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

Occupational Factors Influencing Turnover Intention in Working Women With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the occupational factors that influence turnover intention among working women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study targeted 410 working women with LUTS from a 2022 survey. Occupational characteristics, including working hours, shift work, bathroom accessibility, sitting time, musculoskeletal strain, job stress, and emotional labor, were assessed through a structured self-reported questionnaire using validated tools. Multiple logistic regression was applied to analyze the association of these factors with turnover intention.

RESULTS

Women who worked >52 hours per week had an odds ratio of 2.02 for turnover intention compared to those who worked fewer hours. Higher job stress and emotional labor scores also were associated with increased turnover intention.

CONCLUSIONS

Women with LUTS have higher turnover intention due to vulnerability to long hours, job stress, and emotional labor.

Natural Products in the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction and Infection

The popularity of natural products for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) differs considerably between countries. Here we discuss the clinical evidence for efficacy in two indications, male LUTS suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary tract infections, and the mechanistic evidence from experimental studies. Most evidence for male LUTS is based on extracts from saw palmetto berries, stinging nettle roots, and pumpkin seeds, whereas most evidence for urinary tract infection is available for European golden rod and combined preparations although this field appears more fragmented with regard to extract sources. Based on differences in sample collection and extraction, extracts from the same plants are likely to exhibit at least quantitative differences in potential active ingredients, which makes extrapolation of findings with one extract to those of others potentially difficult. While only limited information is available for most individual extracts, some extracts have been compared to placebo and/or active controls in adequately powered trials.

Assessing the Use of BotulinumtoxinA for Hyperactive Urinary Tract Dysfunction a Decade after Approval: A Single-Blind Study to Evaluate the Reduction in Pain in OnabotulinumtoxinA Detrusor Injection Using Different Injection Needles

Overactive bladder (OAB) has a significant impact on the quality of life; thus, it requires treatment that can be adhered to over a long period without undue side effects. The current treatment which uses an anticholinergic or β-3 agonist may fail to improve symptoms and has side effects, leading to high discontinuation rates. OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) detrusor injection has been approved for idiopathic OAB as a second-line treatment with good effectiveness and tolerability. This study used a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the impact of the type of needle used for OnabotA detrusor injections under local anesthesia on the pain levels after each injection. This study included 68 female patients. We used three different needles with thicknesses ranging from 22 to 27 gauge, lengths between 4 and 5 mm, and different cuts. The sensation of pain was rated at each standardized injection location. Regardless of the needle used, the patients' perceptions of pain at the beginning of the procedure were rated as being less than the subsequent injections. Most pain sensations were rated as low to moderate. The mean pain sensation on the VAS was 2.5 ± 0.3 overall, i.e., for all patients and needles used. Statistically significant differences in pain sensation were rated only at some locations of the bladder (on the back wall and the right side of the bladder). The single needles averaged the following pain scores: 2.8 ± 0.3 for needle A (20 G, 4 mm), 2.1 ± 0.3 for needle B (27 G, 5 mm), and 2.6 ± 0.4 for needle C (20 G, 4 mm, sharp cut 15°). The 27-gauge needle caused significantly less pain, and it had no negative impact due to its length, which was 1 mm longer than the other needles. Thus, the needle thickness was a decisive factor in the patients' perceptions of pain.

Progress in overactive bladder: novel avenues from psychology to clinical opinions

Rationale

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common, distressing condition that worsens with age and impacts quality of life significantly. As a results of its clinical symptoms, patients suffer from serious physical and mental health issues, have a poor quality of life, and participate in a serious economic burden. The key social-psychological factors include living habits, eating habits, and personality characteristics on this disease, even though the pathogenesis of OAB is complex. However, there is few cognitions and research on OAB in the field of psychology.

Methods/Search Strategy

Between 2000 and 2022, two electronic databases were systematically searched in accordance with Cochrane library guidelines (PubMed/Medline, Web of Science). An analysis of the remaining articles with relevant information was conducted using a data extraction sheet. An itemized flow diagram was adopted and used to report systematic reviews and meta-analysis. A systematic review of studies published from 2000 to 2022 in English language were conducted and included in the review.

The intended audience

Urological surgeon and psychologists majoring in urinary diseases.

Implication

As a result of this information, we are able to develop a better understanding of the role of psychological factors in the development of OAB and suggest potential therapeutic directions for OAB patients. This may benefit the recovery of OAB patients.

The prevalence of overactive bladder and its impact on the quality of life: A cross-sectional study

Objective

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition affecting both men and women and has been shown to affect the quality of life. We conducted this study to estimate the prevalence of OAB, and to incorporate symptom severity, symptom bother and health-related quality of life (HRQL) in the assessment of OAB and evaluate associated factors.

Methodology

A total of 940 participants were categorized into non-OAB and OAB using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS). HRQL and symptom bother were measured using the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire - Short Form (OAB-q SF). Descriptive analyses and multivariable regression analyses were performed.

Results

The prevalence of OAB among our population was 27.4%. Patients with older age (Odd ratio [OR] = 2.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-3), higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.8-3.8), comorbidities (OR = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.9-3.5) and history of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) s (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.4-2.6) were significantly associated with increased risk of OAB (p < 0.001). The mean OAB symptom bothers score was 35.7 + 22.9 and increased significantly across OAB severity groups (p < 0.001). The mean HRQL score was 73.3 + 22 and a significant decreased across OAB severity groups (p < 0.001). All OAB symptoms showed significant positive correlation with increased symptom bother (p < 0.001) in addition to significant inverse correlation with HRQL (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

OAB is a prevalent condition in our population and the associated symptoms negatively affect HRQL. In this study, the detrimental effect is not exclusive to UUI and can be attributed to the other elements in the symptom spectrum of OAB. Screening for OAB should be considered during routine clinical visits using validated and reliable measures for early detection of symptoms and possible modification of risk factors to improve the outcome.

A comparison of urinary bladder weight in male and female mice across five models of diabetes and obesity

Introduction: Diabetes often leads to lower urinary tract dysfunction. The most frequently assessed parameter of urinary bladder dysfunction in animal models of diabetes is an enlargement of the bladder, which is consistently observed in type 1 and less consistently in type 2 diabetes. The vast majority of studies on bladder weight in animal models of diabetes and obesity has been performed in males, and no studies have directly compared this outcome parameter between sexes. Methods: Therefore, we have compared bladder weight and bladder/body weight ratio in five mouse models of obesity and diabetes (RIP-LCMV, db/db, ob/ob (two studies), insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS2) knock-out mice and mice on a high-fat diet; pre-specified secondary analysis of a previously reported study). Results: In a pooled analysis of the control groups of all studies, females exhibited slightly lower glucose levels, lower body weight, and lower bladder weight, but bladder/body weight ratio was similar in both sexes (0.957 vs. 0.986 mg/g, mean difference 0.029 [-0.06; 0.118]). Among the six diabetic/obese groups, bladder/body weight ratio was similar in both sexes in three but smaller in female mice in three other groups. The mRNA expression of a panel of genes implied in the pathophysiology of bladder enlargement and/or fibrosis and inflammation did not differ systematically between sexes. Conclusions: We conclude that sex differences in diabetes/obesity-associated bladder enlargement may be model dependent.

