAB)/detrusor overactivity (DO) system have failed to adequately address pathogenesis and cure of urinary urge incontinence, frequency and nocturia.

METHODS

We analysed the OAB syndrome with reference to the Integral Theory paradigm's (ITS) binary feedback system, where OAB in the female is viewed as a prematurely activated, but otherwise normal micturition caused mainly, but not entirely, by ligament damage/laxity. The ITS Clinical Assessment Pathway which details the relationships between structural damage (prolapse), ligaments and dysfunction (symptoms) is introduced.

RESULTS

The ITS was able to "better explain" OAB pathophysiology in anatomical terms with reference to the binary model. The phasic patterns diagnostic of "detrusor overactivity" are explained as a struggle for control by the closure and micturition reflexes. The exponentially determined relationship between urethral diameter and flow explains why obstructive patterns occur, why they do not and why urine may leak with no recorded pressure. Mechanically supporting ligaments ("simulated operations") during urodynamic testing can improve low urethral pressure, negative pressure during coughing with SUI and diminish urge sensation or even DO patterns, transforming urodynamics from non-predictive test to accurate predictor of continence surgery results. High cure rates for OAB by daycare repair of damaged ligaments is a definitive test of the binary system's validity.

CONCLUSION

Conceptual progression of OAB to the Integral Theory paradigms's prematurely activated micturition validates OAB component symptoms as a syndrome, explains pathogenesis, and unlocks a new way of understanding, diagnosing, treating and researching OAB.

Psychometric validation and interpretation of the Nocturia Impact Diary in a clinical trial setting

Purpose

Psychometric evaluation of the Nocturia Impact (NI) Diary was conducted to support its use as a trial endpoint.

Methods

As part of a randomized, controlled Phase 2 clinical trial investigating a novel drug candidate for nocturnal polyuria, adult nocturia patients completed the NI Diary and a voiding diary for three nights preceding their clinic visit at Baseline and Weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12 (end of treatment). Exit interviews were conducted to obtain patient impressions of the NI Diary.

Results

A total of N = 302 participants were included. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) indicated that the 11-item measure is unidimensional with values of CFI, TLI, and RMSEA meeting relevant thresholds. Good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.941) and test–retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficients 0.730–0.880). Convergent validity with two reference measures was demonstrated with strong correlations of 0.573–0.730 were shown. Significant differences (P = 0.0018, standardized effect size = 0.372) between groups defined by number of night-time voids supported known-groups validity. Exit interviews in 66 patients indicated all participants experienced improvement in at least 1 NI Diary item and that a 1-point improvement on the item response scale and 1-void reduction per night (associated with an average best cut point on ROC analysis of − 11.6) constituted meaningful improvement. Anchor and distribution-based analyses identified a meaningful change threshold of − 15 to − 18 points on the NI Diary.

Conclusion

The NI Diary is a reliable and valid patient-reported psychometric instrument which is fit-for-purpose to evaluate the impact of nocturia on patient quality of life in the clinical trial setting.

Trial registration number and registration date NCT03201419; June 28, 2017.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11136-021-03060-4.

Calcium Channel Blockers Are Associated with Nocturia in Men Aged 40 Years or Older

BACKGROUND

The associations of nocturia with hypertension and anti-hypertensive agents (AHTs) remain to be validated.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study examined whether blood pressure and/or frequently used classes of AHTs had consistent associations with nocturia.

METHODS

A total of 418 male patients aged ≥ 40 years were retrospectively assessed in terms of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), prescription medications, and blood pressure. Nocturia was evaluated using item 7 of the IPSS, and two or more episodes of nocturia per night was considered to indicate clinically important nocturia.

RESULTS

Patients taking calcium channel blockers (CCBs), but not other AHTs, experienced more episodes of nocturia than patients not taking AHTs (1.77 ± 1.07, 1.90 ± 1.19, and 1.48 ± 0.98 in CCBs alone, CCBs + other AHTs, and other AHTs alone, vs. 1.35 ± 1.08 in not taking AHTs; p = 0.014, p < 0.0001, and p = 0.91, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in the number of nocturia episodes between patients with elevated and normal blood pressure. In multivariate analysis, CCB (odds ratio (OR) = 2.68, p < 0.0001) and age (OR = 1.06, p < 0.0001) were independently associated with clinically important nocturia.

CONCLUSION

CCB was associated with nocturia, while AHTs other than CCBs and elevated blood pressure were not.

Interventional therapy in benign conditions of the prostate

Interventional therapies (IT) are increasingly popular treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). IT aim to reduce morbidity and side effects related to invasive surgical procedures. To date, IT are considered experimental, though they are evolving rapidly and starting to challenge established surgical strategies. With gradually increasing evidence for the benefits of IT in BPH, several techniques are moving out of the realm of research and into everyday clinical practice. As such, IT provides encouraging mid-term functional outcomes with improved health-related quality of life (QoL), particularly in terms of better preservation of ejaculation. The distinct role IT could play as a bridge between exhausted drug-based treatment options and surgery is yet to be defined. Further studies are required before IT can be recommended as alternatives to invasive therapies. Systematic trials are needed to identify subgroups of patients who can benefit particularly from IT in comparison to other treatments, to identify features of the prostate particularly suited to a specific IT, and to analyze the durability of success for each technique.

