Determining the importance of change in the overactive bladder questionnaire

Efficacy and safety of Vibegron for the treatment of residual overactive bladder symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate: A single-center prospective randomized controlled trial (VAPOR TRIAL)

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vibegron for the treatment of residual overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate (photo-selective vaporization of the prostate, contact laser vaporization of the prostate, and thulium laser vaporization).

METHODS

This randomized, open-label, parallel-group, single-center superiority trial with a 12-week observation (jRCTs071190040) enrolled male patients with OAB aged 40 years or older who had undergone laser vaporization of the prostate for not less than 12 weeks and not more than 1 year earlier. Patients were allocated to receive Vibegron 50 mg once daily or follow-up without treatment for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Forty-seven patients were enrolled between January 2020 and March 2023. The median age (interquartile range) was 75.5 (72.5-78.5) years for the Vibegron group and 76.5 (71.0-81.0) years for the control group. The intergroup difference in the mean change (95% confidence interval) in the 24-hour urinary frequency at 12 weeks after randomization was -3.66 (-4.99, -2.33), with a significant decrease for the Vibegron group. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, International Prostate Symptom Score, IPSS storage score, and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire score significantly improved for the Vibegron group. Voided volume per micturition also increased for the Vibegron group.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of 50 mg of Vibegron once daily for 12 weeks showed significant improvement compared with follow-up without treatment in bladder storage (OAB) symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Clinical tools for evaluating the severity of overactive bladder: A systematic review of psychometric properties

OBJECTIVES

To systematically evaluate the evidence describing the psychometric properties of clinical measures for assessing overactive bladder symptoms (urinary urgency with or without urge urinary incontinence, urinary frequency and nocturia). To evaluate the quality of this evidence-base using the COnsensus-based Standards for selecting health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tools.

DATA SOURCES

Five electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from dataset inception to August 2023.

REVIEW METHODS

Study screening, data extraction and quality appraisal were performed by two independent authors. Inclusion criteria were studies testing one or more psychometric properties of clinical tools for the assessment of overactive bladder symptoms among adults aged 18 years and older for both sexes. The methodological quality and quality of the evidence were evaluated using the COSMIN checklist and GRADE tools, respectively.

RESULTS

The search identified 40 studies totalling 10,634 participants evaluating the psychometric properties of 15 clinical tools. The COSMIN methodological quality was rated good for most measures, and the GRADE quality of evidence ranged from low (13%) to high (33%). The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire and Neurogenic Bladder Symptom Score were of good methodological and high-GRADE evidence qualities.

CONCLUSION

Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire and the Neurogenic Bladder Symptoms Score are promising psychometrically sound measures. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score has been applied to the most culturally diverse populations supported by studies of good methodological and high-GRADE evidence quality.

Multicomponent Intervention for Overactive Bladder in Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Although the cognitive components of behavioral therapy for overactive bladder (OAB) are widely recognized, there is a lack of studies evaluating the effectiveness of multicomponent interventions that include cognitive components as a treatment for OAB.

Objective

To examine the efficacy of a multicomponent intervention in improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for women with moderate to severe OAB.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This multicenter, open-label, randomized clinical trial was conducted in Japan among women aged 20 to 80 years who had moderate to severe OAB. Participants were recruited from 4 institutions between January 16, 2020, and December 31, 2022, through self-referral via advertisement or referral from the participating institutions.

Interventions

Participants were randomized 1:1 by minimization algorithm using an internet-based central cloud system to four 30-minute weekly sessions of a multicomponent intervention or waiting list. Both groups continued to receive baseline treatment throughout the study period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the least-squares mean changes from baseline through week 13 in HRQOL total scores of the OAB questionnaire between 2 groups. Secondary outcomes included OAB symptom score and frequency volume chart.

Results

A total of 79 women were randomized to either the intervention group (39 participants; mean [SD] age, 63.5 [14.6] years) or the waiting list control group (40 participants; mean [SD] age, 63.5 [12.9] years). One participant from each group dropped out from the allocated intervention, while 5 participants in the intervention group and 2 in the control group dropped out from the primary outcome assessment at week 13. Thirty-six participants (92.3%) in the intervention group and 35 (87.5%) in the control group had moderate OAB. The change in HRQOL total score from baseline to week 13 was 23.9 points (95% CI, 18.4-29.5 points) in the intervention group and 11.3 points (95% CI, 6.2-16.4 points) in the waiting list group, a significant difference of 12.6 points (95% CI, 6.6-18.6 points; P < .001). Similar superiority of the intervention was confirmed for frequency of micturition and urgency but not for OAB symptom score.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings demonstrate that a multicomponent intervention improves HRQOL for women with moderate to severe OAB and suggest that the cognitive component may be an effective treatment option for women with OAB.

Trial Registration

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry Identifier: UMIN000038513.

Comparing Impact of Overactive Bladder Therapies on Nocturia

IMPORTANCE

Nocturia is a significant symptom in overactive bladder with little data regarding the impact of overactive bladder treatments on nocturia.

OBJECTIVES

Compare the effect of anticholinergic (AC) medication, onabotulinum toxin A (BTX), and sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on nocturia.

STUDY DESIGN

Secondary analysis of the ABC and ROSETTA trials using data from the National Institutes of Health Data and Specimen Hub database. Patients reporting mean ≥2 voids/night on 3-day diary were included and divided into cohorts by treatment: the ABC trial: (1) AC and (2) BTX 100 units, and the ROSETTA trial: (3) BTX 200 units and (4) SNM. Primary outcome was change in mean voids/night on 3-day diary from baseline to 6 months assessed by mixed-effects models for repeated-measures data with interaction between treatment cohort and time included in model.

RESULTS

A total of 197 patients were included: 43 (22%) AC, 37 (19%) BTX 100 U, 63 (32%) BTX 200 U, and 54 (27%) SNM. There were no significant differences in baseline voids/night, demographics, or urodynamic values except for younger age in AC and BTX 100 U cohorts (P = 0.04). At 6 months, all cohorts demonstrated a mean 41% decrease in mean voids/night (2.7 ± 0.4 at baseline to 1.6 ± 0.5 at 6 months; P < 0.001), with no significant difference in change in mean voids/night between treatment cohorts (decrease of 44% in AC, 46% in 100 U BTX, 32% 200 in U BTX, and 33% in SNM; P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

For women with nocturia ≥2/night, treatment with AC, BTX 100 or 200 units, or SNM led to a significant decrease in voids/night at 6 months.

Pilot Study of a Novel At-Home Posterior Tibial Nerve System for Overactive Bladder Syndrome

IMPORTANCE

Urgency urinary incontinence and overactive bladder are common conditions. Third-line therapies are often underutilized because of either being too invasive or being burdensome for the patient.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the efficacy and acceptability of a noninvasive, home-based posterior tibial nerve treatment system for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome.

STUDY DESIGN

In this pilot study, 10 postmenopausal women with urgency urinary incontinence were given the SoleStim System for home-based posterior tibial nerve stimulation. Symptoms at baseline and completion of the 8-week study were determined by 3-day voiding diary and quality-of-life questionnaire (Overactive Bladder Questionnaire) to assess for reduction in incontinence episodes.

RESULTS

All patients were 100% adherent to the SoleStim System application over the 8-week period and reported statistically significant reductions in the mean number of voids (-16.3%, P = 0.022), urgency episodes (-31.2%, P = 0.02), and urgency urinary incontinence episodes (-31.4%, P = 0.045). Forty percent of participants reported a decrease of ≥50% in their urgency urinary incontinence episodes. SoleStim was scored a value of 1.8 ± 2.0 (mean ± SD) on a 10-point usability scale, indicating that it was highly acceptable from an ease-of-use perspective. No adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The SoleStim System improved key overactive bladder (frequency, urgency, and urgency urinary incontinence episodes) and quality-of-life metrics. The results from this pilot study suggest that the SoleStim System may be a safe, effective, and highly acceptable at-home overactive bladder therapy.

Measures of quality of life of people with neurogenic overactive bladder: A systematic review of psychometric properties

OBJECTIVE

To identify psychometrically robust quality-of-life (QOL) outcome measures for evaluating QOL among people with neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB).

STUDY DESIGN

Electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from inception to January 2023. Two independent reviewers participated in study screening, data extraction and quality appraisal. Studies were included if they validated at least one psychometric property of a QOL outcome measure among adults (age ≥ 18 years) with neurogenic OAB. The COnsensus-based Standards for selecting health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool were used to evaluate the methodological quality and quality of evidence, respectively, for each included study.

RESULTS

Database searches identified 47 studies that tested the psychometric properties of 15 QOL measures in a total of 19,994 participants with stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis. The Incontinence Quality of Life Questionnaire (I-QOL), King's Health Questionnaire, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire and Qualiveen were the best validated measures, with strong reliability, validity and responsiveness. I-QOL was the most robust, cross-culturally administered and psychometrically strong measure. The COSMIN checklist indicated sufficient methodological quality for 70% of measures, and the modified GRADE tool indicated quality of evidence ranging from moderate (67%) to high (33%).

