Health-related quality of life in adult males with lower urinary tract symptoms

Impact of Preoperative LUTS on Health-related Quality of Life Following Radical Prostatectomy: A Propensity Score Matched Longitudinal Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) up to 10 years after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PC).

METHODS

Within our prospective institutional database of 6487 patients treated with RP for PC (2008-2020), 2727 patients with preoperative LUTS (IPSS score of ≥8) were identified. A 1:1 propensity-score matched analysis of 3056 men (n = 1528 LUTS, n = 1528 no LUTS) was conducted. Primary endpoint was HRQOL (based on EORTC QLQ-C30 and PR25). Linear regression models tested the effect of preoperative LUTS on the net change in general HRQOL (P <.05).

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 48 months. Preoperative mean global health status (GHS) score (67.4 vs 75.7) was significantly lower in the LUTS cohort (P <.001). Post-RP the difference in general HRQOL between the LUTS cohort and the no-LUTS cohort became smaller (65.7 vs 67.8), however, remaining statistically significant (P = .037). In long-term follow-up, general HRQOL was comparable between both subcohorts (P-range 0.716-0.876). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed increased preoperative IPSS as an independent predictor for increased perioperative improvement of IPSS (P <.001) CONCLUSION: For patients undergoing RP, preoperative LUTS were associated with a postoperative improvement of HRQOL outcomes. In long-term follow-up, HRQOL was comparable to patients without preoperative LUTS. Hence, RP is an efficient option to treat PC as well as LUTS in those patients.

One hundred cases of Rezum water vapor thermal therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Real-world data at a single institution in Japan

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to assess the efficacy of Rezum, a minimally invasive surgical treatment, for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in real-world clinical practice at a single institution in Japan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study involving 100 patients who underwent the Rezum procedure between October 2022 and February 2024. We analyzed patient backgrounds that are compliant with Japanese regulations and assessed descriptive outcomes such as symptom scores, peak flow in uroflowmetry, post-void residual (PVR) volume, and prostate volume (PVol). These data were collected at 1 and/or 3 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

On average, 4.7 water vapor injections were administered during the Rezum procedures, with a mean operative time of 6.3 min. Patients experienced significant relief in symptoms, with reductions of 55% in International Prostate Symptom Score, 53% in quality of life score, and 30% in Overactive Bladder Symptom Score. There was also a significant decrease in mean PVR volume (50% reduction) and PVol (27% reduction). Among the subgroup of 23 pre-interventional catheter-dependent patients, 91% achieved catheter independence.

CONCLUSION

Our single-center analysis demonstrates that Rezum is an effective and safe minimally invasive therapeutic option for patients with BPH. This promising novel technique can be particularly beneficial for patients at an augmented risk of bleeding or those considered high risk for anesthesia.

Lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: A cross-sectional observational study

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), Crohn's Disease (CD), and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) may have extraintestinal manifestations, including disorders of the urinary tract. The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in IBD patients remains unclear.

AIMS

Assess the prevalence of LUTS in patients with CD or UC, evaluate the variables implicated in any difference in LUTS prevalence between CD or UC, and assess any relationship between disease activity and LUTS METHODS: LUTS were evaluated in 301 IBD patients through standardised questionnaires: Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS), NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). IBD activity was determined through the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI), Partial Mayo Score (PMS), and Total Mayo Score (TMS).

RESULTS

BFLUTS total score for females was 6 (3-11). Patients with a higher age at diagnosis had worse filling symptoms (p = 0.049) and a worse quality of life (p = 0.005). In males, 67.1% had mild, 28.5% moderate, and 4.4% severe IPSS symptom grades. The overall NIHCPSI prevalence of chronic prostatitis-like symptoms was 26.8%. The questionnaires revealed some significant differences in the subgroups analysed.

CONCLUSION

LUTS should be evaluated in IBD patients by urologic-validated questionnaires for prompt diagnosis and early treatment.