Efficacy and safety of prostatic artery embolization for benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) vs. transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in patients affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We also reviewed mean changes from baseline in PAE at selected follow-up points.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to May 1, 2020. Randomized controlled trials on PAE were collected according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3, STATA 14, and GraphPad Prism 8. Pooled patient-reported scores and functional outcomes were calculated by using a fixed or random-effect model.

RESULTS

Eleven articles met our selection criteria and ten independent patient series were included in the final analysis. Pooled estimates suggested no significant difference between TURP and PAE for patient-reported outcomes including International Prostate Symptom Score (2.32 (- 0.44 to 5.09)) and quality of life (0.18 (- 0.41 to 0.77)) at 12 months. PAE was less effective regarding improvements in most functional outcomes such as maximum flow rate, prostate volume, and prostate-specific antigen. Moreover, PAE may be associated with relatively fewer complications, lower cost, and shorter hospitalization. After the PAE procedure, the overall weighted mean differences for all outcomes except sexual health scores were significantly improved from baseline during follow-up to 24 months.

CONCLUSION

PAE is non-inferior to TURP with regard to improving patient-reported outcomes, though most functional parameters undergo more changes after TURP than after PAE. Moreover, PAE can significantly continue to relieve symptoms for 24 months without causing serious complications.

KEY POINTS

• PAE is as effective as TURP in improving subjective symptom scores, with fewer complications and shorter hospitalization times. • PAE is inferior to TURP in the improvement of most functional outcomes. • Improvements due to PAE are durable during follow-up to 24 months.

Jingui Shenqi pill for nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of nocturia is high and will seriously affect patients' physical and mental health. Nocturnal polyuria is the most critical cause of nocturia, There are few drugs currently used to treat nocturia due to Nocturnal Polyuria (NP). The guide highly recommends only Desmopressin. There is an urgent need to find new drugs. Jingui Shenqi pill (JSP) is a Chinese patent medicine, it is widely used in China to treat NP. However, there is no evidence-based medical evidence to prove its safety and effectiveness. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of JSP in the treatment of NP.

METHODS

We will search the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including JSP for NP and published from the inception of the database to Oct 2020 by the following eight databases: Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, MEDLINE, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Cqvip Database, and Wanfang Data, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. There is no language and publication status restriction. The primary outcomes will include Nocturnal urine volume, the number of nocturnal voids, Nocturnal polyuria index (Nocturnal total urine volume /24 h total urine volume). We will perform the data synthesis, sensitivity analysis, subgroup analysis, and bias assessment risk using RevMan V.5.3. The reporting bias will be assessed using a funnel plot and Egger test.

RESULTS

This study may provide additional evidence of JSP for NP in the effectiveness and safety and alternative therapy for NP.

CONCLUSIONS

In this systematic review, we will assess whether JSP is an effective and safe medicine for nocturia.

Self-Assessed Benefits of a Prostate Health Formulation on Nocturia in Healthy Males With Mild Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: An Open Label Study

Background

Nocturia is the most bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and can significantly reduce men's quality of life. It is often poorly managed with conventional treatments.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the self-assessed benefits of a prostate health dietary combination formulation on mild LUTS, especially nocturia in healthy males.

Methods

In an open label clinical study, thirty healthy male subjects with mild LUTS took one daily capsule of the product for 60 days. The primary outcome was self-assessed severity of LUTS using the International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) questionnaire at Day 1 (baseline), Day 30 and Day 60. Safety and compliance were also evaluated.

Results

At Day 60, IPSS significantly decreased from baseline by 16.3% (3.6 ± 2.1 vs. 4.3 ± 1.5, p < 0.05). Although the reduction in IPSS did not reach statistical significance at Day 30, it was mostly driven by a 30.7% decrease (p < 0.05) in the nocturia sub-score compared with baseline. While 37% of subjects reported at baseline waking up 2‒3 times/night to void, none did so after taking the study product for 60 days. Compliance was very high throughout the study. No adverse events related to the study product were reported.

Conclusions

The study product might be a safe alternative for individuals willing to explore a non-conventional approach to manage their nocturia. A larger randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial is warranted to confirm these results. Clinical trial registry: Clinical Trials.gov. Registration number (September 1st, 2016): NCT02886832.