CONCLUSIONS

This review identified the I-QOL as a culturally diverse measure with robust reliability, validity and responsiveness for assessing QOL among people with neurogenic OAB. These findings are supported by studies with good methodological quality (COSMIN) and high-quality evidence (GRADE).

A Multicenter Study Evaluating the FREquency of Use and Efficacy of a Novel Closed-Loop Wearable Tibial Neuromodulation System for Overactive Bladder and Urgency Urinary Incontinence (FREEOAB)

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel wearable neuromodulation system incorporating embedded electromyographic evaluation, representing the first closed-loop wearable therapy for bladder control.

METHODS

This 12-week, multicenter, open-label, single-arm study of subjects with overactive bladder assessed response of bladder diary parameters and quality of life (QOL) metrics. Subjects used the transcutaneous tibial neuromodulation system, either once or three times weekly, with evaluations at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12. Enrolled subjects (N = 96) were assessed for changes in urinary frequency, urgency, and urgency urinary incontinence episodes, and QOL changes using various questionnaires.

RESULTS

In the intent-to-treat population (N = 96, mean age 60.8 ± 13.0years, 88.5% female), significant reductions in 3-day diary parameters were observed for daily voids, incontinence, and urgency episodes at 12weeks. QOL improvements exceeded the minimal clinically important difference for all QOL questionnaires. Long-term results remained robust at 12months. Device-related adverse events were mild and there were no device-related serious adverse events. Mean therapy compliance at 12weeks was 88.5%. High satisfaction rates were reported for the device overall.

CONCLUSION

The Avation device demonstrates promising efficacy in treating adults with overactive bladder and urge urinary incontinence. At 12weeks, both diary parameters and QOL indicators showed significant improvement and remained robust at 12months. The device had a favorable safety profile with high compliance and patient satisfaction. This novel, closed-loop wearable tibial neuromodulation system represents a significant advancement in bladder control therapy, offering a noninvasive, patient-centered alternative with improved accessibility and ease of use.

Predicting Mirabegron Treatment Response in Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Post Hoc Analysis of Data from Clinical Trials

BACKGROUND

Many patients discontinue overactive bladder (OAB) treatment because of unmet treatment expectations and/or tolerability issues.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a model for predicting the individual treatment response to mirabegron using patient baseline characteristics.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a post hoc analysis of data from eight global phase 2/3, double-blind, randomized, placebo- or active-controlled trials of mirabegron in adult patients with OAB.

INTERVENTION

Mirabegron 50 mg once-daily monotherapy for ≥12 wk.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Primary efficacy outcomes were the change in the mean number of micturitions and the number of incontinence episodes/24 h after 12 wk of treatment. Secondary efficacy outcomes were the change in the mean number of urgency episodes/24 h and the change in Symptom Bother score after 12 wk of treatment. Baseline demographic characteristics, OAB-related characteristics, and intrinsic and extrinsic factor variables were used to create multivariable linear regression models to predict the primary and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Data for 3627 patients were included. The predicted effect of mirabegron 50 mg was an average of 2.5 fewer micturition episodes/24 h (95% confidence interval -2.85 to -2.14) and 0.81 fewer incontinence episodes/24 h (95% confidence interval -1.15 to -0.46) from baseline to week 12. A higher number of urgency episodes was predictive of a larger reduction in micturition episodes; body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2, OAB symptoms for ≥12 mo, and incontinence at baseline were predictive of a smaller reduction. Mixed stress/urgency incontinence and more than five urgency episodes per day were predictive of greater reductions in incontinence episodes. Reductions in urgency episodes and Symptom Bother score were also predicted with mirabegron. Limitations include the exclusion of placebo groups from the analysis and the use of clinical trial rather than real-world data.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from the predictive models provide new insights into the effects of modifiable factors (such as BMI) and nonmodifiable factors on treatment outcomes with mirabegron 50 mg.

PATIENT SUMMARY

This study aimed to identify factors that could predict how patients with overactive bladder respond to mirabegron treatment to help doctors effectively treat this condition. Mirabegron treatment was associated with a lower number of urinations and occurrences of urinary incontinence per day. Factors associated with worse responses to the medication included being obese.

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.

Reduced versus standard intradetrusor OnabotulinumtoxinA injections for treatment of overactive bladder

BACKGROUND

Intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injection is an effective advanced treatment for overactive bladder. While the effective dosages have been well studied, very little data exist on treatment efficacy using differing injection techniques. The objective of this study was to determine whether the efficacy of a reduced injection technique of 5 injection sites was noninferior to the standard technique of 20 injection sites of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA for treatment of overactive bladder.

METHODS

In this randomized noninferiority trial, men and women seeking treatment of overactive bladder with intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA injections were randomized to receive 100 units administered via either a reduced injection technique of 5 injection sites or a standard injection technique of 20 injection sites. Subjects completed a series of standardized questionnaires at baseline and at 4-12 weeks postprocedure to determine symptom severity and treatment efficacy. The primary outcome was treatment efficacy as determined by Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form with a noninferiority margin of 15 points. Secondary outcomes were incidence of urinary tract infection and urinary retention requiring catheterization.

RESULTS

Data from 77 subjects were available for analysis with 39 in the control arm (20 injections) and 38 in the study arm (5 injections). There was a significant improvement in both arms from baseline to follow-up in Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire scores (p < 0.001). Overall treatment success was 68% with no statistically significant difference between arms. A significant difference between arms was found on the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form quality of life survey favoring the control arm (confidence interval [CI]: 0.36-20.5, p = 0.04). However, there were no significant differences between arms in the remaining validated questionnaires. The study arm did not demonstrate noninferiority to the control arm. Subjects in the study arm were significantly more likely to express a willingness to undergo the procedure again (odds ratio = 3.8, 95% CI: 1.42-10.67, p = 0.004). Adverse events did not differ between arms.

CONCLUSIONS

A reduced injection technique for administration of intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA demonstrates similar efficacy to the standard injection technique but did not demonstrate noninferiority. Subjects preferred the reduced injection technique over the standard technique. A reduced injection technique is a safe and effective alternative to the standard technique.

Treatment of refractory overactive bladder with OnabotulinumtoxinA vs PTNS: TROOP trial

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We hypothesized that patients with refractory overactive bladder (rOAB) have similar improvement with percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) and OnabotulinumtoxinA (BTX).

METHODS

This multicenter cohort study compared BTX and PTNS in women with rOAB. Baseline information included Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABq) short form, Urinary Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), and voiding diary. Primary outcome was cure, defined as "very much better" or "much better" on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGII) AND a reduction in OABq symptom severity scale (SSS) ≥10 at 3 months after treatment. Assuming 80% power to detect a ten-point difference in OABq-SSS, 80 participants were required per group.

RESULTS

A total of 150 patients were enrolled; 97 completed 3 months of therapy and were included. At baseline, BTX patients had more detrusor overactivity (70% vs 40%, p = 0.025), urgency incontinence (UUI; OABq-SSS#6 4 vs 3, p = 0.02, SSS 65 vs 56, p = 0.04), but similar health-related quality of life (HRQL 49 vs 54, p = 0.28), voids (7 vs 8, p = 0.13), and UUI episodes (2 vs 2, p = 1.0). At 3 months, cure rates were similar: BTX 50% vs PTNS 44.2% (p = 0.56). Both groups had improved SSS (-37 vs -29, p = 0.08) and HRQL (31 vs 24, p = 0.14). Patients receiving BTX had a greater improvement in urgency (ΔOABq-SSS#2-3 vs -2; p = 0.02) and UUI (ΔOABq-SSS#6-2 vs -1; p = 0.02). No characteristics were predictive of cure.

CONCLUSIONS

BTX resulted in significantly greater improvement in urgency and UUI than PTNS, but no difference in success based on PGII and OABq-SSS, which may be due to a lack of power.

Short-Term Effect of Fesoterodine on Physical Function Relevant to Fall Risk in Older Women With Overactive Bladder

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to measure the effect of treatment with fesoterodine on physical function relevant to fall risk in older women with overactive bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of women aged 65 years or older with overactive bladder. Urinary symptoms and physical function were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after treatment with fesoterodine. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured subjectively using questionnaires and objectively using an accelerometer. Physical function was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery test.

RESULTS

We enrolled 75 women with a median age of 76 years. At baseline, bothersome urgency urinary incontinence and nocturia were reported by 55% and 81%, respectively. At baseline, participants were highly sedentary with a median of 2,118 steps daily. After treatment, urinary symptom severity and health-related quality of life subscale scores of the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire improved significantly (-22.3±24 and 17.5±19.7, respectively; P < 0.0001). The proportion of participants who self-reported a moderate-to-high level of physical activity increased from 27% to 35% after treatment (P = 0.86). However, daily steps decreased significantly (-420.2±949, P < 0.001), whereas daily sedentary time increased by 36.6±88 minutes (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the Short Physical Performance Battery score (-0.3±2.3, P = 0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

In older women with overactive bladder, short-term treatment with fesoterodine decreased objectively measured physical activity with no significant change in physical function. Treatment with anticholinergics may need to be supplemented with other therapies to address fall risk in older women with overactive bladder.