Rezum water vapor thermal therapy for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms: A retrospective single-centre analysis from a German high-volume centre

OBJECTIVE

Rezum is a minimal invasive surgical treatment for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). The aim of our study was to assess safety and efficacy of the Rezum procedure in a consecutive series of patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective study was performed in a single tertiary care hospital in patients undergoing Rezum procedure between 2018 and 2020. All patients that underwent intervention because of drug-refractory moderate to severe LUTS were assessed. Descriptive outcomes such as symptoms scores (IPSS, IPSS-QoL), peak flow in uroflowmetry (Qmax), post-micturition residual urine volume (PVR) and prostate volume (PVol) were analysed.

RESULTS

In total, 92 Rezum procedures were performed in the observational period. All interventions were competed without device- or procedure relates adverse events. Patients achieved a significant symptom relief as measured in IPSS (50% reduction, p<0.001, n = 35) and IPSS-QoL score (53% reduction, p<0.001, n = 35). Qmax improved by 7.3 ml/s from 10.6 ± 4.2 ml/s to 17.9 ± 9.3 ml/s (p = 0.003, n = 20) were as mean PVR significantly decreased by 136 ml from 175 ± 194.1 to 39 ± 62 ml (p = 0.007, n = 20). PVol significantly decreased by 40.3% from 73.9 ± 41.2 to 44.9 ± 29 ccm (p = 0.024, n = 17). All pre-interventional catheter-depending patients (28.3% of all patient) were catheter independent after six weeks.

CONCLUSION

Rezum therapy is safe and effective and can be considered a viable treatment option for BPH related LUTS.

Measurement properties of the EQ-5D in populations with a mean age of ≥ 75 years: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Healthcare interventions for middle-old and oldest-old individuals are often (economically) evaluated using the EQ-5D to measure health-related quality of life (HrQoL). This requires sufficient measurement properties of the EQ-5D. Therefore, the current study aimed to systematically review studies assessing the measurement properties of the EQ-5D in this population.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Embase, and EconLit were searched for studies providing empirical evidence of reliability, validity, and/or responsiveness of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L in samples with a mean age ≥ 75 years. Studies were selected by two independent reviewers, and the methodological quality was assessed using the COSMIN Risk of Bias checklist. Results were rated against updated criteria for good measurement properties (sufficient, insufficient, inconsistent, indeterminate). The evidence was summarized, and the quality of evidence was graded using a modified GRADE approach.

RESULTS

For both EQ-5D versions, high-quality evidence for sufficient convergent validity was found. Known-groups validity was sufficient for the EQ-5D-5L (high-quality evidence), whereas the results were inconsistent for the EQ-5D-3L. Results regarding the reliability were inconsistent (EQ-5D-3L) or entirely lacking (EQ-5D-5L). Responsiveness based on correlations of change scores with instruments measuring related/similar constructs was insufficient for the EQ-5D-3L (high-quality evidence). For the EQ-5D-5L, the available evidence on responsiveness to change in (Hr)QoL instruments was limited.

CONCLUSION

Since the responsiveness of the EQ-5D in a population of middle-old and oldest-old individuals was questionable, either using additional instruments or considering the use of an alternative, more comprehensive instrument of (Hr)QoL might be advisable, especially for economic evaluations.

A new diagnostic definition for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms evaluated by corpus cavernosum electromyography: 'Pelvic autonomic dysfunction'

This study investigates the use of corpus cavernosum electromyography (CC-EMG) recording as a diagnostic tool for identifying the presence of pelvic autonomic dysfunction (PAD) in patients with LUTS and concurrent ED. Fifty patients were included in the study, and the electromyographic and urodynamic findings were compared. The 50% relaxation degree was accepted as a threshold value for PAD. According to relaxation degree in CC-EMG recordings, patients were grouped as; Group 1 (with PAD) = 23 patients with a relaxation degree of less than 50%. Group 2 (without PAD) = 27 patients with a relaxation degree greater than 50%. The mean age of the patients was 58 ± 3.2 (50-71) years. The comparison of the urodynamic parameters and transrectal ultrasound revealed that the postvoiding residual urine volume (PVR) (p = 0.0007), P det Q_max (p = 0.0005), and P det compliance (0.003) values were statistically significantly lower in Group 2. The mean IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scores of the patients in Group 1 were 2.5 ± 0.7 and 8.1 ± 1.1 respectively. In Group 2, mean IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scores were 7.2 ± 2.9, and 17.2 ± 3.5 (p: 0.00023 and p: 0.0009). The mean I-PSS score was 22.8 ± 3 in Group 1 and 16 ± 2.3 in Group 2 (p = 0.001). The mean relaxation degree (RD) in Group I was 30.73 ± 6.8%, and in Group 2 was 66.3 ± 5.1%. The mean amplitude values of the patients in Group I were 261.41 ± 112.97 before papaverine injection, and in Group 2 were 246 ± 101.28 respectively. The inter-group difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean amplitude value of the patients in Group I after papaverine injection was 182.73 ± 60.71, and in Group 2, that value was 83.2 ± 29.19. The inter-group difference was also significant (p < 0.05). Increased electrical bursts and decreased relaxation responses on CC-EMG indirectly indicated an increase in the contractility of the bladder sphincter. Therefore, we concluded that CC-EMG could be a diagnostic tool for PAD and cavernous autonomic dysfunction.