Assessing Quality-of-Life of Patients Taking Mirabegron for Overactive Bladder

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including urgency, frequency, and urgency incontinence, are highly prevalent in the general population and increase in prevalence with increasing age. All LUTS, but notable urgency and urgency incontinence, are associated with negative impact on quality-of-life (QoL), with multiple aspects of QoL affected. Urgency and urgency incontinence are most commonly caused by overactive bladder (OAB), the clinical syndrome of urinary urgency, usually accompanied by increased daytime frequency and/or nocturia in the absence of infection or other obvious etiology, which may be treated with conservative and lifestyle interventions, bladder antimuscarinic drugs, and, more recently, by mirabegron, a β3 agonist. This narrative review describes the impact of OAB on QoL, quantifies this impact, and outlines the evidence for the use of mirabegron in the treatment of, and improvement in QoL in, people with OAB.

Analysis of 16 studies in nine rodent models does not support the hypothesis that diabetic polyuria is a main reason of urinary bladder enlargement

The urinary bladder is markedly enlarged in the type 1 diabetes mellitus model of streptozotocin-injected rats, which may contribute to the frequent diabetic uropathy. Much less data exists for models of type 2 diabetes. Diabetic polyuria has been proposed as the pathophysiological mechanism behind bladder enlargement. Therefore, we explored such a relationship across nine distinct rodent models of diabetes including seven models of type 2 diabetes/obesity by collecting data on bladder weight and blood glucose from 16 studies with 2–8 arms each; some studies included arms with various diets and/or pharmacological treatments. Data were analysed for bladder enlargement and for correlations between bladder weight on the one and glucose levels on the other hand. Our data confirm major bladder enlargement in streptozotocin rats and minor if any enlargement in fructose-fed rats, db/db mice and mice on a high-fat diet; enlargement was present in some of five not reported previously models. Bladder weight was correlated with blood glucose as a proxy for diabetic polyuria within some but not other models, but correlations were moderate to weak except for RIP-LCMV mice (r² of pooled data from all studies 0.0621). Insulin levels also failed to correlate to a meaningful extent. Various diets and medications (elafibranor, empagliflozin, linagliptin, semaglutide) had heterogeneous effects on bladder weight that often did not match their effects on glucose levels. We conclude that the presence and extent of bladder enlargement vary markedly across diabetes models, particularly type 2 diabetes models; our data do not support the idea that bladder enlargement is primarily driven by glucose levels/glucosuria.

What is the real burden of the overactive bladder? Results from a national prevalence study

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of overactive bladder determining patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) and potential risk factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional population-based study to estimate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) prevalence in the Colombian population was performed (COBaLT study). Overactive bladder (OAB) was assessed using 2002 International Continence Society definitions and the Report on the Terminology for Female Pelvic Floor Dysfunction. PROMS were included to evaluate participant's perceptions of health-related quality of life (QoL). Spanish validated questionnaires were used, including the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) scale.

RESULTS

A total of 1060 individuals were assessed. The mean age of participants was 42.2 years, and most participants were Hispanic (93.15%). The overall prevalence of OAB syndrome was 31.70%, and it was more frequently reported in women than in men (39.25% vs. 24.15%). Most participants with OAB did not perceive their symptoms as bothersome. The most bothersome symptom, associated with moderate/severe impact in QoL was urinary urgency. According to the PPBC questionnaire 75.6% of the participants reported that their bladder condition does not cause any problem, while 11.% reported moderate to severe bother. The multivariable model showed high blood pressure and anxiety were associated with OAB in men. In females, depression, obstructive sleep apnea, IBS, and pelvic organ prolapse were associated with OAB syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Using the symptomatic definition of OAB can overestimate the real impact and burden of the condition, and treatment should be targeted to those symptomatic patients with QoL impairment as they would benefit from further management. The questionnaires seem to overestimate the condition, since we assessed it from a PROMS perspective there is not such a marked QoL impact.

Current pharmacotherapy of overactive bladder

Overactive bladder is a symptom complex consisting of bothersome storage urinary symptoms that is highly prevalent among both sexes and has a significant impact on quality of life. Various antimuscarinic agents and the beta-3 agonists mirabegron and vibegron are currently available for the treatment of OAB. Each drug has specific pharmacologic properties, dosing schedule and tolerability profile, making it essential to individualize the medical treatment for the patient's characteristics and expectations. In this manuscript, we review the most important factors involved in the contemporary pharmacological treatment of OAB.

[Definition, epidemiology and impact of non-neurogenic overactive bladder]

INTRODUCTION

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition with a significant functional impact in patients.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize current knowledge on the definition, epidemiology and impact of OAB.

METHOD

A systematic literature review based on Pubmed, Embase, Google Scholar was conducted in June 2020.

RESULTS

OAB is defined by urinary urgency, usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia, with or without urgency urinary incontinence, in the absence of urinary tract infection or other obvious pathology. In France, OAB affects 14 % of the general population and this prevalence increases with age. This condition is a source of major deterioration in patients' quality of life with a physical (falls, fractures, sleep disorders, fatigue), psychic (anxiety, depression) social (limitation of leisure, isolation) and economic impact.

CONCLUSION

The definition of OAB is standardized. OAB is a frequent condition and has significant functional consequences with a notable deterioration in quality of life.

The Inflection Point Model: a Model to Explore the Hidden Burdens of Non-Cancerous Genitourinary Conditions

OBJECTIVE

To propose a conceptual model to identify points along the condition course where actions or inaction affect downstream burdens of non-cancerous genitourinary conditions (NCGUC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) convened an interdisciplinary meeting to comprehensively consider the burdens of NCGUCs. Subsequently, the authors met monthly to conceptualize the model.

RESULTS

Inflection points (IP) describe time points during a condition course that are sensitive to change. Our proposed Inflection Point Model (IPM) helps conceptualize burden/benefit trade-offs in any related decision and provides a platform to identify the downstream aggregate burden of a NCGUC across multiple socio-ecological levels at a single time point, which may be summed across the condition course to measure cumulative burden. Two personae demonstrate the utility of this model to better understand impacts of two common NCGUCs.

CONCLUSIONS

The IPM may be applied in multiple contexts: narrowly to explore burden of a single NCGUC at a single IP; or more broadly, to address multiple conditions, multiple IPs, or multiple domains/levels of social ecology. Applying the IPM may entail combining population data describing prevalence of NCGUCs, associated behaviors, and resulting outcome patterns that can be combined with suitable mathematical models to quantify aggregate and cumulative burden. The IPM challenges stakeholders to expand from the individual to include broader levels of social ecology. Application of the IPM will undoubtedly identify data gaps and research needs that must be fulfilled to delineate and address the burden of NCGUCs.