Dutch version of the TANGO nocturia screening tool: cross-culturally translation and reliability study in community-dwelling people and nursing home residents

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the self-administered screening instrument 'Targeting the individual's Aetiology of Nocturia to Guide Outcomes' (TANGO) into Dutch for Belgium and to assess its test-retest reliability. Methods: This study has a cross-sectional, descriptive study design. Cross-cultural adaption of TANGO into Dutch for Belgium was performed according to a standardized method. Convenience samples of community-dwelling people and NH residents with nocturia (≥1void/night) completed TANGO-D at baseline and 1-2 weeks later. Community-dwelling people filled in the questionnaire at home and the NH residents were interviewed by a study nurse. Results: TANGO-D was completed by 33 community-dwelling middle-aged people and 45 NH residents. Completeness of responses was adequate in both populations and almost all items had positive and negative answers. In the NH residents, 12 out of 22 items required clarification, wherein five items adjustments are essential. Test-retest reliability analysis revealed an overall median Kappa of .75 [IQR: .78-1] in community-dwelling people and .54 [IQR: .31-.65] in NH residents, confirming substantial and moderate agreement, respectively. Conclusion: TANGO-D is a cross-cultural adapted Dutch translation of the original TANGO and showed good test-retest reliability in community-dwelling middle-aged people. However, validation of TANGO is required before use in clinical practice and the addition of a module of environment-related items to extend the utility of the instrumentwhen used in NH is desirable.

Trends and prevalence of nocturia among US adults, 2005-2016

PURPOSE

Increased nocturia episodes can be a clinical marker of poor health status. The present study aimed to evaluate patterns and temporal trends in nocturia and sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates in the US population.

METHODS

Participants, aged 20 years or older, were included in this repeated cross-sectional study. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2016 was used. Participants were asked "During the past 30 days, how many times per night did you most typically get up to urinate, from the time you went to bed at night until the time you got up in the morning?". Individuals were categorized as either ≥ 1 nocturia episode or ≥ 2 nocturia episodes per night.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence of ≥ 1 nocturia was high among men (20-39 years, 56.8%; 40-59 years, 70.2%; ≥ 60 years, 82.7%) and women (20-39 years, 68.9%; 40-59 years, 74.3%; ≥ 60 years, 84.7%), particularly in Non-Hispanic-blacks. From 2005-2016, the trends in prevalence of ≥ 1 nocturia increased for the age groups 20-39 and 40-59 years among men (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and women 20-39 and 40-59 years (p < 0.001 and p = 0.032, respectively), but a stable trend was observed among men and women who were 60 years and older (p = 0.814, and p = 0.64, respectively). A significant increasing trend of ≥ 2 nocturia episodes was observed among men only aged 40-59 years (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

From 2005 through 2016, the secular trend in the frequency of nocturia increased in both men and women in general, which was significant under the age of 60 years, particularly in Non-Hispanic-blacks.

The Economic Burden of Nocturia on the U.S. Health Care System and Society: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis

BACKGROUND

Nocturia, characterized as waking during the main sleep period to urinate, is a common condition. Persistent nocturia results in sleep fragmentation with deleterious effects on health and well-being. Yet, there are limited data on the economic burden of nocturia in the United States.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of nocturia with health care resource utilization (HRU), work productivity, and self-rated health while estimating the societal costs of nocturia in the United States in 2017.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES; 2005-2006 to 2013-2014). Adults aged ≥ 18 years (excluding pregnant women) were stratified into individuals with nocturia (≥ 2 voids/night) and individuals without nocturia (< 2 voids/night), based on the threshold for clinically significant nocturia. Outcomes were self-reported and included HRU (hospitalizations, outpatient visits); work productivity (weekly hours worked, employment); and current health status. Multivariable regression analyses adjusting for age, race, sex, body mass index, insurance status, education level, alcohol use, smoking status, and self-reported comorbid conditions were used to compare the 2 cohorts, overall and stratified by age group (20-44 years, 45-64 years, and 65+ years) to distinguish the effects on different age groups including the Medicare-aged population. Excess direct health care costs and indirect productivity costs associated with nocturia in the United States were then calculated using a prevalence-based approach and available literature (i.e., nocturia prevalence estimates, aggregated unit costs by HRU type, and average hourly earnings in the United States).

RESULTS

22,300 individuals were identified, and 24% had nocturia (≥ 2 voids/night). Median age was 55.2 and 43.2 years among individuals with and without nocturia, respectively, and the proportion of males was 43.3% and 51.3%, respectively. Individuals with nocturia had significantly more HRU, including hospitalizations and outpatient visits, worked significantly fewer hours weekly, and were significantly less likely to be employed when compared with those without nocturia. They were also significantly less likely to report being in very good/excellent health. These comparisons remained statistically significant across age groups. Total excess direct health care costs were $62.9 billion (hospitalization: $47.6 billion; outpatient: $15.3 billion). Total excess indirect productivity costs were $151.7 billion. Altogether, costs were estimated at $214.5 billion, equivalent to $3,491 per individual with nocturia. Individuals aged 20-44 years incurred 23.5% of total excess costs, while those aged 45-64 and 65+ years incurred 48.2% and 28.3%, respectively. Sensitivity analyses based on lower prevalence estimates resulted in costs of $94.0 billion, while those based on higher prevalence estimates reached up to $231.1 billion.