The safety and effectiveness of mirabegron in Parkinson's disease patients with overactive bladder: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

To assess the safety and effectiveness of mirabegron in patients with PD complaining of overactive bladder (OAB).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From January 2017 to November 2020, we performed a prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that enrolled PD patients with symptoms of OAB. The total duration of the study was 13 weeks, comprising a 1-week screening period and a 12-week treatment period. A total of 110 patients were randomized in one of two groups: treatment group (mirabegron 50 mg) or placebo group. The primary outcomes of our study were the change from baseline in OAB symptom score (OABSS) and the overactive bladder questionnaire short form (OAB-q SF) score. The secondary outcomes were the change from baseline in the mean number of micturitions/24 hours, the mean number of urgency episodes/24 hours, the mean number of urgency incontinence episodes/24 hours and the mean number of nocturia episodes/night, volume voided/micturition (ml) as recorded on a 3-day bladder diary. Safety assessments included adverse events, electrocardiogram, QT corrected for heart rate using Fridericia's correction (QTcF) interval and blood pressure and pulse rate measurements.

RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in the primary outcome and secondary outcome measures in the treatment group compared to the placebo group. Adverse events were mild and the same in the two groups. The cardiovascular safety profile was high. This study is limited by its sample size and its short follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron is a promising drug to control OAB symptoms in patients with PD with an excellent safety profile.

Characteristics Associated With Treatment Failure 1 Year After Midurethral Sling in Women With Mixed Urinary Incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate characteristics associated with treatment failure 1 year after midurethral sling in women with mixed urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Four-hundred three women who participated in a randomized trial that compared midurethral sling and behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapy (combined group) compared with midurethral sling alone for mixed incontinence with 1-year follow-up data were eligible for this planned secondary analysis. Overall treatment failure was defined as meeting criteria for subjective or objective failure or both. Subjective failure was defined as not meeting the minimal clinical important difference for improvement on the UDI (Urogenital Distress Inventory) total score (26.1 points). Objective failure was defined as not achieving 70% improvement on mean incontinence episodes of any type per day or having undergone any additional treatment for persistent urinary symptoms at 12 months postoperative. Logistic regression models for treatment failure were constructed. Independent variables included site and treatment group, and clinical and demographic variables based on bivariate comparisons (P<.2). Treatment group interaction effects were evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred twelve of 379 (29.6%) women had overall treatment failure, with 56 of 379 (14.7%) undergoing additional treatment but only two needing intervention for stress incontinence. Previous overactive bladder (OAB) medication (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.19, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.96, 95% CI 1.17-3.31); detrusor overactivity on cystometrogram (OR 2.25, aOR 2.82, 95% CI 1.60-4.97); and higher volume at first urge (OR 1.03, aOR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01-1.07) were associated with overall failure. Worse UDI-urgency scores were associated with failure, with an added interaction effect in the midurethral sling-alone group.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain clinical and urodynamic variables are associated with treatment failure after midurethral sling in women with mixed urinary incontinence. Women with more severe urgency symptoms at baseline may benefit from perioperative behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapy combined with midurethral sling. Overall, the need for additional urinary treatment was low and primarily for OAB.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01959347.

Evaluating the effects of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation or pelvic floor muscle training on sexual dysfunction in female multiple sclerosis patients reporting overactive bladder

AIMS

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is common in female patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) reporting overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with biofeedback on SD in female patients with MS reporting OAB symptoms.

METHODS

Patients with overactive bladder and SD were allocated to receive TTNS or PFMT daily. Overactive bladder symptoms, sexual functions, and sexual quality of life were assessed at baseline and 6^th weeks. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABv-8), and Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQoL-F) questionnaires were used.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (TTNS = 10, PFMT = 20) were included in the study. Compared to baseline, total FSFIOABv-8, and SQoL-F scores improved in both TTNS (p = 0.005, p = 0.011, p = 0.444, respectively) and PFMT (p = 0.002, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively) groups. Between-group comparisons did not show any significant differences.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the efficacy of both TTNS and PFMT for improving sexual function in female MS patients with OAB symptoms, but did not show superiority of any particular method. Further studies are required to investigate the differences between these two non-invasive methods.

What are the chances of improvement or cure from overactive bladder? A pooled responder analysis of efficacy and treatment emergent adverse events following treatment with fesoterodine

Aim

This study describes patients with different degrees and combinations of symptom resolution in response to fesoterodine exposure to aid physicians in counselling patients with overactive bladder (OAB) on the likelihood of treatment success.

Methods

Data came from 12‐week fixed‐dose studies of fesoterodine. The proportions of patients experiencing symptom resolution and change in patient‐reported outcome measures (PROM) at 4, 8, and 12 weeks were calculated. Treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAE) were reported according to response in urinary urgency episodes (UUE). The relationship between PROM and response was examined.

Results

Out of 6689 patients, 81.6% female, urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes/24 h were more responsive to fesoterodine than UUE; with roughly 50% of patients reporting a 50% reduction and fewer than 10% reporting absence of UUE at 12 weeks compared to approximately 40%–50% reporting absence of UUI. TEAE was numerically lower in patients with greater response. There was a statistically significant relationship between improvement in urinary urgency and associated change in OAB‐q symptom bother scores, r = 0.54, p < 0.001. At Week 4, 64.0%–76.7% of patients who had achieved a significant change in Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) had a 50% reduction in UUI. At Week 12 this proportion was between 80% and 87.9%, with those being exposed to fesoterodine treatment reporting response in PPBC at numerically higher rates.

Conclusion

These data provide clinicians with information from which they may usefully communicate the likelihood of symptom resolution in response to pharmacotherapy for OAB and answer a key clinical question posed by many care providers. Roughly ⅓ of fesoterodine treated patients reported a 50% reduction urgency and ¾ reported 50% resolution of incontinence at 12 weeks. Total resolution of all symptoms was seldom achieved.

A systematic review of English language patient-reported outcome measures for use in urogynaecology and female pelvic medicine

INTRODUCTION

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely used in clinical practice and research in urogynaecology. There is no consensus on which PROMs should be used. No unifying document identifies all available PROMs and compares the psychometric properties of these.

METHODS

Systematic review of the literature following PRISMA guidelines. Studies where women had been administered an English-language PROM which assessed pelvic-floor symptomatology and psychometric properties had been reported were included.

RESULTS

85 PROMs assessing pelvic-floor symptoms in a urogynaecology population were identified. 43 PROMs assessed lower urinary tract symptoms in 95 studies, four PROMS assessed vaginal symptoms in seven studies, 20 PROMs assessed bowel symptoms in 27 studies and three PROMs assessed sexual symptoms in seven studies. 15 PROMs assessed two or more of these symptom areas in 60 studies. PROMs with the with the best available psychometric evidence within these five areas were (urinary symptoms) the Incontinence Quality-of-Life questionnaire (I-QOL aka ICIQ-UIqol) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-UI-SF), (bowel symptoms) the Accidental Bowel Leakage Evaluation (ABLE) questionnaire and the International Consultation on Incontinence Bowel questionnaire (ICIQ-B), (vaginal symptoms) the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score (POPSS), (sexual symptoms) the Pelvic organ prolapse- urinary Incontinence Sexual function Questionnaire- IUGA revised (PISQ-IR) and (comprehensive PROMs) the Australian Pelvic Floor Questionnaire and the Electronic Personal Assessment Questionnaire-Pelvic-Floor (ePAQ-PF).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple PROMs with robust psychometric properties are available. Some widely used PROMs have weak evidence. Formal recommendations on which English-language PROMs to use within clinical practice and research in urogynaecology are required.

Vibegron improves quality-of-life measures in patients with overactive bladder: Patient-reported outcomes from the EMPOWUR study

BACKGROUND

Quality of life (QOL) can be significantly impacted by symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). Vibegron is a highly selective β₃ -adrenergic receptor agonist that showed efficacy in treatment of symptoms of OAB in the randomised, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled phase 3 EMPOWUR trial. Here we report patient-reported QOL outcomes from the EMPOWUR trial.

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned 5:5:4 to receive vibegron 75 mg, placebo or tolterodine 4 mg extended release, respectively, for 12 weeks. Patients completed the OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) at baseline and at week 12 and the patient global impression (PGI) scales for severity, control, frequency and leakage at baseline and at weeks 4, 8 and 12. Change from baseline at week 12 and responder rates (OAB-q: patients achieving a ≥10-point improvement; PGI: patients reporting best possible response) were assessed. Vibegron was compared with placebo, and no comparisons were made between vibegron and tolterodine.

RESULTS

Of the 1518 patients randomised, 1463 (placebo, n = 520; vibegron, n = 526; tolterodine, n = 417) had evaluable data for efficacy measures and were included in the analysis. Mean baseline OAB-q and PGI scores were comparable among treatment groups. At week 12, patients receiving vibegron had greater improvements from baseline in OAB-q subscores of coping, concern, sleep, health-related QOL total and symptom bother (P < .01 each) compared with patients receiving placebo; a greater proportion of patients receiving vibegron vs placebo were responders in the OAB-q coping (P < .05) and symptom bother scores (P < .0001). Compared with placebo, a greater proportion of patients who received vibegron achieved the best response on all PGI end-points at week 12 (P < .05 each) and were classified as responders (P < .05 each).