The characteristics and risk factors of healthcare-seeking men with lower urinary tract symptoms in China: Initial report from the POInT group

AIMS

To investigate the clinical characteristics of health care-seeking men presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in China and to reveal risk factors for symptom severity.

METHODS

This multicenter, hospital-based, cross-sectional study recruited 1477 eligible male subjects, who were at least 45 years, seeking health care at 9 participating hospitals across the mainland China. The general medical information and subjective symptoms were recorded, followed by the measurement of prostate volume, urodynamic indices, and laboratory tests for kidney function, plus glucose/lipid metabolism. Univariate and multivariate linear regression were employed for the detection of risk factors for symptom severity.

RESULTS

The proportion of mild, moderate, and severe LUTS was 14.6%, 32.6%, and 52.8%, respectively, with 62.2% reporting the triple combination of storage, voiding, and postmicturition symptoms. Median prostate volume was 44.6 ml, and 71.1% were experiencing comorbidities. Thirteen independent risk factors for LUTS severity were identified, namely, nocturnal voiding episodes and the presence of straining and weak steam; the triple combination of symptom subtypes; general and nocturia quality of life; Q_max and bladder outlet obstruction index; and numbers of comorbidities, hypertension, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and cholesterol and glycosylated hemoglobin.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of health care-seeking LUTS men present with moderate-to-severe and overlapping symptoms, with a high prevalence of both lower urinary tract dysfunction and systemic comorbidities. The evidence from both urological and nonurological independent risk factors demonstrate the multifactorial nature of LUTS, for which a multidisciplinary management is essential.

Relationship between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Treatment-Related Behavior in an Eastern European Country: Findings from the LUTS POLAND Study

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on behavior related to treatment of Polish adults aged ≥ 40 years. Methods: We conducted a computer-assisted telephone survey with a study sample stratified by age, sex, and place of residence (type, size, urban versus rural) reflecting the entire Polish population. Participants rated the frequency and symptom-specific bother of individual LUTS and their effects on seeking and receiving treatment, treatment satisfaction, and treatment continuation. We adjusted multiple logistic regression models to analyze the simultaneous effects of predictor variables on each dependent variable. Results: Overall, 6005 participants completed the interview. One third (29.6–33.5%) of participants with LUTS were seeking treatment, and 24.0–26.4% received treatment. There was no difference in treatment seeking and receiving between urban and rural areas. Whereas storage and voiding symptoms were significantly related to treatment seeking by both men and women, treatment receiving correlated only with voiding symptoms in men and only with storage symptoms in women. Most respondents who received treatment were satisfied; treatment dissatisfaction was related to the presence of storage symptoms in both men and women. Only 50% of all participants continued their treatment; discontinuation of treatment was statistically more prevalent for women than for men. Conclusion: This investigation, the first population-representative study performed in Eastern Europe, revealed a low frequency of seeking treatment for LUTS. In addition, symptoms that inclined participants to seek treatment might not have been adequately addressed by the treatment they received. We also found a relatively high rate of treatment discontinuation. Clearly, there is a need for both improved patient education about LUTS treatment and a need for increased clinician awareness of the coexistence of different symptoms in men and women plus proactive evaluation by physicians for all types of LUTS and associated bother.

Improving management of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: evaluation of a health system-based, cluster-randomized intervention

BACKGROUND

Genitourinary symptoms are common in postmenopausal women and adversely affect the quality of life. National surveys and data collected from our healthcare system indicate that postmenopausal women with the genitourinary syndrome of menopause often fail to receive appropriate diagnosis or treatment.

OBJECTIVE

To promote greater detection and treatment of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, we created and tested a clinician-focused health system intervention that included clinician education sessions and a suite of evidence-based electronic health record tools.

STUDY DESIGN

Using a cluster-randomized design, we allocated primary care (16) and gynecology (6) clinics to the intervention or control group. From September to November 2014, we provided training about the diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in face-to-face presentations at each intervention clinic and in an online video. We developed clinical decision support tools in the electronic health record that contained an evidence-based, point-of-care knowledge resource, a standardized order set, and a checklist of patient education materials for the patient's after visit summary. The tools aimed to facilitate accurate diagnostic coding and prescribing (SmartSet, SmartRx) along with relevant patient information (SmartText). Clinicians who only performed visits at control clinics received no training or notification about the tools. Our primary outcome was vulvovaginal diagnoses made at well visits for women at the age of 55 years and older from November 15, 2014 to November 15, 2015. We also assessed urinary diagnoses, vaginal estrogen prescriptions, and use of the electronic tools. There was departmental support for the intervention but no prioritization within the healthcare system to incentivize change.

RESULTS

In the 1-year period, 386 clinicians performed 14,921 well visits for women at the age of 55 years and older. Among the 190 clinicians who performed well visits in the intervention clinics, 109 (57.4%) completed either in-person or online educational training. The proportion of visits that included a vulvovaginal (7.2% vs 5.8%; odds ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.65-2.51) or urinary diagnosis (2.5% vs 3.1%; odds ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-1.13) or vaginal estrogen prescription (4.5% vs 3.7%; odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.63-2.46) did not differ between study arms. There was a significant interaction for primary care and gynecology, which revealed more vulvovaginal diagnoses by gynecology but not primary care intervention clinics (odds ratio, 1.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.31), but there was no significant interaction for prescriptions. Clinicians in the intervention clinics were more likely to use decision support tools than those in control clinics-SmartSet (22.2% vs 1.5%; odds ratio, 18.8; 95% confidence interval, 5.5-63.8) and SmartText for patient information (38.0% vs 24.4%; odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-3.34). A per-protocol analysis revealed similar findings.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the intervention did not lead to more diagnoses or prescription therapy for postmenopausal genitourinary symptoms but did result in greater distribution of patient information. Gynecology clinicians were more likely to address genitourinary symptoms generally and were more likely to make a vulvovaginal diagnosis after the intervention. Further efforts for improving care should consider ongoing clinician education beginning with enhanced menopause curricula in residency training. Additional interventions to consider include greater access for postmenopausal women to gynecologic care, addressing treatment barriers, and development of national performance metrics.

Unreported urinary incontinence: population-based prevalence and factors associated with non-reporting of symptoms in community-dwelling people ≥ 50 years

PURPOSE

Concerns exist around under-detection and under-treatment of urinary incontinence (UI) in specific patient groups, particularly older people. The aim of this study is to ascertain the prevalence of unreported UI in a large sample of older adults, to profile factors associated with under-reporting of UI and the association of unreported UI with quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

This study was embedded within the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, involving a population-representative sample of almost 7,000 older adults (55% female, mean age 65 years). UI was defined as involuntary loss of urine from the bladder occurring on average at least twice per month. Unreported UI had not yet been reported to a healthcare professional. QOL was measured using the Control, Autonomy, Self-realisation and Pleasure-19 Scale (CASP-19).