CONCLUSIONS

Nocturia is associated with a substantial economic burden in the United States even when evaluated based on lower prevalence estimates. This study underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and management of nocturia patients to alleviate health-related and economic consequences to patients and society.

DISCLOSURES

This work was supported by Ferring Pharmaceuticals, which contributed to and approved the study design and participated in the interpretation of data, review, and approval of the manuscript. Gauthier-Loiselle, Gagnon-Sanschagrin, and Wu are employees of Analysis Group, which received consultancy fees from Ferring Pharmaceuticals for work on this study. Jhaveri is a full-time employee of Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Parts of this work were presented as a poster presentation at AMCP Nexus 2018; October 22-25, 2018; Orlando, FL.

Incidence of Nocturia in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Enlargement and Outcomes After Medical Treatment: Results from the Evolution European Association of Urology Research Foundation Prospective Multinational Registry

BACKGROUND

Nocturia is one of the most prevalent and bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men, leading to increased morbidity and mortality and a considerable economic burden on healthcare systems. Understanding its natural history, effect of pharmacotherapy, and predictors of failure of pharmacotherapy would allow optimised patient management.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and effect of clinically relevant nocturia (crN) on quality of life in a contemporary cohort of European men aged ≥50 yr in a "real-life" setting, to understand its natural history, to detect any effect of pharmacotherapy, and to identify predictors of pharmacotherapy failure.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This is a secondary analysis of the data from the Evolution Registry-a European, multicentre, prospective, observational registry, conducted in five European countries within a sample of general practitioners' and urologists' clinics. A consecutive sample of 2175 men aged ≥50 yr with LUTS in association with benign prostatic enlargement was enrolled between February 2010 and April 2011, and followed up for 2yr. Overall, data from 1838 men were suitable for analysis.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary outcome was evaluation of the baseline incidence of nocturia in the study population. Secondary outcomes included the impact of nocturia on quality of life, efficacy of pharmacotherapy, and predictive factors associated with persistence of nocturia. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the data. Logistic regressions were used to analyse associations between comorbid conditions and risk factors in men with nocturia.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 1198 men (65%) reported crN (two or more voids per night). This increased age dependently from 59% in the 50-59-yr age group (n=74) to 89% in the 80-99-yr age group (n=25). Overall, the incidence of crN improved in those who commenced pharmacological treatment at study entry, from 69% at baseline to 49% at 24 mo (p<0.00001). This was statistically significant only in those <80 yr old. A weak correlation was found between the severity of nocturia at baseline and quality-of-life scores on the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire (r=0.33, p<0.001). Of the patients treated with an alpha-blocker or a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, 62% still had crN at 24 mo.

CONCLUSIONS

Almost two-thirds of men in the Evolution Registry reported clinically significant nocturia with increased incidence with age. Despite prostate-targeted treatment, most patients, especially older men, still had persistent or worsening nocturia at 2-yr follow-up, and in this study, it was not possible to identify specific clinical factors that predicted those who could respond well to treatment in this regard.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This large study of men from five different European countries has shown that waking up at night to pass urine (nocturia) is very common and becomes more common with older age, and treatments that target the prostate do not significantly improve symptoms over 2yr in most men.

Economic Burden of Illness in Adult Patients with Nocturia

BACKGROUND

Nocturia is considered to be a very bothersome lower urinary tract disorder. Yet, to date, the economic burden attributable to this poor health condition remains less well known.

OBJECTIVE

To compare differences in health care resource utilization (HCRU), health care costs, and work productivity in adult patients with differing frequencies of nocturia episodes (i.e., < 2 vs. ≥ 2 nocturia episodes per night).

METHODS

Adult patients with nocturia enrolled in an integrated proprietary database were recruited to complete a survey on their demographics, nocturia characteristics, and work productivity. Using patients' survey data and health care claims from the previous 6 months, those with < 2 (n = 197; 21.9%) versus ≥ 2 (n = 702; 78.1%) nocturia episodes per night were compared for differences in HCRU, health care costs, and work productivity after adjusting for potential confounders. HCRU was reported as the mean number per patient per month (PPPM) for outpatient visits (all types), physician office visits, and prescriptions filled and the proportion of patients with ≥1 hospitalization or emergency department visit in the previous 6 months. Health care costs were reported as mean PPPM. Work productivity was assessed via patient survey and reported as a mean percentage for absenteeism, presenteeism, overall work impairment, and activity impairment during the past week.