CONCLUSIONS

In the 12-week EMPOWUR trial, treatment with vibegron was associated with significantly greater and clinically meaningful improvement in OAB-q and PGI scores compared with placebo, consistent with improvements in OAB symptoms.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier number NCT03492281.

Two-year outcomes of the ARTISAN-SNM study for the treatment of urinary urgency incontinence using the Axonics rechargeable sacral neuromodulation system

AIMS

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a guideline-recommended treatment with proven therapeutic benefit for urinary urgency incontinence (UUI) patients. The Axonics® System is the first Food and Drug Administration-approved rechargeable SNM system and is designed to deliver therapy for a minimum of 15 years. The ARTISAN-SNM study was designed to evaluate UUI participants treated with the Axonics System. Two-year follow-up results are presented.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-nine UUI participants underwent implantation with the Axonics System. Therapeutic response rate, participant quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction were determined using 3-day voiding diaries, ICIQ-OABqol, and satisfaction questionnaires. Participants were considered responders if they had a 50% or greater reduction in UUI episodes post-treatment. As-treated and Completers analyses are presented.

RESULTS

At 2 years, 93% of the participants (n = 121 Completers at 2 years) were therapy responders, of which 82% achieved ≥ 75% reduction in UUI episodes and 37% were dry (100% reduction). Daily UUI episodes reduced from 5.6 ± 0.3 at baseline to 1.0 ± 0.2 at 2 years. Statistically significant improvements in ICIQ-OABqol were reported. All participants were able to recharge their device and 94% of participants reported that the recharging frequency and duration were acceptable. Participant demographics nor condition severity were correlated with clinical outcomes or recharging experience. No unanticipated or serious device-related adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

At 2 years, participants treated with the Axonics System demonstrated sustained safety and efficacy, high levels of satisfaction with therapy and recharging. Participant-related factors were not associated with efficacy or recharging outcomes, indicating the reported results are applicable to a diverse population.

Mirabegron Add-On Therapy to Tamsulosin in Men with Overactive Bladder: Post Hoc Analyses of Efficacy from the MATCH Study

INTRODUCTION

MATCH was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study enrolling Japanese and Korean men aged ≥ 40 years who still had overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms while receiving tamsulosin. After a 4-week single-blind screening period in which patients received placebo and tamsulosin, patients were randomized to mirabegron 50 mg + tamsulosin or placebo + tamsulosin for 12 weeks (n = 568). This post hoc analysis investigated the proportion of treatment responders for each treatment group and for subgroups stratified by age based on voiding diaries and patient-reported outcomes (PROs).

METHODS

Responders were defined as those achieving normalization or clinically meaningful improvements in efficacy, or clinically important differences in PROs [≥ 10-point improvement in OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) symptom bother or total health-related quality of life (HRQoL) subscales at end of treatment (EoT; minimally important difference [MID]) or OAB symptom score (OABSS) total score decreased by ≥ 3 points at EoT [minimally clinically important change (MCIC)]].

RESULTS

At EoT, micturition frequency normalization was achieved by 30.7% of tamsulosin + mirabegron patients and 18.6% of tamsulosin + placebo patients. Normalization of urgency and incontinence was 19.1% and 60.7% for tamsulosin + mirabegron and 18.2% and 60.0% for tamsulosin + placebo. Normalization of OAB symptoms based on OABSS was 17.1% for tamsulosin + mirabegron and 14.5% for tamsulosin + placebo. Higher proportions of patients in the mirabegron add-on group versus the placebo group reported clinically meaningful improvements in micturitions, urgency, and incontinence and in MCIC for OABSS and MID for the OAB-q subscales. Double- and triple-responder findings were as predicted by the results of single-responder analyses. These results were mirrored in the age groups using cut-offs of 65 and 75 years.

CONCLUSION

Mirabegron therapy added on to tamsulosin resulted in a higher frequency of responders in terms of normalization (e.g., micturition frequency normalization), clinically meaningful improvements in efficacy (e.g., ≥ 50% decrease in urgency), and minimally important changes in PROs (e.g., MCIC in OABSS).

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT02656173.

Persistence in Percutaneous Tibial Nerve Stimulation Treatment for Overactive Bladder Syndrome is Best Predicted by Patient Global Impression of Improvement Rather Than Symptom-Specific Improvement

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether progression to maintenance percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) was related to perceived global impression of improvement (PGII) rather than symptom-specific improvement in patient with overactive bladder (OAB). We hypothesize that PGII will predict continuation of PTNS long-term.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 90 patients with OAB that initiated PTNS. The PGII and OAB short-form questionnaires (OABq-SF) were used to assess bladder symptom severity and improvement. Those that completed the 12-week induction phase were offered to continue PTNS monthly maintenance or pursue other options. The primary outcome was difference in PGII score between those pursuing maintenance therapy versus other options. Descriptive statistics and mixed effect modeling analysis were employed.

RESULTS

Seventy patients (78%) completed 12 weeks of PTNS. The majority of completers pursued monthly maintenance (P< .01) and had significantly lower median PGII scores compared with those who sought alternatives (P < .01), while OABq-SF scores did not differ significantly (P = .65). Patients that pursued monthly PTNS maintenance had lower body mass index than those who chose alternative therapies (P < .01). Only 19% continued PTNS therapy for at least 1 year.

CONCLUSION

More patients pursued PTNS monthly maintenance over any other therapy, and this was significantly associated with lower PGII scores. Global improvement, and not symptom-specific response, predicts long-term PTNS maintenance. No symptom-specific predictors were identified in those who pursued maintenance over other options. One-year continuation rates are low.

Characteristics Associated With Treatment Failure 1 Year After Midurethral Sling in Women With Mixed Urinary Incontinence

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate characteristics associated with treatment failure 1 year after midurethral sling in women with mixed urinary incontinence.

METHODS

Four hundred three women who participated in a randomized trial that compared midurethral sling and behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapy (combined group) against midurethral sling alone for mixed incontinence with 1 year of follow-up data were eligible for this planned secondary analysis. Overall treatment failure was defined as meeting criteria for subjective failure, objective failure, or both. Subjective failure was defined as not meeting the minimal clinically important difference for improvement on the UDI (Urogenital Distress Inventory)-total score (26.1 points). Objective failure was not achieving 70% improvement on mean incontinence episodes of any type per day or having undergone any additional treatment for urinary symptoms at 12 months postoperative. Logistic regression models for treatment failure were constructed. Independent variables included site and treatment group, and clinical and demographic variables based on bivariate comparisons (P<.2). Treatment group interaction effects were evaluated.

RESULTS

Previous overactive bladder medication use (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.19, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.89, 95% CI 1.10-3.25), detrusor overactivity on cystometrogram (OR 2.25, aOR 2.72, 95% CI 1.53-4.84), body mass index (OR 1.29, aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.03-1.57), and Valsalva leak point pressure less than 60 cm H2O (OR 1.96, aOR 3.13, 95% CI 1.65-5.94) were associated with overall failure. Worse UDI urgency scores were associated with failure in the midurethral sling-alone group. Sling type (retropubic vs transobturator) was not associated with failure.

CONCLUSION

Certain clinical and urodynamic variables are associated with treatment failure after midurethral sling among women with mixed urinary incontinence. Women with more severe urgency symptoms at baseline may benefit from perioperative behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapy combined with midurethral sling. This information is helpful for counseling women with mixed incontinence who are considering surgery.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01959347.

Vaginal estrogen therapy is associated with increased Lactobacillus in the urine of postmenopausal women with overactive bladder symptoms

BACKGROUND

Previous work has shown that the vaginal microbiome decreases in Lactobacillus predominance and becomes more diverse after menopause. It has also been shown that estrogen therapy restores Lactobacillus dominance in the vagina and that topical estrogen is associated with overactive bladder symptom improvement. We now know that the bladder contains a unique microbiome and that increased bladder microbiome diversity is associated with overactive bladder. However, there is no understanding of how quickly each pelvic floor microbiome responds to estrogen or if those changes are associated with symptom improvement.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine if estrogen treatment of postmenopausal women with overactive bladder decreases urobiome diversity.

STUDY DESIGN

We analyzed data from postmenopausal participants in 2 trials (NCT02524769 and NCT02835846) who chose vaginal estrogen as the primary overactive bladder treatment and used 0.5 g of conjugated estrogen (Premarin cream; Pfizer, New York City, NY) twice weekly for 12 weeks. Baseline and 12-week follow-up data included the Overactive Bladder questionnaire, and participants provided urine samples via catheter, vaginal swabs, perineal swabs, and voided urine samples. Microbes were detected by an enhanced culture protocol. Linear mixed models were used to estimate microbiome changes over time. Urinary antimicrobial peptide activity was assessed by a bacterial growth inhibition assay and correlated with relative abundance of members of the urobiome.