Role of calcium channel blockers in lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a literature review

Background

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the use of CCBs are common in older persons, and are also associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This review summarised and synthesised relevant information and recent advances to improve clinical knowledge on the role of CCBs in LUTS, BPH symptoms and health-related quality of life.

Main body of the abstract

A search of databases of PubMed, Web of science, Hinari, and Google scholar was performed using several keywords. Relevant studies were also extracted from references of identified studies. Selected studies were assessed for content related to CCBs, BPH and LUTS, and the most relevant reports were included. The inhibition of calcium channels by CCBs interferes with influx of extracellular Ca2+ into the detrusor muscle, which interferes with bladder contraction and relaxation. Hence, CCBs are associated with precipitation or aggravation of urinary storage and voiding symptoms, which are also common symptoms of BPH. This suggests a potential aggravation of BPH symptoms with the use of CCBs.

Short conclusion

Persons at high risk of LUTS such as in BPH, may benefit from other classes of antihypertensive drugs. Therefore, it is essential to identify persons with BPH prior to commencement of therapy with CCBs. Patients on CCBs should be routinely reviewed for any potential precipitation or aggravation of LUTS. Patients should also be counselled to notify their healthcare provider of unusual urinary symptoms during CCB use. This will facilitate enhanced quality of life in patients with BPH.

Long-term Reinterventions after Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: 12-Year Experience with more than 1000 Patients

BACKGROUND

Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) is an established treatment option for benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), but long-term outcomes have not yet been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To prove the durability of ThuLEP by investigating its long-term efficacy and morbidity.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

All patients who underwent ThuLEP at a German tertiary referral center between 2009 and 2021 were retrospectively followed up for reinterventions for persistence or regrowth of prostate adenoma (ReIP) or long-term complications (ReIC).

INTERVENTION

ThuLEP.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

We calculated the cumulative incidence for ReIP and ReIC at 10 yr. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were constructed to identify predictors of ReIP and ReIC.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Overall, 1097 patients underwent ThuLEP. The median overall follow-up was 6.0 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 2.4-9.2). For one-third of patients (n = 369), median follow-up of 10 yr (IQR 9.1-11.2) was available. A total of 42 patients (3.8%) underwent ReIP after a median of 2 yr (IQR 0.3-4.9). The rate of long-term ReIC was 2.6% (n = 29) and the median time to ReIC was 0.5 yr (IQR 0.3-1.7). The most frequent ReIC was urethrotomy (n = 16, 1.5%). The cumulative incidence of ReIP and ReIC at 10 yr was estimated at 5.6% and 3.4%, respectively. Enucleation weight ≥60 g was a significant predictor of ReIP (hazard ratio 1.2, p = 0.014). The retrospective study design and the lack of functional outcomes are the main limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

ThuLEP is a durably effective and safe procedure with low reintervention rates within 12 yr.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This study investigated long-term outcomes of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate for benign enlargement of the prostate (BPE). Low rates of repeat treatment for BPE recurrence or for other complications were observed. Our results show the safety and efficacy of this treatment over a period of 12 years.