RESULTS

899 adult patients (mean age = 71.4 years; 57.2% men) were enrolled and analyzed. Compared with patients with <2 nocturia episodes per night, patients with ≥ 2 nocturia episodes had more outpatient health care visits (unadjusted mean visits PPPM: 2.1 vs. 1.6; P < 0.001; adjusted mean visits PPPM: 2.1 vs. 1.6; P = 0.017), office visits (unadjusted and adjusted mean visits PPPM: 0.9 vs. 0.7; P < 0.001), and prescriptions filled (unadjusted mean prescription fills PPPM: 3.1 vs. 2.1; P < 0.001; adjusted mean prescription fills PPPM: 3.2 vs. 2.2; P = 0.027). Patients with ≥ 2 nocturia episodes per night also displayed significantly higher outpatient health care costs (unadjusted mean PPPM costs: $676 vs. $516; P = 0.028; adjusted mean PPPM costs: $678 vs. $506; P = 0.017). In terms of work productivity impairment, patients with ≥ 2 nocturia episodes per night experienced higher rates of unadjusted (20% vs. 10%; P = 0.002) and adjusted presenteeism (20% vs. 10%; P = 0.004) and unadjusted (20% vs. 10%; P = 0.002) and adjusted overall work impairment (20% vs. 10%; P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings demonstrate that nocturia was associated with higher outpatient encounters and related costs in the presence of a greater occurrence of nocturic episodes.

DISCLOSURES

This study was funded by Allergan plc, Dublin, Ireland. Neither honoraria nor payments were provided for authorship. Dmochowski is a consultant and speaker for Allergan plc and a consultant for Serenity Pharmaceuticals. Brucker is a consultant and speaker for Allergan plc, a consultant for Watkins-Conti and Avadel, and an investigator for Medtronic and Ipsen. Cole is a consultant for Allergan plc and an employee of Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group. Kawahara and Pulicharam are full-time employees of DaVita Medical Group. Burk is a consultant for Allergan plc and a health outcomes consultant. Tung is an employee of Allergan plc. Hale has served as a consultant/advisor to and has received research funding from Allergan plc. The data from this manuscript were previously presented in poster format by Steve Kawahara at the Academy of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy Annual Meeting; April 19-22, 2016; San Francisco, CA.

Novel immediate/sustained-release formulation of acetaminophen-ibuprofen combination (Paxerol®) for severe nocturia associated with overactive bladder: A multi-center, randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled, 4-arm trial

Aim

To determine short‐term efficacy and safety of Paxerol®, novel immediate:sustained (50%:50%) release tablets containing 325 mg acetaminophen and 150 mg ibuprofen per tablet.

Methods

One of three dose levels, corresponding to the amounts in 1, 2, and 3 tablets, of Paxerol and placebo were administered for 14 consecutive days to patients with severe nocturia (defined in this study as an average nocturnal voids [NV] ≥2.5) associated with overactive bladder (OAB). Changes in NV, as well as Nocturia Quality of Life (NQOL), duration of first uninterrupted sleep (DFUS), and total hours of nightly sleep (THNS) associated with treatment were assessed. Short‐term safety/tolerability was assessed throughout the study and for at least 30 days post‐treatment.

Results

Paxerol at all three doses reduced NV to a greater degree than placebo (average NV −1.1, −1.4, −1.3 voids for low, mid, and high doses, respectively, vs −0.3 void for placebo). NQOL and THNS were similar between baseline and treatment values in all four groups. There were also no between‐group differences. Paxerol at high dose tended to (although not statistical significantly) increase DFUS to a greater degree than placebo (1.2 vs 0.4 h, P = 0.057). There were no treatment related adverse events in any of the four groups.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates short‐term efficacy and short‐term safety of Paxerol in patients with severe nocturia associated with OAB. The results warrant further investigation of the long‐term efficacy and safety of Paxerol in larger patient populations.

Patients' Lived Experiences of Nocturia: A Qualitative Study of the Evening, the Night, and the Next Day

BACKGROUND

Nocturia, waking to urinate two or more times during the night, is a chronic condition associated with significant patient burden due to sleep disruption. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of patients with nocturia in terms of the disruption to their lives during the night and day.

METHODS

Adult patients in the US diagnosed with nocturia were recruited for face-to-face qualitative interviews. Thematic analysis of patients' narratives, taking a phenomenological interpretative approach, summarised their experiences throughout the night and day, including any apparent contrasts between patients.

RESULTS

Twenty patients (10 male, 10 female) aged between 39 and 80 years, averaging three night-time voids, were interviewed. Analysis revealed that nocturia has a substantial impact on sleep quality and quantity, with the frequency of night-time voids a key driver of this. In addition to night-time phenomena, patients faced various difficulties the next day, including day-time tiredness, lack of energy and concerns related to emotional wellbeing, social functioning and cognitive functioning. All of these limited patients' capacity to work, perform daily activities or fulfil role responsibilities. Patients' lifestyles influenced experience, where younger patients in employment more readily emphasised the day-time physical and psychosocial burdens. Patients employed coping behaviours in an attempt to lessen the severity of nocturia and its impact, which were both physician-led and self-taught.