RESULTS

In this study, 12 weeks of estrogen treatment resulted in decreased microbial diversity within the vagina (Shannon, P=.047; Richness, P=.043) but not in the other niches. A significant increase in Lactobacillus was detected in the bladder (P=.037) but not in the vagina (P=.33), perineum (P=.56), or voided urine (P=.28). The change in Lactobacillus levels in the bladder was associated with modest changes in urgency incontinence symptoms (P=.02). The relative abundance of the genus Corynebacterium correlated positively with urinary antimicrobial peptide activity after estrogen treatment.

CONCLUSION

Estrogen therapy may change the microbiome of different pelvic floor niches. The vagina begins to decrease in diversity, and the bladder experiences a significant increase in Lactobacillus levels; the latter is correlated with a modest improvement in the symptom severity subscale of the Overactive Bladder questionnaire.

Mirabegron in female patients with overactive bladder syndrome: What's new? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Reviews assessing mirabegron's safety and efficacy, synthesize data from both genders, without providing specific details for female patients with OAB. The aim of this study is to qualitatively and quantitatively synthesize data evaluating mirabegron's use on female patients with OAB. PubMed/Scopus/Cochrane library/Web of Knowledge were searched for full texted, published in English-language and in peer-reviewed journals, up to November 2019, using the keyword "mirabegron".Jadad score modified by adding allocation concealment, MINORS and RoB were used for the Methodological quality and risk of bias assessment. Twenty-one studies were included in this review;7 RCTs, 3 non-RCTs and 11 observational studies. Controlled trials were of unclear (75%), high (12.5%) or serious risk (12.5%) of bias. Twelve weeks of mirabegron use resulted in significant decrease of urgency, frequency, nocturia and UUI by 1.3-2.2,2.04-2.33,0.42-0.5 and 0.9-1.04 episodes/24 h, respectively. Quality of life and sexual health was improved significantly. Sexual dysfunction decreased from 98% (84/85) at baseline, to 60% (51/85) after 12-weeks of mirabegron (p-value < 0.001). Mirabegron had the same efficacy as anticholinergics in improving all OAB symptoms but with fewer adverse events. Hypertension and antimuscarinics' effects (i.e dry mouth, constipation) had an incidence of 2% (28/1221) and 1.9% (23/1221) when mirabegron was administered, respectively. Mirabegron is a safe and effective alternative therapy for females with OAB. However, there is a paucity of high-quality RCTs, with large sample sizes, long-term follow-up focusing on mirabegron's comparison to other therapies, quality of life and sexual health of female patients with OAB.

Effectiveness of the transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation and pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback in women with multiple sclerosis for the management of overactive bladder

Background:

Overactive bladder (OAB) is common in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with a limited number of treatment options.

Objective:

To investigate the effect of transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) and pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) with biofeedback on OAB symptoms in female MS patients.

Methods:

This study was conducted at the outpatient MS clinic in Istanbul. At baseline bladder diary, post-voiding residue (PVR), OAB, and Qualiveen Scales (QoL: Quality of Life; Siup: Specific Impact of Urinary Problems on QoL) were assessed. Patients were allocated to receive TTNS or PFMT daily for 6 weeks and reevaluated using the same tests.

Results:

Fifty-five patients (TTNS = 28, PFMT = 27) were included. Compared with baseline, both TTNS and PFMT groups improved in terms of OAB ( p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001), Qualiveen-siup ( p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001), Qualiveen-QoL ( p = 0.002, p = 0.006), PVR ( p = 0.0001, p = 0.21), frequency ( p = 0.0001, p = 0.69), nocturia ( p = 0.0001, p = 0.19), urgency ( p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001), and urge incontinence ( p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001). Between-group comparisons showed significant differences in 24-hour frequency ( p = 0.002) in favor of TTNS.

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrates the efficacy of both TTNS and PFMT for managing OAB symptoms in MS, associated with a significant impact on QoL, but did not show superiority of the methods. Further studies are needed to explore differences between these two non-invasive treatments.

Night shift workers refer higher urinary symptoms with an impairment quality of life: a single cohort study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study is to assess the impact of night shift work (NSW) on urinary symptoms.

METHODS

Between March 2018 to October 2018, we evaluated a group of National Health care system workers. Urinary symptoms and quality of life were measured by Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (OABq-sf). Clinical variables (i.e. age, smoking status, medical history) were collected and analyzed according to be NS workers (NSWs) from subjects working at least one time from 8 pm to 8 am or from traditional workers (TWs). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictive variables of worse OAB outcomes (OABq-sf>30, OABq-SB≥12, OABq HRQL≥18).

RESULTS

A total of 136 participants (68 males and 68 females) were included in the study. On OABq-sf, total score, symptoms bother (OABq-SB) and health related quality of life (OABq-HRQL) domains were significantly (P<0.05) higher in NSWs group, respectively: 31 (IQR 26-35) vs. 19 (IQR 19-20); 11 (IQR 10-13) vs. 6 (IQR 6-7); 19 (IQR 16-22) vs. 13 (13-14). Finally, seven NSWs (10.6%) referred nocturia respect to only one (1%) TWs, (P=0.02). On multivariate analysis NSW was an independent predictor of OABq-sf>30 units (OR:30; CI: 9-111, P=0.001), OABq-SB ≥12 units (OR:16, CI: 6-43, P=0.001) and OABq HRQL≥18 units (OR:20, CI: 6-70, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Night shift workers presented worst OAB Score and poor QL when compared to similar traditional workers. Long-term data on NSWs patients are also needed to further clarify this relationship.

Effect of Behavioral and Pelvic Floor Muscle Therapy Combined With Surgery vs Surgery Alone on Incontinence Symptoms Among Women With Mixed Urinary Incontinence: The ESTEEM Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Mixed urinary incontinence, including both stress and urgency incontinence, has adverse effects on a woman's quality of life. Studies evaluating treatments to simultaneously improve both components are lacking.

Objective

To determine whether combining behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapy with midurethral sling is more effective than sling alone for improving mixed urinary incontinence symptoms.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Randomized clinical trial involving women 21 years or older with moderate or severe stress and urgency urinary incontinence symptoms for at least 3 months, and at least 1 stress and 1 urgency incontinence episode on a 3-day bladder diary. The trial was conducted across 9 sites in the United States, enrollment between October 2013 and April 2016; final follow-up October 2017.

Interventions

Behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapy (included 1 preoperative and 5 postoperative sessions through 6 months) combined with midurethral sling (n = 209) vs sling alone (n = 207).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was change between baseline and 12 months in mixed incontinence symptoms measured by the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) long form; range, 0 to 300 points; minimal clinically important difference, 35 points, with higher scores indicating worse symptoms.

Results

Among 480 women randomized (mean [SD] age, 54.0 years [10.7]), 464 were eligible and 416 (86.7%) had postbaseline outcome data and were included in primary analyses. The UDI score in the combined group significantly decreased from 178.0 points at baseline to 30.7 points at 12 months, adjusted mean change -128.1 points (95% CI, -146.5 to -109.8). The UDI score in the sling-only group significantly decreased from 176.8 to 34.5 points, adjusted mean change -114.7 points (95% CI, -133.3 to -96.2). The model-estimated between-group difference (-13.4 points; 95% CI, -25.9 to -1.0; P = .04) did not meet the minimal clinically important difference threshold. Related and unrelated serious adverse events occurred in 10.2% of the participants (8.7% combined and 11.8% sling only).

Conclusions and Relevance

Among women with mixed urinary incontinence, behavioral and pelvic floor muscle therapy combined with midurethral sling surgery compared with surgery alone resulted in a small statistically significant difference in urinary incontinence symptoms at 12 months that did not meet the prespecified threshold for clinical importance.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01959347.

Updating the evidence on drugs to treat overactive bladder: a systematic review

Introduction

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common condition, increasing with age and affecting quality of life. While numerous OAB drugs are available, persistence is low. We evaluated evidence published since 2012 to determine if newer drugs provided better efficacy and harm profiles.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library from 2012 to September 2018 using terms for included drugs and requested information from manufacturers of included drugs. We performed dual review of all systematic review processes, evaluated study quality, and conducted meta-analyses using random effects models.

Results

In addition to 31 older studies, we included 20 trials published since 2012 (N = 16,478; 4 good, 11 fair, and 5 poor quality). Where statistical differences were found, they were clinically small (reductions of < 0.5 episodes/day). Solifenacin plus mirabegron improved efficacy outcomes over monotherapy with either drug, but significantly increased constipation compared with solifenacin and dry mouth compared with mirabegron. Solifenacin reduced incontinence over mirabegron and tolterodine and urgency episodes over tolterodine. Mirabegron did not differ from tolterodine in efficacy but had significantly lower incidence of dry mouth than solifenacin or tolterodine. Fesoterodine showed significant improvements but also anticholinergic effects vs. tolterodine. Oxybutynin, solifenacin, and tolterodine had similar efficacy, but dry mouth led to greater discontinuation with oxybutynin. Blurred vision, cardiac arrhythmia, and dizziness were uncommon.