Scanning Imaging Study of Patients with Parkinson's Disease Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Based on Linear Equation

A predictive method based on a linear equation was proposed to study the factors influencing lower urinary tract dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. A 10-month follow-up of 200 selected Parkinson's patients from January to December 2020 used a linear regression equation to analyze whether depletion function was associated with a specific nonmotor function loss, and a linear regression equation was used for analysis. A loss of emptiness function was used to determine whether there are complications associated with lower motor function and cognitive function. The experimental results showed that dysuria in Parkinson's disease was related to the following nonmotility disorders: gastrointestinal dysfunction (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.57-3.92, P < 0.001), cardiovascular dysfunction (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.23~4.11, P = 0.014), respiratory dysfunction (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.32~3.24, P = 0.029), cutaneous autonomic dysfunction (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.15~3.08, P = 0.023), and sleep disorders (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.32~3.14, P = 0.001). In addition, dysuria was associated with higher UPDRS-III (regression coefficient 1.74, 95% CI 0.56-2.67, P = 0.001). Thus, nonmotor disorders have been shown to be associated with early impairment.

Type D Personality Is an Independent Predictor of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Young Men

This cross-sectional study, which included men aged 20-40 years, aimed to determine the relationships among type D personality, depressive symptoms and lower urinary tract symptoms in young men. An internet-based questionnaire was administered, and General demographics, International Prostate Symptom Scores, Type D Scale-14 scores, and Depression and Somatic Symptom Scale scores were analyzed. A total of 3,127 men were included; of these, 762 (24.4%) reported moderate/severe lower urinary tract symptoms, and 1,565 (50.05%) met the criteria for type D personality. Men with type D personality had significantly higher body mass index and total and sub-scores for the International Prostate Symptom Score and Depression and Somatic Symptom Scale. Furthermore, the type D personality group had a higher prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms, particularly voiding symptoms. Univariate analysis revealed that all parameters, except for body mass index, were significant predictors of moderate/severe lower urinary tract symptoms. Multivariate analysis showed that age >30 years, type D personality, and depressive and somatic Depression and Somatic Symptom Scale sub-scores were independent predictors of moderate/severe lower urinary tract symptoms. Regarding Type D Scale-14 subscales, social inhibition, rather than negative affectivity, impacted moderate/severe lower urinary tract symptoms. Mediation analysis revealed that depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between type D personality and lower urinary tract symptoms. This study established correlations between type D personality, depressive symptoms, and lower urinary tract symptoms. As previous studies suggested that patients with type D personality are less likely to consult and adhere to treatment, and are at higher risk for depression, urologists should therefore actively recognize patients with TDP.

The Relationship Between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Osteoarthritis Symptoms Among Vendors in a Conventional Market

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and the correlation between LUTS and osteoarthritis (OA) symptoms in the vendors working in a conventional market.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 153 vendors aged 40 and over from August 10th to September 8th, 2020, in a conventional market. Data were collected via the self-reported questionnaires. We assessed LUTS by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and OA symptoms by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

RESULTS

The mean age of 153 subjects was 61.31±9.92 years old. The mean score of IPSS and WOMAC was 5.37±5.68 (range, 0-35) and 16.89±19.61 (range, 0-96). Fifty-one percent of subjects had urinary incontinence at least monthly. Twenty-four point two percent of subjects had moderate-to-severe LUTS which were defined as a score of IPSS ≥8. LUTS were positively correlated with OA symptoms (r=0.41, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that LUTS were associated with OA symptoms, and it also emphasized the need for vendors to be provided with a health education program to manage and prevent their LUTS and OA symptoms.

Turkish validation and reliability of the symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index-29 (LURN SI-29) questionnaire in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms

AIMS

To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index-29 (LURN SI-29).

METHODS

Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were included in a single-center study between January and April 2021. Patients' demographics, such as age, sex, and level of education, were recorded. The Turkish version of the LURN SI-29 and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were administered to all patients, and the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) was additionally administered to female patients. Construct validity was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was evaluated with correlations to similar measures. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and split-half reliability analyses were used to establish the scale's reliability.

RESULTS

A total of 295 participants, 35.3% females and 64.7% males, were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 56.4 ± 11.7 years. The median total LURN SI-29 scores were 38.0 (26-50) and 26.0 (18-43) for female and male patients, respectively. The LURN SI-29 scale showed a high correlation with IPSS and UDI-6 scales (r = .758, p < .001; r = .774, p < .001, respectively) in concurrent validity analysis. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale and all subscales were greater than 0.70 for both female and male patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This measurement tool can potentially be used to evaluate LUTS in Turkish women and men. Further studies should be performed to reveal the clinical usefulness of this scale.