CONCLUSIONS

While the symptom of nocturia only occurs during the night, the impact is longer lasting, affecting functioning and wellbeing throughout the following day. Patients' circumstances can affect the extent of their burden; recognising this can improve effective delivery of patient-centred care.

A practical approach to the management of nocturia

AIM

To raise awareness on nocturia disease burden and to provide simplified aetiologic evaluation and related treatment pathways.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of nocturia experts developed practical advice and recommendations based on the best available evidence supplemented by their own experiences.

RESULTS

Nocturia is defined as the need to void ≥1 time during the sleeping period of the night. Clinically relevant nocturia (≥2 voids per night) affects 2%-18% of those aged 20-40 years, rising to 28%-62% for those aged 70-80 years. Consequences include the following: lowered quality of life; falls and fractures; reduced work productivity; depression; and increased mortality. Nocturia-related hip fractures alone cost approximately €1 billion in the EU and $1.5 billion in the USA in 2014. The pathophysiology of nocturia is multifactorial and typically related to polyuria (either global or nocturnal), reduced bladder capacity or increased fluid intake. Accurate assessment is predicated on frequency-volume charts combined with a detailed patient history, medicine review and physical examination. Optimal treatment should focus on the underlying cause(s), with lifestyle modifications (eg, reducing evening fluid intake) being the first intervention. For patients with sustained bother, medical therapies should be introduced; low-dose, gender-specific desmopressin has proven effective in nocturia due to idiopathic nocturnal polyuria. The timing of diuretics is an important consideration, and they should be taken mid-late afternoon, dependent on the specific serum half-life. Patients not responding to these basic treatments should be referred for specialist management.

CONCLUSIONS

The cause(s) of nocturia should be first evaluated in all patients. Afterwards, the underlying pathophysiology should be treated specifically, alone with lifestyle interventions or in combination with drugs or (prostate) surgery.

A Behavioral Weight Loss Program and Nonurinary Incontinence Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Overweight and Obese Women with Urinary Incontinence: A Secondary Data Analysis of PRIDE

PURPOSE

We sought to determine whether a behavioral weight reduction intervention would improve nonurinary incontinence lower urinary tract storage symptoms at 6 months, including urinary frequency, nocturia and urgency, compared to a structured education program serving as the control group among overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PRIDE (Program to Reduce Incontinence by Diet and Exercise) was a randomized clinical trial performed in 338 overweight or obese women with urinary incontinence. Participants were randomized, including 226 to 6-month behavioral weight loss intervention and 112 to the control group. All participants received a self-help behavioral treatment booklet to improve bladder control. On this secondary data analysis we examined changes in nonurinary incontinence lower urinary tract storage symptoms from baseline to 6 months and the impact of treatment allocation (intervention vs control), weight loss and physical activity.

RESULTS

Nonurinary incontinence lower urinary tract storage symptoms were common at baseline, varying from 48% to 62%. In the 2 groups combined women experienced significant improvement in nocturia, urgency and International Prostate Symptom Score at 6 months (all p <0.001). However, lower urinary tract storage symptom outcomes at 6 months did not differ between the intervention and control groups. Similarly no difference was observed in the amount of weight lost (5% or greater vs less than 5%) or physical activity (1,500 kcal or greater expenditure per week compared to less than 1,500 kcal).

CONCLUSIONS

Lower urinary tract storage symptoms were common among overweight and obese women with urinary incontinence. The prevalence decreased significantly after 6 months independent of treatment group assignment, amount of weight lost or physical activity. These improvements may have been due to self-help behavioral educational materials, trial participation or repeat assessment of symptoms.

Incontinence and Nocturia in Older Adults After Hip Fracture: Analysis of a Secondary Outcome for a Parallel Group, Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To test the effect of a follow-up clinic on urinary incontinence (UI) and nocturia among older adults with hip fracture. Method: Fifty-three older adults (≥65 years) 3 to 12 months following hip fracture were enrolled and randomized to receive usual care plus the intervention (B4), or usual care (UC) only. The B4 group received management by health professionals, with need-based referrals. UI, nocturia, and quality of life were measured with questionnaires at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Results: There were 48 participants included in this analysis, and at baseline, 44% of study participants self-reported UI. At final assessment, six out of 24 B4 participants and 12 out of 24 UC participants reported UI. Four out of five study participants reported nocturia at baseline; this did not decrease during the study. Discussion: Following hip fracture, many older adults report UI and most report nocturia. Health professionals should be aware of the high occurrence of urinary symptoms among older adults post hip fracture.