Conclusion

New evidence confirms small, but clinically uncertain, differences among monotherapies and also between combination and monotherapy, regardless of statistical significance. While drugs mainly differed in incidence of dry mouth or constipation, none provided improved efficacy without increased harms.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00192-019-04022-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Vesomni improves the quality of life in men with lower urinary tract symptoms in routine clinical practice in Europe

Aim

To evaluate the impact of Vesomni/Urizia/Volutsa, a fixed‐dose combination tablet containing 6 mg solifenacin (antimuscarinic) and 0.4 mg tamsulosin (α‐blocker), on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and treatment satisfaction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in routine clinical practice.

Methods

EUROPA was a noninterventional study of men with LUTS/BPH not responding to monotherapy who were prescribed Vesomni in routine clinical practice. Data were collected retrospectively (1 year) and prospectively (1 year). Assessments were performed at baseline, weeks 4 to 8, weeks 9 to 18 (optional), weeks 19 to 39 (optional), and Weeks 40 to 52. The primary endpoint was change from baseline in HRQoL, as assessed by the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB‐q) symptom bother subscale score. Change from baseline in OAB‐q total and coping, sleep, and social interaction subscale scores, treatment satisfaction‐visual analog scale (TS‐VAS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and European Quality of Life 5‐Dimension‐5‐Level (EQ‐5D‐5L) questionnaire were also evaluated.

Results

Five hundred and eighty‐nine patients were enrolled. The mean changes in adjusted mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) OAB‐q symptom bother subscale scores were −16.40 (−24.31, −8.49) at weeks 4 to 8 and −19.59 (−28.26, −10.92) at weeks 40 to 52; at weeks 40 to 52, changes were clinically meaningful in 84.6% of patients. Adjusted mean (95% CI) change from baseline to weeks 40 to 52 were 15.02 (7.35, 22.69), 19.37 (10.86, 27.89), 18.65 (7.44, 29.86), 9.85 (3.90, 15.81), and 16.09 (9.07, 23.11) for concern, coping, sleep, social interaction, and total, respectively. TS‐VAS, IPSS, and EQ‐5D‐5L all improved, and treatment persistence at weeks 40 to 52 was 77.1%. Urinary retention was reported in four (0.7%) patients.

Conclusions

Vesomni was well‐tolerated and improved HRQoL and treatment satisfaction in patients with LUTS/BPH.

Long-term safety and efficacy of antimuscarinic add-on therapy in patients with overactive bladder who had a suboptimal response to mirabegron monotherapy: A multicenter, randomized study in Japan (MILAI II study)

Objectives

To evaluate the long‐term safety (primary objective) and efficacy (secondary objective) of antimuscarinic add‐on therapy in patients receiving mirabegron.

Methods

During a 2‐week screening period, patients (aged ≥20 years, mirabegron treatment for ≥6 weeks, residual overactive bladder symptoms) received mirabegron 50 mg once daily. These patients were subsequently randomized to 52 weeks’ treatment with mirabegron 50 mg/day plus an antimuscarinic (solifenacin 5 mg, propiverine 20 mg, imidafenacin 0.2 mg, or tolterodine 4 mg) with the potential to double the antimuscarinic dose (except for tolterodine) at week 8. Safety assessments included treatment‐emergent adverse events, vital signs, 12‐lead electrocardiograms, post‐void residual volume, and laboratory evaluations. Efficacy was assessed using changes from baseline in overactive bladder symptom score total score; overactive bladder questionnaire short form score; micturitions, urgency episodes, urinary incontinence episodes, and urgency urinary incontinence episodes/24 h; mean volume voided per micturition; and number of night‐time micturitions.

Results

Overall, 80.2% of patients (88.1% women, mean age 65 years) experienced at least one treatment‐emergent adverse event, with similar rates for all treatments. The adverse events most commonly reported were dry mouth, nasopharyngitis, and constipation. No marked change was observed in systolic or diastolic blood pressure for any treatment, although pulse rate increased slightly in the mirabegron and propiverine, and mirabegron and tolterodine groups. For all treatments, significant improvements were observed in all efficacy parameters, including overactive bladder symptom score total and questionnaire short form scores.

Conclusions

Antimuscarinic add‐on therapy is well tolerated and effective after initial treatment with mirabegron in patients with overactive bladder symptoms.

Validation of the urgency questionnaire in Portuguese: A new instrument to assess overactive bladder syndrome

PURPOSE

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a clinical condition characterized by symptoms reported by patients. Therefore, measurement instruments based on reported information are important for understanding its impact and treatment benefits. The aim of this study was to translate, culturally adapt and validate the Urgency Questionnaire (UQ) in Portuguese.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Initially, the UQ was translated and culturally adapted to Portuguese. Sixty-three volunteers were enrolled in the study and were interviewed for responding the Portuguese version of the UQ and the validated Portuguese version of the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire short-form (OABq-SF), used as the gold standard measurement for the validation process. Psychometric properties such as criterion validity, stability, and reliability were tested.

RESULTS

Forty-six subjects were included in the symptomatic group (presence of "urgency"), and seventeen were included in the asymptomatic group (control group). There was difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects on all of the subscales (p≤0.001). The UQ subscales correlated with the OABq-SF subscales (p≤0.01), except the subscale "time to control urgency" and the item "impact" from the visual analog scales (VAS). However, these scales correlated with the OABq-SF - Symptom Bother Scale. The UQ subscales demonstrated stability over time (p<0.05), but the subscale "fear of incontinence" and the item "severity" of the VAS did not. All of the UQ subscales showed internal consistencies that were considered to be good or excellent.

CONCLUSION

The Portuguese version of the UQ proved to be a valid tool for the evaluation of OAB in individuals whose native language is Portuguese.

Mirabegron improves quality-of-life, treatment satisfaction, and persistence in patients with overactive bladder: a multi-center, non-interventional, real-world, 12-month study

OBJECTIVE

Observational studies can provide evidence about patient outcomes in routine clinical practice. This prospective, non-interventional study (BELIEVE) is the largest real-world European study to date to assess quality-of-life, treatment satisfaction, resource utilization, and persistence in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who were prescribed mirabegron as part of routine clinical practice.

METHODS

The primary objective was to evaluate change from baseline in quality-of-life based on overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) sub-scales. Secondary objectives included evaluation of treatment persistence, patient satisfaction, healthcare resource utilization and adverse events (AEs). Follow-up was for 12 months with visit windows at 2-4 and 10-12 months. Median change from baseline in total OAB-q and its sub-scales (Health-related quality-of-life [HRQoL] and symptom bother scale) were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 862 patients were enrolled from eight European countries. In the Full Analysis Set (FAS), 73.7% were female, mean age was 61.2 years; 47.7% ≥65 years. At baseline, 41.3% had switched from other OAB treatments, 42.2% were treatment naïve, 10.1% were lapsed, and 6.4% were on combination treatment. Symptom bother and HRQoL total scores improved from baseline to 2-4 and 10-12 months. There was a notable improvement in dry rate, increasing from 34.9% at baseline to 43.7% at 10-12 months in the FAS, and a reduction in pad use. Persistence was high, with 53.8% of FAS patients remaining on mirabegron at 10-12 months. Overall, no unexpected safety issues were observed and AEs were consistent with the known safety profile of mirabegron.

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving mirabegron in a real-world setting reported meaningful improvements in QoL and health status, with a persistence rate of 53.8% at 12 months for the FAS. No unexpected safety issues were observed, and AEs were consistent with the known safety profile of mirabegron.

Patient-reported outcomes in patients with overactive bladder treated with mirabegron and tolterodine in a prospective, double-blind, randomized, two-period crossover, multicenter study (PREFER)

Background

The PREFER study was an assessment of medication tolerability, treatment preference and symptom improvement during treatment with mirabegron (M) and tolterodine (T) extended release (ER) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). In this analysis of PREFER, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were assessed during treatment.

Methods

PREFER was a two-period, 8-week crossover, double-blind, phase IV study (NCT02138747) of treatment-naïve adults with OAB ≥3 months randomized to 1 of 4 treatment sequences (M/T; T/M; M/M; T/T), separated by a 2-week washout. Tolterodine ER was dosed at 4 mg for 8 weeks and mirabegron was dosed at 25 mg for 4 weeks then increased to 50 mg for the next 4 weeks. At each visit, PROs related to treatment satisfaction, quality of life and symptom bother were assessed using the OAB Satisfaction (OAB-S; 3 independent scales/5 single-item overall assessments), OAB-q (total health-related QoL [HRQoL] and subscales [Sleep, Social, Coping, Concern] and Symptom Bother scale) and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) questionnaires. Responder rates were reported for OAB-q subscales based on a minimal important difference (MID; ≥ 10-point improvement) and OAB-S Medication Tolerability score ≥ 90.

Results

In total, 358 randomized patients received ≥1 dose of double-blind study medication and completed ≥1 post-baseline value (OAB-S scale, OAB-q, PPBC): M/T (n = 154), T/M (n = 144), M/M (n = 30) or T/T (n = 30). At end of treatment (EoT), mirabegron and tolterodine ER were associated with similar mean improvements in 7 of the 8 OAB-S scores investigated, OAB-q scales and PPBC. A higher percentage of patients achieved clinically relevant improvements (MID) in OAB-q scales and OAB-S Medication Tolerability score during treatment with mirabegron than tolterodine ER.