RESULTS

Almost 40% (285/750) of participants with UI had not reported symptoms to a healthcare professional despite visiting their general practitioner (GP) on average over 4 times in the last year. Logistic regression modelling demonstrated that under-reporting of UI was associated with female sex, taking < 5 medications, less severe symptoms and lower number of GP visits. Linear regression models show that unreported UI was associated with significantly lower CASP-19 (β = - 1.20 (95% CI: - 2.19 to - 0.20)).

CONCLUSION

Only 40% of older people with UI report symptoms to a healthcare professional despite frequent symptoms, and a significant association with poorer QOL. This highlights the need to educate older people around seeking help for UI, as well as opportunistically addressing UI as part of comprehensive age-attuned care.

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis and Budget Impact: Antimuscarinics and Mirabegron for the Treatment of Patients With Urge Urinary Incontinence: The Brazilian Public Health System Perspective

OBJECTIVES

The Brazilian public health system does not cover pharmacotherapy for urge urinary incontinence (UUI). The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness and budget impact of providing tolterodine, solifenacin, oxybutynin (OXY), darifenacin, and mirabegron for the treatment of UUI in Brazilian public health system.

METHODS

A cost-effectiveness analysis with budget impact was performed. Six scenarios were assessed: in one scenario, all 5 therapeutic alternatives approved for coverage, and in the remaining 5 scenarios, only 1 alternative is approved for adoption for all patients. Clinical data were derived from a rapid systematic review conducted in several databases. One-way sensitivity analysis was also performed. The time horizon was 12 months.

RESULTS

The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that patients treated with OXY had the lowest incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per outcomes assessed (change in urinary incontinence episodes (UIE): R$1180.08; change in urge incontinence episodes: R$757.85 and change in micturition frequency: R$907.75), corresponding to a budget impact of R$17.9 billion over 5 years. The change in effectiveness measures was the parameter that most influenced the results of the ICER per patient-year.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study have shown that OXY and solifenacin had the lowest ICER per patient-year and the lowest budget impact when compared with other drugs.

Urogynaecological Symptoms among Oncological Survivors and Impact of Oncological Treatment on Pelvic Floor Disorders and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. A Six-Month Follow-Up Study

It has been widely underlined that both gynaecological malignancies and urogynaecological disorders are often associated with high stress and have a negative impact on the quality of life and psychological well-being of women affected. Knowledge of the pelvic anatomy is crucial in recommending and carrying out the least harmful although successful treatment. Subsequent chemoradiation may also induce or exaggerate troublesome symptoms. The aim of the study was to establish the frequency of urogynaecological symptoms (stress urinary incontinence, urgency, pelvic organ prolapse) and to assess the impact of surgical treatment and additional oncological therapy: pelvic radiation, chemoradiation, chemotherapy, on the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients suffering from gynecological malignancies. The study group consisted of 160 women, diagnosed with gynaecological malignancy, who underwent surgical treatment and additional adjuvant treatment as necessary. To establish the QoL and prevalence of PFD Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), Incontinence Impact Questionnaire 7 (II-Q7), King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) and the SF-36 Questionnaire were used. Herein, 69 patients reported urinary incontinence (UI) and 67 reported symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). After the six months follow-up UI was found in 78 patients, 25 patients showed de novo symptoms, 65 patients reported POP and 10 patients demonstrated de novo POP. Our data show that urogynaecological symptoms are not correlated with the type of malignancy, but with the extensiveness of surgery.

Impact of OAB symptoms on work, quality of life and treatment-seeking behavior in Brazil

Objective: To evaluate the effect of individual lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and LUTS-specific bother on daily/leisure activities, work productivity and treatment behaviors and satisfaction in a Brazilian population reporting symptoms of the overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome.Methods: Secondary analysis of Brazil LUTS study data, including individuals ≥40 years old with a possible diagnosis of OAB, based on a score of ≥8 on the OAB-V8 questionnaire. Participants used a 5-point Likert scale to rate occurrence of LUTS during the previous month. Regression models were constructed to analyze association of symptom frequency and bother, controlled for demographics, comorbid conditions, habits and body mass index, to outcomes related to people's lives and treatment patterns.Results: This analysis included 5184 individuals (53% female), 24.4% of whom received a possible diagnosis of OAB. There was a greater likelihood of OAB symptoms in men reporting depression/anxiety (2.0 times), diabetes (1.8 times), or constipation (1.9 times) and women reporting depression/anxiety (2.6 times), constipation (1.7 times), and being overweight (1.4 times) or obese (1.8 times). Symptoms of all categories, including voiding, storage, and post-micturition, were associated with a negative impact on individuals' lives, quality of life and treatment-related outcomes. Treatment seeking for OAB was low among men and women overall (35.1 and 43.6%, respectively), with highest rates among individuals in the 60-69 age group.Conclusions: LUTS of all categories impacted all domains studied. These results highlight the importance of comprehensive LUTS assessment in OAB patients, including voiding, storage and post-micturition symptoms.

A Novel Alternative in the Treatment of Detrusor Overactivity? In Vivo Activity of O-1602, the Newly Synthesized Agonist of GPR55 and GPR18 Cannabinoid Receptors

The aim of the research was to assess the impact of O-1602—novel GPR55 and GPR18 agonist—in the rat model of detrusor overactivity (DO). Additionally, its effect on the level of specific biomarkers was examined. To stimulate DO, 0.75% retinyl acetate (RA) was administered to female rats’ bladders. O-1602, at a single dose of 0.25 mg/kg, was injected intra-arterially during conscious cystometry. Furthermore, heart rate, blood pressure, and urine production were monitored for 24 h, and the impact of O-1602 on the levels of specific biomarkers was evaluated. An exposure of the urothelium to RA changed cystometric parameters and enhanced the biomarker levels. O-1602 did not affect any of the examined cystometric parameters or levels of biomarkers in control rats. However, the O-1602 injection into animals with RA-induced DO ameliorated the symptoms of DO and caused a reversal in the described changes in the concentration of CGRP, OCT₃, BDNF, and NGF to the levels observed in the control, while the values of ERK1/2 and VAChT were significantly lowered compared with the RA-induced DO group, but were still statistically higher than in the control. O-1602 can improve DO, and may serve as a promising novel substance for the pharmacotherapy of bladder diseases.

Phytotherapy Adds to the Therapeutic Armamentarium for the Treatment of Mild-To-Moderate Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men

BACKGROUND

Practice guidelines hardly recommend herbal extracts for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, many patients are unsatisfied with first-line synthetic drugs and often prefer herbal medicines because of good tolerability. To improve the decision-making process, which should consider the patients' expectations, it is crucial to reflect on the role of phytotherapy in the treatment of LUTS. We (panel experts) reflected on current guideline recommendations and real practice across various European countries and debated the potential role of plant extracts with a focus on pumpkin seed soft extract investigated over 12 months in two randomised placebo-controlled trials.