Fesoterodine for the Treatment of Nocturnal Urgency in Patients with Overactive Bladder Syndrome: An Analysis of Responders and Nonresponders

PURPOSE

A recent study demonstrated improvement in nocturnal urgency in patients with overactive bladder when treated with fesoterodine. In the current study we aimed to determine which bladder diary parameters predict the response to fesoterodine in these patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with nocturnal urgency completed a 2-week, single-blind placebo run-in followed by 1:1 double-blind randomization to 12 weeks of fesoterodine or placebo. We analyzed bladder diary parameter changes from baseline to week 12, including the actual number of night voids (total number of nocturia episodes), maximum voided volume, nocturnal bladder capacity, Nocturnal Bladder Capacity Index (NBCi) (actual number of night voids - nocturnal urine volume/maximum voided volume - 1), nocturnal urine volume, the nocturia index (nocturnal urine volume/maximum voided volume) and the nocturnal polyuria index (nocturnal urine volume/24-hour volume). Additionally, we analyzed OAB-q (Overactive Bladder Questionnaire) changes.

RESULTS

There was a linear relationship between the likelihood of being a responder for NBCi and the nocturia index. Responders had a significant decrease in nocturnal urine volume relative to baseline (-181.7 ml, p <0.01). Neither group showed a significant change in maximum voided volume relative to baseline. There was a significant decrease in NBCi and the nocturia index in responders (-0.82 and -0.61, respectively, each p <0.01). Responders demonstrated improvement in the OAB-q concern, coping, sleep, bother and total score metrics.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with nocturnal urgency secondary to overactive bladder syndrome and low nocturnal bladder capacity with a mismatch between nocturnal urine production and bladder capacity may benefit from fesoterodine. Symptom improvement appears to be mediated by increases in typical rather than maximum nocturnal voided volumes. Symptom improvement was associated with improved quality of life.

Is overactive bladder in the female surgically curable by ligament repair?

INTRODUCTION

Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms (urge, frequency, nocturia) are not generally considered surgically curable by learning institutions. The Integral Theory hypothesizes that OAB is a prematurely activated, but normal micturition reflex caused by loose suspensory ligaments and potentially curable surgically by repairing such ligaments. To test this hypothesis by surgical repair of loose cardinal and uterosacral ligaments in patients with 2nd degree or greater uterine/apical prolapse.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Multicenter prospective case control audit. 611 females, mean age 70. Inclusions: symptomatic apical prolapse of 2nd or greater degree, (POPQ stages 2-4), and at least two pelvic symptoms. Exclusions: Comorbid medical problems known to cause chronic pelvic pain (e.g., infection), sphincter tears, neurological bladder conditions. Surgery: minimally invasive cardinal/uterosacral ligament repair using the TFS (Tissue Fixation System). Primary outcome: Uterine prolapse cure; Secondary outcomes; bladder, bowel, and pain symptoms improvement.

RESULTS

90% prolapse cure in 611 patients. Symptom incidence (% Cure at 12 months in brackets) was: urge incontinence: n = 310 (85%); frequency: n = 317 (83%); nocturia: n = 254 (68%); chronic pelvic pain (CPP): n = 194 (77%); fecal incontinence: n = 93 (65%). Statistics: McNemar x2-tests to test for significant changes in the symptoms' incidence-frequency from baseline (preoperative) to the postoperative phase. For each symptom the null hypothesis H0: P(baseline) = P(12 months after surgery)versus H1: P(baseline) ≠ P(12 months after surgery) was tested, with P indicating prevalence or incidence rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Bladder & bowel incontinence and chronic pelvic pain occur in predictable groupings and are associated with apical prolapse. OAB symptom improvement with the TFS ligament repair provides a good alternative to anticholinergics, especially when considering their association with dementia causation. Application of the Integral Theory System has the potential to significantly improve clinical practice, QoL for ageing women, delaying entry into Nursing Homes and creating new scientific research directions. The take home message is that symptoms of chronic pelvic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction occur in relatively predictable groups, caused by lax suspensory ligaments and can be cured or improved by TFS mini sling ligament repair.

Assessing the impact of nocturia on health-related quality-of-life and utility: results of an observational survey in adults

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The impact of nocturia (getting up at night to void) on health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL) is often under-estimated. This study investigated the relative burden in terms of HRQoL and utilities of nocturia in a real-world setting.

METHODS

Patient data were collected from two surveys: a nocturia-specific, cross-sectional survey of physicians and their patients (DSP), and a general UK population health survey (HSFE). Utilities (EQ-5D-5L), productivity (Work Productivity and Activity Index), and the impact of nocturia symptoms (Nocturia Impact Diary and Overactive Bladder Questionnaires) were assessed against the number of voids. A robust linear regression model with propensity score weights was used to control for confounding factors in estimating utilities.

RESULTS

Physician-recorded data were available from 8,738 patients across the US, Germany, Spain, France, and the UK; of these, 5,335 (61%) included patient-reported outcomes. In total, 6,302 controls were drawn from the two surveys and compared to 1,104 nocturia patients. Deterioration of HRQoL was associated with increasing number of night-time voids (p < 0.0001). In particular, significant differences were observed between 0-1 and ≥2 voids (p < 0.001). The regression model demonstrated that nocturia (≥2 per night) is associated with a modest but significant deterioration in utility of 0.0134 (p < 0.05).