Conclusions

On average, patients with OAB experienced improvements in treatment satisfaction, HRQoL and symptom bother that were of a similar magnitude during treatment with mirabegron or tolterodine ER. However, during mirabegron treatment, patients were more likely to achieve clinically relevant improvements in tolerability and HRQoL (as measured by the MID for the OAB-q or an OAB-S Medication Tolerability score ≥ 90) than during tolterodine ER treatment.

Trial registration

NCT02138747; registered May 13, 2014.

Baseline symptom severity and therapeutic success in a large prospective trial of sacral neuromodulation therapy for overactive bladder patients

INTRODUCTION

The InSite trial is a prospective, multicenter post-approval study of subjects receiving sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy with the InterStim^® System. Enrolled subjects had bothersome symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). The purpose of this analysis was to determine if severity of baseline symptoms had an impact on clinical outcomes.

METHODS

For device implant, therapeutic success was defined as a  ≥50% improvement in average leaks/day, or in voids/day or a return to normal voiding frequency. Groups were dichotomized into less versus more severe based on median number of leaks and voids. Subjects were grouped as less severe <2 leaks/day for UI; <11 voids/day for UF and more severe ≥2 leaks/day for UI;  ≥11 voids/day for UF. Therapeutic success at 12 and 24 months were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Three hundred and forty subjects completed test stimulation and 272 (80%) subjects received a full system implant. On average UI subjects had 1.3 leaks/day in the less severe group and 4.5 leaks/day in the more severe group. UI success rates were not statistically different between severity groups at 12 months or 24 months). At baseline, on average UF subjects had 9.4 voids/day for the less severe group and 15.1 voids/day for the more severe group. UF success rates were not statistically different between severity groups at 12 months or 24 months.

CONCLUSION

Data evaluating efficacy based on symptom severity demonstrates that SNM is effective in treating both less severe and more severely affected groups for both UI and UF at 12 and 24 months.

A pilot feasibility study of treating overactive bladder patients with percutaneous saphenous nerve stimulation

AIMS

Effective long-term treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) remains a significant clinical challenge. We present our initial experience with a new bladder neuromodulation method that electrically targets the saphenous nerve (SAFN).

METHODS

A total of 18 OAB patients (female, 55-84 years) were provided with percutaneous SAFN stimulation. The SAFN was targeted with a needle electrode inserted below the medial condyle of the tibia. Activation of the SAFN was confirmed by the patient's perception of paresthesia radiating down the leg. Electrical stimulation was applied for 30 min and subsequently repeated weekly for 3 months. The effects of stimulation were assessed by a 4-day bladder diary and quality-of-life questionaire (OAB-q).

RESULTS

Percutaneous SAFN stimulation was confirmed in all 16 patients who completed the study, and no adverse events were reported. Positive response to SAFN stimulation was achieved in 87.5% (14 of 16) of patients, as determined by either a minimum 50% reduction in bladder symptoms or a minimum 10 point increase in the HRQL total score.

CONCLUSIONS

Electrical activation of the SAFN was consistently achieved using anatomical landmarks and patient feedback. The procedure was well tolerated and, based on our small cohort of patients, appears efficacious, and safe. This pilot study provides early feasibility data that points to a promising new intervention for treating OAB.

Refractory urgency urinary incontinence treatment in women: impact of age on outcomes and complications

BACKGROUND

Women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence (ie, unresponsive to behavioral and pharmacological interventions) are treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to compare treatment efficacy and adverse events in women <65 and ≥65 years old treated with onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation.

STUDY DESIGN

This study was a planned secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized trial that enrolled community-dwelling women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence to onabotulinumtoxinA or sacral neuromodulation treatments. The primary outcome was a change in mean daily urgency urinary incontinence episodes on a bladder diary over 6 months. Secondary outcomes included ≥75% urgency urinary incontinence episode reduction, change in symptom severity/quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and treatment-related adverse events.

RESULTS

Both age groups experienced improvement in mean urgency urinary incontinence episodes per day following each treatment. There was no evidence that mean daily urgency urinary incontinence episode reduction differed between age groups for onabotulinumtoxinA (adjusted coefficient, -0.127, 95% confidence interval, -1.233 to 0.979; P = .821) or sacral neuromodulation (adjusted coefficient, -0.698, 95% confidence interval, -1.832 to 0.437; P = .227). Among those treated with onabotulinumtoxinA, women <65 years had 3.3-fold greater odds of ≥75% resolution than women ≥65 years (95% confidence interval, 1.56 -7.02). Women <65 years had a greater reduction in Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form symptom bother scores compared with women ≥65 years by 7.49 points (95% confidence interval, -3.23 to -11.74), regardless of treatment group. There was no difference between quality of life improvement by age. Women ≥65 years had more urinary tract infections following onabotulinumtoxinA and sacral neuromodulation (odds ratio, 1.9, 95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.3). There was no evidence of age differences in sacral neuromodulation revision/removal or catheterization following onabotulinumtoxinA treatment.

CONCLUSION

Younger women experienced greater absolute continence, symptom improvement, and fewer urinary tract infections; both older and younger women had beneficial urgency urinary incontinence episode reduction, similar rates of other treatment adverse events, and improved quality of life.

Combined Tolterodine and Vaginal Estradiol Cream for Overactive Bladder Symptoms After Randomized Single-Therapy Treatment

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to compare 12-week outcomes of single-therapy tolterodine (Detrol LA) extended release to intravaginal estrogen (Estrace) for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and characterize 24- and 52-week outcomes in women undergoing combined therapy.

METHODS

A single-site randomized, open-label trial in women with urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, and/or urgency urinary incontinence symptoms was performed. Fifty-eight participants were randomized to oral tolterodine extended release daily or intravaginal estradiol cream nightly for 6 weeks then twice per week. The primary outcome was change in Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) symptom bother score at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire (HRQL) of the OAB-q and a 3-day bladder diary. At 12 weeks, subjects were offered addition of the alternative therapy with follow-up at 24 and 52 weeks.

RESULTS

There was no difference in symptom bother score improvement between the tolterodine and intravaginal estradiol groups baseline to 12 weeks (20.6 ± 21.7, -15.8 ± 23.3, respectively, P = 0.45). There was a significant within-group decrease in symptom bother score from baseline to 12 weeks (tolterodine, P < 0.0001, and intravaginal estradiol, P = 0.002). Secondary outcome improvement within groups was noted in the HRQL total, urinary incontinence episodes, and median voiding frequency (all P ≤ 0.03) in the tolterodine group and in the HRQL total score (P = 0.03) in the intravaginal estradiol group, with no differences between groups. Combined therapy outcomes at 24 and 52 weeks compared with single therapy at 12 weeks revealed significant improvement in symptom bother score in the intravaginal estradiol + tolterodine group at 24 and 52 weeks (20.0 ± 23.9, P = 0.008; -16.7 ± 23.3, P = 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant within-group improvement in OAB-q symptom bother was noted in both the intravaginal estradiol and tolterodine groups for OAB symptoms, with no difference between groups. Greater improvement from 12-week single therapy to 24 and 52 weeks of combined therapy was noted in the group originally assigned to intravaginal estradiol. The role of combined medical therapy for OAB symptoms needs further investigation.

Effect of Trospium Chloride on Cognitive Function in Women Aged 50 and Older: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effect of trospium chloride on cognitive function in postmenopausal women treated for overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted from April 2013 to April 2015. Women aged 50 years or older seeking treatment for OAB were randomized to either trospium chloride XR 60 mg daily or placebo. Baseline cognitive function was assessed via Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R), Mini Mental Status Exam, Mini Mental Status X, Digit Span, Trails A, Trails B, and Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Cognitive function was reassessed at week 1 and week 4. A priori power analysis determined that 21 subjects were needed per group.

RESULTS

Although 59 women were enrolled and randomized (28 trospium and 31 placebo), 45 completed assessment (21 trospium and 24 placebo). Mean age was 68 years, 78% were white, and 44% had previously taken OAB medication. For the primary outcome, there was no difference in HVLT-R total score between trospium and placebo groups at week 4 (P = 0.29). There were also no differences based on the other cognitive tests. There was a correlation between age and the following week-4 tests: HVLT-R total score (r = -0.3, P = 0.02), HVLT-R total recall subscale (r = -0.4, P = 0.007), Trails A (r = 0.4, P = 0.002), and Trails B (r = 0.4, P = 0.004). A linear regression model found that HVLT-R total score decreased by 0.372 points for each increased year of age.

CONCLUSIONS

In women aged 50 years and older, there were no changes in cognitive function between those taking trospium and placebo. Cognitive function was correlated with age.