SUMMARY

Most guidelines give no clear recommendations on phytotherapy due to the heterogeneity of clinically investigated extracts. Nevertheless, plant extracts are prescribed to patients with mild-to-moderate LUTS. Also, self-medicating patients often handle their complaints with herbal products. Many patients aim to avoid synthetic drugs for fear of sexual functional side effects and a negative impact on their quality of life. For the elderly, vasoactive comedications might become an issue. When taking plant extracts, patients experience an acceptable symptomatic relief similar to that achieved with synthetics but without side effects. Key Messages: In shared decision-making for purely symptomatic treatment, a low risk of side effects takes priority. We propose to consider patient preferences in the treatment of mild-to-moderate LUTS in men with a low risk of disease progression. We found a consensus that pumpkin seed soft extract adds to the therapeutic armamentarium for patients who cannot or do not want to apply synthetic drugs.

Trends in the use of antimuscarinics and alpha-adrenergic blockers in women with lower urinary tract symptoms in Taiwan: A nationwide, population-based study, 2007-2012

BACKGROUND

We aim to examine the trend in the use of antimuscarinics and off-label alpha-adrenergic blockers for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a Taiwanese Women Cohort between 2007 and 2012.

METHODS

This population-based National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) was used to examine the trends in the use of antimuscarinics or off-label alpha-adrenergic blockers in Taiwan. A sample of 1,000,000 individuals randomly drawn from the whole population of 23 million individuals who were registered in the NHI in 2005. From 2007 through 2012, women aged over 18 years whose claim record contained prescriptions of either of the two drugs for treatment of any of the LUTS-related diagnoses were identified and analyzed. The annual usage of the two drug classes were calculated by defined daily dose (DDD).

RESULTS

From 2007-2012, there was a 0.80 fold (69676.8 to 125104.3) increase in DDD of antimuscarinics in our cohort. The overall healthcare seeking prevalence of LUTS was 7.33% in 2007 and 12.38% in 2012, in a rising trend. The prevalence of antimuscarinics-treated LUTS in our cohort increased from 2.53 in 2007 to 3.41 per 1000 women in 2012. The prevalence of LUTS treated by antimuscarinics increased especially for those older than 60 years during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

This 6-year observational study provided the epidemiologic information of clinically significant LUTS of Asian female population. Moreover, there was a rising trend in the use of antimuscarinics and off-label alpha-adrenergic blockers in the population-based cohort.

Factors Associated with Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes During Mirabegron or Antimuscarinic Treatment of Overactive Bladder Syndrome: A Registry Study (PERSPECTIVE)

Introduction

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) provide valuable insights about the effectiveness of overactive bladder (OAB) treatments. The aim of PERSPECTIVE (a Prospective, non-intErventional Registry Study of PatiEnts initiating a Course of drug Therapy for overactIVE bladder) was to provide real-world evidence from the USA and Canada on patient-perceived effectiveness and safety of mirabegron and antimuscarinics for treating OAB symptoms.

Methods

This prospective, non-interventional registry followed adult patients with OAB who were starting treatment with mirabegron or antimuscarinics. All treatment decisions were made at the discretion of the treating healthcare provider with no mandatory visits after enrollment. The primary objective was to identify factors associated with improved treatment effectiveness from a patient perspective mainly using the OAB Questionnaire Short-Form (OAB-q SF). The form was sent to patients via email link at baseline and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) data were collated from investigator reports.

Results

Overall, 1514 patients were included (female 73.5%, mean age 62.2 years). Mirabegron was initiated by 613 patients and antimuscarinics by 901 patients. A PRO response rate of approximately 60% was achieved (575 patients did not complete baseline PROs). Similar improvements in OAB-q SF symptom bother score and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) total score were observed for mirabegron and antimuscarinic initiators. Covariate-adjusted models demonstrated that worse baseline PRO score, Hispanic ethnicity, being treatment naïve, and use of complementary/supportive OAB therapies at baseline were significantly associated with greater improvements in both scores. The most frequent TEAEs were gastrointestinal disorders (dry mouth, constipation, and nausea) and nervous system disorders (headache, somnolence, and dizziness).

Conclusion

There are no differences between mirabegron and antimuscarinics in terms of patient-reported OAB symptom bother and HRQoL.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02386072.

Funding

Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.

Plain Language Summary

Plain language summary available for this article.

Electronic Supplementary Material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-019-00994-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Characterizing the Health-Related Quality of Life Burden of Overactive Bladder Using Disease-Specific Patient-Reported Outcome Measures: A Systematic Literature Review

Introduction

The objective was to identify the most commonly used patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments for overactive bladder (OAB), determine which are the most useful for measuring burden in OAB and characterize the findings of recent studies that have employed PRO instruments to assess OAB symptoms and the effects of treatment.

Methods

A systematic search of OAB literature published between January 2006 and November 2017 using Medline/PubMed and EMBASE databases.

Results

Of 3425 abstracts and 500 full-text articles reviewed, 58 studies (both clinical trials and observational studies) were included in the review. The most commonly used PRO instruments were the OAB Questionnaire (OAB-q; 64%), followed by the King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ; 31%) and the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PCBC; 21%). Synthesis of data from studies using the OAB-q showed that OAB treatment with antimuscarinics, mirabegron and onabotulinumtoxinA all improve health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and symptoms beyond the benefits observed with placebo. The OAB-q could detect dose–response relationships in some studies and demonstrated there were no significant differences across therapies from different drug classes.

Conclusion

The HRQoL burden of OAB and response to treatment can be reliably measured by PRO instruments, and the OAB-q is the most commonly used instrument in OAB, particularly in clinical trials of OAB interventions. These data will be useful to provide benchmarks of burden levels for PRO scores obtained among those on contemporary therapies for comparison with outcomes from patients managed with emerging treatments.

Funding

Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-019-0880-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Is the belief that urinary incontinence is normal for ageing related to older Canadian women's experience of urinary incontinence?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Many women consider urinary incontinence (UI) a normal part of ageing. This belief may contribute to delays in treatment seeking. This study examined the relationship among holding that belief, UI type and severity, impact on quality of life, management and healthcare seeking in a sample of older community-dwelling Canadian women.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of a controlled trial examining the impact of continence promotion workshops on UI self-management. All women who consented and provided baseline data were included in this analysis regardless of eligibility for the main study.

RESULTS

The sample included 4446 women (2022 with UI) of mean (SD) age 78.2 (9.0) years and BMI 26.6 (5.6). The belief that UI is normal for ageing was held by 2149 women [48.3% (83.7% of 1798 incontinent women)] and was not associated with age [adjusted odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 1.00 (0.99, 1.01), p = 0.72] or perception of overall health. Women with this belief had more impaired QoL compared with the women who felt UI was not normal for ageing [mean (SD) 83.9 (19.4) vs. 87.4 (18.6) (p < 0.01)]. This belief remained unaffected by daily UI and pad use up to 2/day.

CONCLUSIONS

More than two-thirds of women thought UI normal for ageing. This belief was not associated with age or perception of overall health. More severe incontinence and greater quantities of pad use did not make women less likely to hold this belief.