LIMITATIONS

The cause of nocturia is multifactorial and the mostly elderly patients may have several concomitant diseases. The authors tried to adjust for the most common ones, but there may be diseases or unknown relationships not included.

CONCLUSIONS

Nocturia negatively affected HRQoL and patient utility. A clear effect is seen already at two voids per night. Every effort should, therefore, be made to reduce nocturia below the bother threshold of two voids per night.

Bladder Symptoms in the Early Menopausal Transition

PURPOSE

Bladder symptoms are common in women and result in use of healthcare resources and poor quality of life. Bladder symptoms have been linked to age and menopause, but debate exists in the literature. This article examines factors associated with bladder symptoms and compares women in late reproductive stage with those in menopausal transition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed cross-sectional data from a prospective cohort study of midlife women (mean age, 48; range, 44-54 years) in northern California. The sample consisted of 158 women in late reproductive stage or menopause transition. Assessments included anthropometrics, menstrual cycle lengths and symptoms, urine samples for follicle-stimulating hormone level, and self-reported health perception and depressive symptoms. Analyses included descriptive bivariate statistics, group comparisons, and regression models.

RESULTS

The most common bladder symptoms were nocturia (72%) at least once per night and urinary incontinence (50%) at least once per week. Incontinence was less prevalent in African American women compared to European Americans and Latinas (p = 0.001) and more prevalent in late reproductive stage than in menopause transition (p = 0.024). Controlling for age, women in late reproductive stage were more likely to report nocturia compared to those in menopause transition. Reproductive stage (p = 0.016), higher body mass index (p = 0.007), and race (p = 0.017) contributed to the variance in weekly nighttime urinary frequency.

CONCLUSION

Bladder symptoms were associated with reproductive stage. Women in late reproductive stage were more likely to experience nocturia and incontinence than those in menopause transition. The higher rates of nocturia and incontinence in late reproductive stage are intriguing. Future studies should include analysis of pelvic organ prolapse degree and other structural differences.

Nocturia: state of the art and critical analysis of current assessment and treatment strategies

This editorial of the topic issue of the World Journal of Urology provides a state of the art on nocturia which includes descriptions of the terminology, epidemiology, health-related quality of life, medical and financial consequences, pathophysiology, assessment tools and treatment strategies of nocturia. This summary also includes a flowchart on the pathophysiology of nocturia with illustration of the various causes of reduced bladder capacity, increased fluid intake or increased diuresis; a flowchart with the key findings of frequency-volume charts to determine the underlying pathophysiology; and a flowchart on the treatment of the various causes of nocturia. The editorial critically discusses current assessment and treatment strategies in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) and nocturia. The outcome of nocturia remains hidden in drug trials of patients with LUTS/BPH because nocturia-specific measures were not included. The authors recommend using frequency-volume charts, measurement of the hours of undisturbed sleep, and nocturia-specific quality of life questionnaires (e.g., ICIQ-N or N-Qol) in all future studies in patients with LUTS/BPH and nocturia.

Determinants of nocturia severity in men, derived from frequency-volume charts

OBJECTIVE

Nocturia may be characterized by indices derived from the frequency-volume chart (FVC). The objective of this study was to determine how these parameters relate to the severity of nocturia in men with and without lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis of FVCs was performed in two cohorts of men: those presenting with LUTS in a New York ambulatory urology clinic and those from the longitudinal population-based Krimpen study. Nocturnal urine volume (NUV), nocturia index (Ni), nocturnal polyuria index (NPi), nocturnal maximal voided volume (nMVV) and sleep duration were derived from FVCs. Comparisons were made using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient between actual number of nightly voids (ANV) and the other diary parameters.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight consecutive men who presented with LUTS completed a 24 h FVC [median age 70 years, interquartile range (IQR) 64.5-74.5, median ANV 2, IQR 1.5-4]. Nocturnal voiding frequency and volume were analyzed in 1082 community-dwelling men (median age 61 years, IQR 56.1-66.4, range 49.4-78.2; median ANV 1.5, IQR 1.0-2.0, range 0-4.5). Both cohorts demonstrated strong correlations between nocturia severity (represented as ANV) and Ni (0.797, 0.658 for cohorts 1 and 2, respectively). There were moderate correlations between nocturia severity and NPi (0.545, 0.394), NUV (0.463, 0.432) and sleep duration (0.306, 0.272). The nMVV correlated poorly with nocturia severity (0.159, 0.146).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of nocturia should aim to match nocturnal urine production with bladder capacity. Given the lack of known effective pharmacotherapy for low bladder volume, the first attempt nocturia treatment could focus on volume reduction.