A novel leadless, miniature implantable Tibial Nerve Neuromodulation System for the management of overactive bladder complaints

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder is a chronic condition affecting lower urinary tract function that has a significant negative impact on QoL.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the BlueWind implantable tibial nerve system performance and safety in refractory OAB.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS INTERVENTION

A 6-month multi-center prospective intervention study.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Objective assessment was done by voiding diary parameters including voids/day, volume voided/day, urgency assessment, leaking episodes/day, pads used/day, leak severity, and clinical success defined as a ≥50% reduction in the number of leaks/day or number of voids/day or number of episodes with degree of urgency >2 or a return to <8 voids/day on a 3 Day diary. Subjective assessment was based on OAB-q including HRQL and symptom severity score. Safety was evaluated by adverse event (AE) analysis.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Thirty-four of the 36 implanted subjects completed the study. One subject withdrew voluntarily and one developed inflammation necessitating removal of the system. In the remaining subjects, 71% experienced clinical success at 6 months. Leaks/day, leak severity, and pad changes/day decreased significantly over time with 27.6% of urge incontinence subjects that became "dry." Voids/day, degree of urgency, volume/void, pads changed improved significantly. All quality of life aspects (concern, coping, sleep, and social) improved as well as symptom severity scores measured by the OAB-q. Adverse events included: implant site pain (13.9%), suspected infection (22.2%), and procedural wound complications (8.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The BlueWind implantable tibial nerve stimulator is a safe, minimally invasive system that affords OAB patients significant improvements.

PATIENT SUMMARY

The performance and safety of the BlueWind RENOVA™ implantable tibial nerve neuromodulator for OAB was tested. Our preliminary results demonstrate that the system has a low risk safety profile and may be considered an effective treatment option for OAB management.

Patient-reported outcomes from SYNERGY, a randomized, double-blind, multicenter study evaluating combinations of mirabegron and solifenacin compared with monotherapy and placebo in OAB patients

AIMS

To evaluate patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of combinations of solifenacin and mirabegron compared with solifenacin and mirabegron monotherapy and with placebo in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) from the SYNERGY trial.

METHODS

Following a 4-week placebo run-in, period patients (≥18 years) with OAB were randomized 2:2:1:1:1:1 to receive solifenacin 5 mg + mirabegron 25 mg (combination 5 + 25 mg), solifenacin 5 mg + mirabegron 50 mg, (combination 5 + 50 mg), solifenacin 5 mg, mirabegron 25 mg, mirabegron 50 mg or placebo for 12 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout period. At each visit, PROs related to quality of life, symptom bother, and treatment satisfaction were assessed, including OAB-q Symptom Bother score, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) Total score, treatment satisfaction-visual analogue scale (TS-VAS), and patient perception of bladder condition (PPBC) questionnaires.

RESULTS

Overall, 3527 patients were randomized into the study, with 3494 receiving double-blind treatment. At end of treatment (EoT), both combination groups showed greater improvements in OAB-q Symptom Bother score compared with the monotherapy groups (nominal P < 0.001). Statistically significant improvements in HRQOL Total scores were observed in the combination groups versus monotherapy groups (P ≤ 0.002). For both combination groups, the OAB-q Symptom Bother score responder rates at EoT were statistically significantly higher versus mirabegron monotherapy (P < 0.05). The mean adjusted changes from baseline to EoT for PPBC were greater in the combination groups compared with monotherapy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

PROs showed that combination therapy provided clear improvements and an additive effect for many HRQOL parameters, including OAB-q Symptom Bother score, HRQOL Total score, and PPBC.

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

PURPOSE

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Solifenacin for Overactive Bladder with Incontinence: Symptom Bother and Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes

Background:

Approximately one-third of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) experience incontinence, a bothersome symptom with a clear negative effect on quality of life.

Objective:

To assess OAB patients' perceptions of improvements in symptom bother and quality of life after taking solifenacin under conditions reflecting day-today practice.

Methods:

VOLT (the VESIcare Open-Label Trial) was a prospective, open-label study in patients with OAB (defined as urgency, urge urinary incontinence, daytime frequency, or nocturia for ≥3 mo) who were treated with flexibly dosed, once-daily solifenacin for 12 weeks. This study included subjects enrolled in VOLT who, at baseline, had urge incontinence and reported incontinence as their most bothersome symptom. All patients were started on solifenacin 5 mg/day; at week 4, the dosage could be increased to 10 mg/day and at week 8 could be maintained or decreased back to 5 mg/day. Efficacy was assessed by 3 independent patient-reported outcomes: the Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) scale, a visual analog scale (VAS) for assessing individual symptoms, and the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q).

Results:

Of the 2205 patients in the VOLT full analysis set, 1586 (71.9%) had urge incontinence at baseline, of which 582 (36.7%) reported incontinence as their most bothersome symptom. In this cohort, mean PPBC score at baseline was 4.6 (indicating moderate-to-severe problems) and at endpoint had decreased significantly to 2.9 (very minor to some minor problems; p < 0.001). At endpoint, 80.4% of patients achieved improvement in their PPBC score. These patients reported significant improvements from baseline in urinary urgency, urge incontinence, frequency, and nocturia on the VAS (p < 0.001) and all OAB-q domains (symptom severity, coping, concern, sleep, social, health-related quality of life) at endpoint (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Patients reporting urge incontinence as their most bothersome OAB symptom can be expected to demonstrate significant improvements in multiple patient-related outcomes following treatment with flexibly dosed solifenacin.

OnabotulinumtoxinA vs Sacral Neuromodulation on Refractory Urgency Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence are treated with sacral neuromodulation and onabotulinumtoxinA with limited comparative information.

Objective

To assess whether onabotulinumtoxinA is superior to sacral neuromodulation in controlling refractory episodes of urgency urinary incontinence.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Multicenter open-label randomized trial (February 2012-January 2015) at 9 US medical centers involving 381 women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence.

Interventions

Cystoscopic intradetrusor injection of 200 U of onabotulinumtoxinA (n = 192) or sacral neuromodulation (n = 189).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Primary outcome, change from baseline mean number of daily urgency urinary incontinence episodes over 6 months, was measured with monthly 3-day diaries. Secondary outcomes included change from baseline in urinary symptom scores in the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire Short Form (SF); range, 0-100, higher scores indicating worse symptoms; Overactive Bladder Satisfaction questionnaire; range, 0-100; includes 5 subscales, higher scores indicating better satisfaction; and adverse events.

Results

Of the 364 women (mean [SD] age, 63.0 [11.6] years) in the intention-to-treat population, 190 women in the onabotulinumtoxinA group had a greater reduction in 6-month mean number of episodes of urgency incontinence per day than did the 174 in the sacral neuromodulation group (-3.9 vs -3.3 episodes per day; mean difference, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.13 to 1.14; P = .01). Participants treated with onabotulinumtoxinA showed greater improvement in the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire SF for symptom bother (-46.7 vs -38.6; mean difference, 8.1; 95% CI, 3.0 to 13.3; P = .002); treatment satisfaction (67.7 vs 59.8; mean difference, 7.8; 95% CI, 1.6 to 14.1; P = .01) and treatment endorsement (78.1 vs 67.6; mean difference; 10.4, 95% CI, 4.3 to 16.5; P < .001) than treatment with sacral neuromodulation. There were no differences in convenience (67.6 vs 70.2; mean difference, -2.5; 95% CI, -8.1 to 3.0; P = .36), adverse effects (88.4 vs 85.1; mean difference, 3.3; 95% CI, -1.9 to 8.5; P = .22), and treatment preference (92.% vs 89%; risk difference, -3%; 95% CI, -16% to 10%; P = .49). Urinary tract infections were more frequent in the onabotulinumtoxinA group (35% vs 11%; risk difference, -23%; 95% CI, -33% to -13%; P < .001). The need for self-catheterization was 8% and 2% at 1 and 6 months in the onabotulinumtoxinA group. Neuromodulation device revisions and removals occurred in 3%.

Conclusions and Relevance

Among women with refractory urgency urinary incontinence, treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA compared with sacral neuromodulation resulted in a small daily improvement in episodes that although statistically significant is of uncertain clinical importance. In addition, it resulted in a higher risk of urinary tract infections and need for transient self-catheterizations.

Comparison of mirabegron and imidafenacin for efficacy and safety in Japanese female patients with overactive bladder: A randomized controlled trial (COMFORT study)

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron compared with imidafenacin for the treatment of female patients with overactive bladder.

METHODS

Patients (n = 89) were randomized to receive 0.1 mg imidafenacin twice daily (n = 47) or 50 mg mirabegron once daily (n = 42) for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end-point was change in total Overactive Bladder Symptom Score. Secondary efficacy end-points included change in Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, 3-day micturition diary, International Prostate Symptom Score and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire. Safety assessments included adverse events, vital signs, post-void residual volume and patient-reported incidence, and severity of distinctive symptoms related to adverse events.

RESULTS

The mirabegron group showed a significantly reduced mean total Overactive Bladder Symptom Score from baseline, but no significant differences were noted in change of total Overactive Bladder Symptom Score compared with the imidafenacin group. Significant improvements in secondary efficacy end-points were observed regarding the mean number of micturitions/24 h, mean number of urgency episodes/24 h, mean number of incontinence episodes/24 h, mean volume voided/micturition, total International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life in both groups, with no significant differences between the groups. The overall incidence of adverse events and the incidence of dry mouth were significantly higher in the imidafenacin group than in the mirabegron group. Patient-reported incidence and the severity of dry mouth were significantly exacerbated in the imidafenacin group.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with 50 mg mirabegron once daily effectively relieves overactive bladder symptoms in women with fewer adverse events than treatment with antimuscarinics.