Sleepless from the Get Go: Sleep Problems Prior to Initiating Cancer Treatment

PURPOSE

Cancer patients are likely to experience sleep problems. Understanding their perception of sleep problems is important as subjective symptom experience is associated with treatment-seeking behavior. We explored the prevalence of sleep problems and its correlates in a large sample of cancer patients at an important but understudied stage of their cancer journey: prior to initiating treatment.

METHODS

Cancer patients (5702) (67.5% female; 76.9% White; 23.0% Hispanic), following diagnosis and prior to initiating cancer treatment, completed an electronic screening instrument. Patients across eight different cancer diagnoses (breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, head and neck, hematological, lung, prostate, urinary) rated their sleep problems on a five-point scale, with those reporting "severe" or "very severe" sleep problems classified as having high sleep problems.

RESULTS

Overall, 12.5% of patients reported high sleep problems. Across diagnoses, the proportion of patients reporting high sleep problems ranged from 4.3 to 13.8%, with prostate cancer patients least likely and gastrointestinal cancer patients most likely to report high sleep problems. Older age, having a partner, higher education, and higher household income were associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing sleep problems. Being female, Black, Hispanic, and reporting anxiety or depression was associated with an increased likelihood of sleep problems.

CONCLUSIONS

A sizeable proportion of cancer patients experience significant problems with their sleep before any treatment has occurred. This clinical issue cannot be ignored as treatment is likely to worsen existing sleep problems. Oncology providers should routinely screen for sleep-related problems. Identifying and treating patients for sleep problems during a vulnerable period early in their cancer trajectory should be an essential component of clinical care.

Mirabegron, alone and in combination, in the treatment of overactive bladder: real-world evidence and experience

Overactive bladder (OAB), the syndrome characterized by urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia, in the absence of infection or other pathology, is a common, distressing and often debilitating condition with a high prevalence in the general population. For many years, the only available pharmacological treatment for OAB were the antimuscarinic agents. More recently, mirabegron, a selective agonist of the β3 adrenergic receptor, has become available. In this article we review the current evidence and experience of its use.

The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in population aged 40 years or over, in South Korea

Purpose

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) can be distressing and socially isolating, and the economic impact can be substantial. Further data to characterize the epidemiology and effects of LUTS in South Korea would be beneficial.

Materials and Methods

In an international, internet-based survey, the prevalence and impact of LUTS was evaluated in adults aged ≥40 years. Questions related to International Continence Society (ICS) symptom definitions and the bother associated with each symptom. The international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) were assessed.

Results

Of the 2,080 participants from South Korea, 1,090 (52.4%) were women and 740 (35.6%) were aged ≥60 years. The prevalence of LUTS according to ICS criteria was 68.2% (men, 70.6%; women, 66.0%). LUTS prevalence increased significantly with age (p=0.01 in men and women). Storage symptoms only were reported in 16.2% of men and 30.5% of women, making this the most common ICS symptom group overall. Individual symptoms with the highest prevalence in the overall population were nocturia, frequency, and weak stream (36%, 30%, and 29%, respectively). IPSS results showed that 40.1% of participants had at least moderate symptoms. The prevalence of OABSS-defined overactive bladder was 19.7% (men, 19.5%; women, 19.9%). Fourteen percent of individuals with any LUTS visited healthcare professionals regarding urinary symptoms.

Conclusions

LUTS affect the majority of adults aged ≥40 years in South Korea. The low percentage of individuals with LUTS consulting healthcare professionals regarding urinary symptoms indicates a need to improve rates of diagnosis and treatment.

[Not Available]

Zusammenfassung. In der Grundversorgerpraxis ist die überaktive Blase (OAB) bei der älteren, polymorbiden Patientin ein immer häufiger auftretendes Krankheitsbild. Die OAB wird definiert als imperativer Harndrang mit oder ohne Inkontinenz sowie Pollakisurie und Nykturie ohne Harnwegsinfektion oder andere Pathologie. Die Symptomatik schränkt die Betroffenen im Alltag deutlich ein. Das Behandlungskonzept basiert auf einer Stufentherapie. Neben Verhaltensschulung und Beckenbodentherapie gibt es auch die Möglichkeit einer medikamentösen Therapie. Diese ist jedoch wegen häufiger Nebenwirkungen und Wechselwirkungen nicht für alle Patientinnen geeignet. In Kombination mit medikamentöser Therapie oder bei Kontraindikation oder Versagen derselben gibt es die Möglichkeit der perkutanen posterioren tibialen Nervenstimulation (PTNS). Diese Therapieform kann ambulant angewendet werden, ist minimalinvasiv, nebenwirkungsarm und häufig erfolgreich.

Overactive bladder symptom severity, bother, help-seeking behavior, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes: a path analysis

Background

This study aimed to investigate the relationships among overactive bladder (OAB) symptom severity, bother, help-seeking behavior, and quality of life (QOL) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 127 diabetic patients, aged at least 18 years, with overactive bladder from a hospital in Shandong Province, China, were recruited for this study. Symptom severity, bother, and quality of life were assessed using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS), Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OAB-q SF), respectively. Help-seeking behavior was assessed by asking patients whether they consulted health care professionals or received treatment for their bladder problems. A two-step path analysis was performed to analyze the data.

Results

OAB symptom severity was directly associated with lower levels of QOL, and the strength of this association was no longer significant when taking bother and help-seeking behavior into account. Bother increased with OAB symptom severity, and patients with bothersome OAB tended to have lower levels of QOL. Moreover, bother increased help-seeking behavior; however, patients who sought help tended to have lower levels of QOL.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the role of bother and help-seeking behavior in the relationship between OAB symptom severity and QOL. To improve a patient’s QOL, health care providers should focus not only on symptom bother but also on dysfunctional help-seeking patterns.

Urinary Incontinence and Health-Seeking Behavior Among White, Black, and Latina Women

OBJECTIVE

Fewer than half of women with urinary incontinence (UI) seek care for their condition. Our objective was to qualitatively assess the themes surrounding treatment-seeking behaviors.

METHODS

We conducted 12 focus groups with women and, using purposive sampling, we stratified by racial or ethnic group (white, black, Latina) and by UI frequency. All sessions were transcribed and coded for common themes. Comparative thematic analysis was used to describe similarities and differences among groups.

RESULTS

In total, 113 (39 white, 41 black, and 33 Latina) community-dwelling women participated in focus groups. There were no differences in treatment-seeking themes between groups with different UI frequency. However, certain themes emerged when comparing racial/ethnic groups. Women from all groups shared experiences of embarrassment and isolation because of UI, which were impediments to care seeking. White and black women described discussions with close friends or family that led to normalization of symptoms and prevented care seeking. Latina women maintained more secrecy about UI and reported the longest delays in seeking care. Women articulated a higher likelihood of seeking care if they had knowledge of treatment options, but white women were more likely to seek UI-related knowledge compared with black or Latina women. Physician communication barriers were identified in all groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite similar experiences, there are different perceptions about care seeking among white, black, and Latina women. Culturally relevant educational resources that focus on a range of treatment options may improve knowledge and thus improve care-seeking behaviors in women with UI.