A retrospective analysis comparing persistence and adherence to treatment with free- vs fixed-dose combination of an alpha blocker and an antimuscarinic agent in men with LUTS in Spain

INTRODUCTION

Combination therapy with an alpha blocker (AB) plus an antimuscarinic (AM) is recommended for men with moderate-to-severe mixed lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) when monotherapy is not effective in relieving storage symptoms. This study compared treatment persistence and adherence with an AB plus AM fixed-dose combination (FDC) vs an AB plus AM free-dose combination in men with LUTS in Spain.

METHODS

Retrospective study using the Spanish IQVIA Cegedim Electronic Medical Records database. Men prescribed AB plus AM combination therapy were included in an FDC or free-dose combination cohort based on their index treatment. Treatment persistence was the time from index date to first discontinuation of ≥1 of the two index drugs over 12 months. Adherence was measured using the fixed medication possession ratio (MPR).

RESULTS

Of 3114 patients identified, 999 were included (FDC, n = 790; free-dose combination, n = 209). Median (95% CI) persistence was longer in the FDC (125 [109-151] days) than in the free-dose combination (31 [31-36] days) cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 2.9; 95% CI, 2.4-3.4; P < .0001). The 12-month persistence rates were 31.1% (FDC cohort) and 8.9% (free-dose cohort). The mean (SD) fixed MPR was higher in the FDC cohort (48.8 [37.2]) compared with the free-dose cohort (23.1 [28.4]); more patients in the FDC cohort (34.2%) than in the free-dose cohort (10.0%) were adherent (MPR ≥ 80%). The probability of treatment persistence and adherence increased with age (>80 vs <65 years, persistence HR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.5-0.9]; MPR difference, 12.5), polypharmacy (persistence HR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.6-0.9]; MPR difference, 10.7) and previous use of AB (persistence HR, 0.8 [95% CI, 0.7-1.0]; MPR difference, 5.7) or AB/AM combinations (persistence HR, 0.7 [95% CI, 0.5-0.9]; MPR difference, 11.1).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with an AB/AM FDC is associated with better persistence and adherence vs a free-dose combination in men with LUTS in Spain.

The frequency of impairments in everyday activities due to the overuse of the internet, gaming, or smartphone, and its relationship to health-related quality of life in Korea

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the frequency of impairments in daily activities due to the overuse of the Internet, gaming, or smartphones (IGS) and sociodemographic characteristics, social relationships (including family) & activities, psychosocial characteristics, health status, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Korean adults.

METHODS

Secondary data from the 2017 Community Health Survey, a large-scale sample survey conducted yearly in South Korea, were analyzed for 190,066 adults over 19 years of age. Three categories were created for impairment groups due to IGS overuse: No Impairment, Mild Impairment, and Moderate-to-Severe groups. And between-group differences were examined using a one-way ANOVA for health status measured with the EQ-5D-3 L and chi-square tests for all categorical dependent variables, which included sociodemographic characteristics, social relationships & activities, and psychosocial factors. The association between frequencies of daily activity impairments due to IGS overuse and the dependent variables were examined using a multivariate logistic regression analysis and a linear regression model.

RESULTS

Approximately 21,345 (11.23%) of the 190,066 participants reported experiencing impairments in daily activities due to IGS overuse at least once in the previous year and the impairments were more severe in males than females. Participants experiencing impairments in daily activities contacted their friends a significantly higher number of times (4 times or more per month) and engaged in leisure activities more frequently (more than once per month) than those without impairments. There was also a significant positive relationship between IGS overuse and stress, depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Among participants aged 19-64, impairments in daily activities due to IGS overuse were associated with a lower HRQoL. Conversely, for those aged 65 and over, mild and moderate-to-severe impairments due to IGS overuse were associated with a significantly higher HRQoL.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased impairments in daily activities due to IGS overuse may negatively affect mental health. However, among older adults, the frequency of such impairments was positively associated with HRQoL. This finding could be considered to apply interventions with Internet usage or ICT devices for older adults to enhance their quality of life.