Understanding help-seeking in older people with urinary incontinence: an interview study

The prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) increases with age and can negatively affect quality of life. However, relatively few older people with UI seek treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the views of older people with UI on the process of seeking help. Older people with UI were recruited to the study from three continence services in the north of England: a geriatrician-led hospital outpatient clinic (n = 18), a community-based nurse-led service (n = 22) and a consultant gynaecologist-led service specialising in surgical treatment (n = 10). Participants took part in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and underwent thematic content analysis. Three main themes emerged: Being brushed aside, in which participants expressed the feeling that general practitioners did not prioritise or recognise their concerns; Putting up with it, in which participants delayed seeking help for their UI due to various reasons including embarrassment, the development of coping mechanisms, perceiving UI as a normal part of the ageing process, or being unaware that help was available; and Something has to be done, in which help-seeking was prompted by the recognition that their UI was a serious problem, whether as a result of experiencing UI in public, the remark of a relative, the belief that they had a serious illness or the detection of UI during comprehensive geriatric assessment. Greater awareness that UI is a treatable condition and not a normal part of ageing is needed in the population and among health professionals. Comprehensive geriatric assessment appeared an important trigger for referral and treatment in our participants. Screening questions by healthcare professionals could be a means to identify, assess and treat older people with UI.

Incidence and risk factors of recurrence of overactive bladder symptoms after discontinuation of successful medical treatment

Purpose

To identify incidence and risk factors of recurrence after discontinuation of successful antimuscarinic therapy in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter trial. Patients who had antimuscarinic agents for more than 12 weeks and showed successful response were enrolled. Successful response was defined as answering 'benefit' for patient perception of treatment benefit and answer lesser than 3 points in patient's perception of bladder condition (PPBC). The enrolled patients discontinued the antimuscarinics, and we evaluated their recurrence with PPBC and OAB symptom score (OABSS) at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Primary purpose was to identify the recurrence rate and secondary purpose was to reveal risk factors.

Results

Four hundred forty-one patients enrolled and 371 patients completed 6-month follow-up. The enrolled patients showed 1.6 points in PPBC, 2.9 points in OABSS and 1.4 points in IPSS (quality of life) which represented successful response after using antimuscarinics. The cumulative rates of recurrence were 25.6%, 42.3%, and 52.2% at 1, 3, 6 months, respectively. Among 177 patients who did not show recurrence at 6 months, 41 patients were followed up and 4 patients of the 41 patients (9.7%) showed recurrence at 12 months. On univariate and multivariate analyses of recurrence, OAB wet was the risk factor for recurrence after 6 months of discontinuation.

Conclusions

Discontinuation of antimuscarinic therapy after successful treatment resulted in high recurrence rate with time and OAB wet was the independent risk factor for recurrence.

Economic impact of onabotulinumtoxinA for overactive bladder with urinary incontinence in Europe

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition that has a significant impact on patients' health-related quality-of-life and is associated with a substantial economic burden to healthcare systems. OnabotulinumtoxinA has a well-established efficacy and safety profile as a treatment for OAB; however, the economic impact of using onabotulinumtoxinA has not been well described.

METHODS

An economic model was developed to assess the budget impact associated with OAB treatment in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, using onabotulinumtoxinA alongside best supportive care (BSC)-comprising incontinence pads and/or anticholinergic use and/or clean intermittent catheterisation (CIC)-vs BSC alone. The model time horizon spanned 5 years, and included direct costs associated with treatment, BSC, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Per 100,000 patients in each country, the use of onabotulinumtoxinA resulted in estimated cost savings of €97,200 (Italy), €71,580 (Spain), and €19,710 (UK), and cost increases of €23,840 in France and €284,760 in Germany, largely due to day-case and inpatient administration, respectively. Projecting these results to the population of individuals aged 18 years and above gave national budget saving estimates of €9,924,790, €27,458,290, and €48,270,760, for the UK, Spain, and Italy, respectively, compared to cost increases of €12,160,020 and €196,086,530 for France and Germany, respectively. Anticholinergic treatment and incontinence pads were the largest contributors to overall spending on OAB management when onabotulinumtoxinA use was not increased, and remained so in four of five scenarios where onabotulinumtoxinA use was increased. This decreased resource use was equivalent to cost offsets ranging from €106,110 to €176,600 per 100,000 population.

CONCLUSIONS

In three of five countries investigated, the use of onabotulinumtoxinA, in addition to BSC, was shown to result in healthcare budget cost savings over 5 years. Scenario analyses showed increased costs in Germany and France were largely attributable to the treatment setting rather than onabotulinumtoxinA acquisition costs.

Care-Seeking for Stress Incontinence and Overactive Bladder Among Parous Women in the First Two Decades After Delivery

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish the extent to which care-seeking for urinary incontinence is a function of symptom bother; and to identify bother-score thresholds that predict care-seeking in the first 2 decades after delivery.

METHODS

In this longitudinal cohort, women were assessed annually for symptom bother related to stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB), as well as for recent episodes of care-seeking for urinary symptoms. Because the goal was to model care-seeking as a function of the woman's characteristics at her prior visit, women who completed 2 or more consecutive visits were included. The population was randomly divided into "training" (model development) and "testing" (model validation) sets. The predictive model was developed in the training set. For SUI and OAB bother scores, we identified thresholds to define statistically distinct probabilities of care-seeking. A multivariable model was created, including SUI and OAB bother categories as well as characteristics associated with care seeking at the P < 0.05 level. The resultant prediction model was then applied to the "testing set"; predicted and observed care-seeking frequencies were compared.

RESULTS

Care-seeking was strongly associated with SUI and OAB bother. We defined 3 categories for OAB score and 4 categories for SUI score. The resulting 12 risk categories were then collapsed into 5 distinct risk-groups. These groups accurately predicted care-seeking in the testing set (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.760; 95% confidence interval, 0.713-0.807). Inclusion of other risk factors did not improve the model.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptom bother is a strong determinant of care-seeking in the first 2 decades after delivery. These results define 5 ordinal categories that predict seeking care for urinary symptoms in a community population.

The Burden of Overactive Bladder on US Public Health

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent symptom condition that affects millions of US men and women. Not only can the symptoms of OAB be very bothersome, but OAB can have significant detrimental effects on many aspects of individuals' lives, representing a particularly impactful health burden to quality of life and productivity. Estimates of the individual and societal costs for the management of OAB continue to rise, particularly as effective treatments remain elusive. As such, OAB represents a significant public health burden to the USA.

Bridging the gap: determinants of undiagnosed or untreated urinary incontinence in women

BACKGROUND

More than a third of middle-aged or older women suffer from urinary incontinence, but less than half undergo evaluation or treatment for this burdensome condition. With national organizations now including an assessment of incontinence as a quality performance measure, providers and health care organizations have a growing incentive to identify and engage these women who are undiagnosed and untreated.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to identify clinical and sociodemographic determinants of patient-provider discussion and treatment of incontinence among ethnically diverse, community-dwelling women.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted an observational cohort study from 2003 through 2012 of 969 women aged 40 years and older enrolled in a Northern California integrated health care delivery system who reported at least weekly incontinence. Clinical severity, type, treatment, and discussion of incontinence were assessed by structured questionnaires. Multivariable regression evaluated predictors of discussion and treatment.

RESULTS

Mean age of the 969 participants was 59.9 (±9.7) years, and 55% were racial/ethnic minorities (171 black, 233 Latina, 133 Asian or Native American). Fifty-five percent reported discussing their incontinence with a health care provider, 36% within 1 year of symptom onset, and with only 3% indicating that their provider initiated the discussion. More than half (52%) reported being at least moderately bothered by their incontinence. Of these women, 324 (65%) discussed their incontinence with a clinician, with 200 (40%) doing so within 1 year of symptom onset. In a multivariable analysis, women were less likely to have discussed their incontinence if they had a household income < $30,000/y vs ≥ $120,000/y (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28-0.86) or were diabetic (AOR, 0.71, 95% CI, 0.51-0.99). They were more likely to have discussed incontinence if they had clinically severe incontinence (AOR, 3.09, 95% CI, 1.89-5.07), depression (AOR, 1.71, 95% CI, 1.20-2.44), pelvic organ prolapse (AOR, 1.98, 95% CI, 1.13-3.46), or arthritis (AOR, 1.44, 95% CI, 1.06-1.95). Among the subset of women reporting at least moderate subjective bother from incontinence, black race (AOR, 0.45, 95% CI, 0.25-0.81, vs white race) and income < $30,000/y (AOR, 0.37, 95% CI, 0.17-0.81, vs ≥ $120,000/y) were associated with a reduced likelihood of discussing incontinence. Those with clinically severe incontinence (AOR, 2.93, 95% CI, 1.53-5.61, vs low to moderate incontinence by the Sandvik scale) were more likely to discuss it with a clinician.

CONCLUSION

Even in an integrated health care system, lower income was associated with decreased rates of patient-provider discussion of incontinence among women with at least weekly incontinence. Despite being at increased risk of incontinence, diabetic women were also less likely to have discussed incontinence or received care. Findings provide support for systematic screening of women to overcome barriers to evaluation and treatment.

Oral pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder in older patients: mirabegron as a potential alternative to antimuscarinics

OBJECTIVE

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a particular challenge to treat in older adults with co-morbid conditions taking multiple medications. Antimuscarinics (e.g., solifenacin, fesoterodine) and β3-adrenergic receptor agonists (mirabegron) are similarly efficacious; however, antimuscarinics may be associated with side effects that result in poor persistence and contribute to anticholinergic burden, particularly in those taking other medications with anticholinergic properties. With a mechanism of action distinct from antimuscarinics, mirabegron has a different tolerability profile and does not contribute to anticholinergic burden. The objective of this review was to compare and contrast the tolerability profiles of antimuscarinics and mirabegron in older patients to inform practice.

METHODS

Prospective trials or retrospective subgroup analyses of antimuscarinics for the treatment of OAB in older patients were identified through a search of PubMed. Tolerability data and results of subgroup analyses of mirabegron in patients aged ≥65 and ≥75 years from a pooled analysis of three trials each of 12 weeks and a 1 year trial are described.

RESULTS

Anticholinergic adverse events (AEs) including dry mouth and constipation were more frequent with antimuscarinics versus mirabegron. In patients aged ≥65 years, dry mouth occurred with a six-fold higher incidence with tolterodine extended-release (ER) 4 mg than with mirabegron 25 mg or 50 mg over 12 weeks, and a three-fold higher incidence with tolterodine ER than mirabegron 50 mg over 1 year. Mirabegron had a low incidence of central nervous system effects. A systematic review of the cardiovascular safety profile of mirabegron has not identified any clinically significant effects on blood pressure or pulse rate at therapeutic doses amongst patients aged ≥65 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron has a more favorable tolerability profile than antimuscarinics amongst older patients and may provide an improved benefit-to-risk ratio and therefore be considered as an alternative to antimuscarinics for older patients.

Prevalence, management and outcomes of medically complex vulnerable elderly patients with urinary incontinence in the United States

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence, patient-physician communication, treatment and health outcomes associated with urinary incontinence (UI) among the medically complex vulnerable elderly (MCVE) in the United States (US).

METHODS

Data from the 2006 to 2012 Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (HOS) were used. MCVE patients were aged 65+ years with a HOS VE score ≥ 3. UI was reported as a small, big or no problem. Descriptive statistics were used to assess patient-physician communication and treatment. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the association of small or big UI problems with various outcomes.

RESULTS

The annual UI prevalence increased among MCVE [from 35.8% (2006) to 38.6% (2012)]. MCVE with big UI problems communicated with their physicians more often than those with small UI problems (77.9% and 49.6%, respectively); however, treatment of UI remained low (48.5% and 29.1%, respectively). Physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were lower among MCVE with small or big UI problems compared with those with no UI problems, respectively. The decrements in PCS and MCS scores associated with big UI problems were greater than the decrements associated with any of the other assessed conditions. MCVE with small or big UI problems, respectively, were more likely to report past falls, depression and activity daily living limitations vs. those without UI. The odds of having experienced these outcomes were greater for those with big UI vs. small UI problems.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary incontinence prevalence in the USA increased among MCVE from 2006 to 2012, although treatment of UI remained low. UI problems, particularly big UI problems, adversely impact health outcomes. Efforts to better identify and manage UI among the MCVE are needed.

Update summarising the conclusions of the international consultation on male lower urinary tract symptoms

The International Consultation on Urological Disease have recently published comprehensive conclusions, based on evidence reviewed by eight committees, on aspects of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). In this review, we summarise the conclusions from four of the committees, namely, the evidence regarding the epidemiology of male LUTS, patient assessment, nocturia and medical management. It is indisputable that with an expanding and ageing global population the prevalence of male LUTS is likely to increase. Therefore symptom prevention and preservation of quality of life (QoL) feature highly in the guidelines. There are now a number of different medical options, proven to lead to significant improvements in symptom scores, flow rate and QoL available to men with LUTS. Meta-analyses have shown the benefits for alpha blockers, antimuscarinics, 5-α reductase and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. High level evidence also exists for combinations of all of the above with alpha blockers and so men with concomitant storage symptoms, prostate volume > 30 mL, PSA > 1.4 or erectile dysfunction may be considered for combination treatment of an alpha blocker with an antimuscarinic, 5-α reductase inhibitor or phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor respectively. In an era of personalised medicine, appropriate patient selection is likely to provide the key to the most effective clinical management strategy.