Preliminary Study of Efficacy of Doxazosin as a Medical Expulsive Therapy of Distal Ureteric Stones in a Randomized Clinical Trial

EFFICACY OF DOXAZOSIN VERSUS TAMSULOSIN IN LOWER URETERIC STONE EXPULSION IN ADULT POPULATION OF DISTRICT DERA ISMAIL KHAN, PAKISTAN

Background: Urolithiasis is the third common disease of the urinary tract after UTIs and pathological diseases of the prostate. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of doxazosin versus tamsulosin in lower ureteric stone expulsion in adult population of District Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan.Materials Methods: This non-randomized control trial was conducted in the Department of Urology, Gomal Medical College, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan from February 2020 to December 2020. The 252 patients included in our study were divided in to two groups. The patients in experimental group received Tab. doxazosin 4 mg daily for 4 weeks and Tab. diclofenac sodium 50 mg B.D for 5 days and then on need basis. The patients in control group received Cap. tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily for 4 weeks and similarly Tab. diclofenac sodium 50 mg as in experimental group. All the patients were followed regularly for expulsion of ureteric stones for four weeks. Sex, age and stone size were matching, while stone expulsion was a research variable. Hypothesis was verified by McNemar chi-square test.Results: Out of 252 patients, 113 (89.68%) patients in experimental group, while 77 (61.11%) patients in control group passed the stones. There was statistically significant difference in efficacy in doxazosin group as compared to tamsulosin group (p-value=.0001).Conclusion: The use of doxazosin as the medical expulsion therapy for the lower ureteric stone proved to be more effective as compared to tamsulosin as demonstrated by our results.

The safety and efficacy of doxazosin in medical expulsion therapy for distal ureteric calculi: A meta-analysis

Purpose

Alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers can be effectively used in the context of medical expulsion therapy (MET) to treat ureteric stones. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of doxazosin in MET relative to placebo or tamsulosin.

Methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Chinese Academic Database, and Web of Science databases to select randomized controlled trials (RCT) that compared the use of doxazosin with placebo or tamsulosin to treat ureteric stones. All patients we included were limited to those diagnosed with visible stones in the distal ureter. The diameter of ureteric stones does not exceed 10 mm.

Results

Eight trials comparing doxazosin with placebo or tamsulosin containing 667 patients were assessed in the final analysis. The meta-analysis showed that doxazosin effectively treated ureteric stones and was better than placebo in terms of efficacy. Relative to the placebo group, the expulsion rate of stones from the distal ureter (OR = 3.00, 95% CI [2.15, 4.19], I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001) was significantly increased, and the expulsion time (days) was shortened (mean difference) (MD) = −4.03, 95% CI [−4.53, −3.53], P < 0.00001). The doxazosin group experienced fewer pain episodes (MD = −0.78, CI = [−0.94, −0.23], I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001) than the placebo group. A subgroup analysis showed that the doxazosin group had a higher expulsion rate (of 5–10 mm stones) compared with the placebo group. Although doxazosin resulted in significantly more adverse effects compared with the placebo, the patient’s symptoms were mild and no further medical interventions were required. Moreover, the expulsion time (days) was shorter for patients receiving doxazosin (MD = −0.61, 95% CI [−0.97, −0.24], I² = 39%, P = 0.001) than those receiving tamsulosin.

Conclusion

Compared with the placebo group, patients receiving doxazosin had a greater expulsion rate, a reduced expulsion time, and fewer pain episodes. The expulsion time of doxazosin was shorter than that of tamsulosin.

Is Medical Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones Efficient? Tamsulosin versus Deflazacort: A Prospective Randomised Trial

INTRODUCTION

 To evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin and deflazacort in the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones when applied in an independent or combined manner.

METHODS

 134 patients with distal ureteral stones (4 - 10 mm) were included in tothe study. All patients were randomized into four groups: group 1 (n = 37) patients receiving tamsulosin (0.4 mg/day); group 2 (n = 26) patients receiving deflazacort (30 mg/day); group 3 (n = 37) patients receiving combined treatment (tamsulosin and deflazacort) with the same dosages; and group 4, control group cases (n = 34), receiving paracetamol on demand. Although deflazacort treatment was limited to 10 days due to the possible associated side effects, α-blocker and paracetamol lasted up to four weeks. Patients were followed up on a weekly basis and at the end of four weeks all groups were compared primarily with respect to the stone expulsion rates.

RESULTS

 No statistically significant difference was noted between all groups regarding the age, sex, or stone burden (p > 0.05). Spontaneous stone expulsion rates after 4 weeks were 64.8 %, 69.2 %, 75.7 %, and 26.4 % in group 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Spontaneous passage rates were statistically higher in all treatment groups when compared with the control group. Despite the highest spontaneous stone expulsion rate noted in group 3; this difference was not statistically significant when compared with the group 1 and 2. No major side effect related to the medications was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

 Tamsulosin facilitated the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones < 10 mm in size in an effective manner particularly when applied in combination with an oral corticosteroid.

Alpha-blockers as medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones

BACKGROUND

Ureteral colic is a common reason for patients to seek medical care. Alpha-blockers are commonly used to improve stone passage through so-called medical expulsive therapy (MET), but their effectiveness remains controversial. This is an update of a 2014 Cochrane review; since that time, several large randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have been reported, making this update relevant.

OBJECTIVES

To assess effects of alpha-blockers compared with standard therapy for ureteral stones 1 cm or smaller confirmed by imaging in adult patients presenting with symptoms of ureteral stone disease.

SEARCH METHODS

On 18 November 2017, we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, and Embase. We also searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO Portal/ICTRP to identify all published/unpublished and ongoing trials. We checked all references of included and review articles and conference proceedings for articles relevant to this review. We sent letters to investigators to request information about unpublished or incomplete studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs of ureteral stone passage in adult patients that compared alpha-blockers versus standard therapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors screened studies for inclusion and extracted data using standard methodological procedures. We performed meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Primary outcomes were stone clearance and major adverse events; secondary outcomes were stone expulsion time, number of pain episodes, use of diclofenac, hospitalisation, and surgical intervention. We assessed the quality of evidence on a per-outcome basis using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 67 studies with 10,509 participants overall. Of these, 15 studies with 5787 participants used a placebo.Stone clearance: Based on the overall analysis, treatment with an alpha-blocker may result in a large increase in stone clearance (risk ratio (RR) 1.45, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.36 to 1.55; low-quality evidence). A subset of higher-quality, placebo-controlled trials suggest that the likely effect is probably smaller (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.25; moderate-quality evidence), corresponding to 116 more (95% CI 51 more to 182 more) stone clearances per 1000 participants.Major adverse events: Based on the overall analysis, treatment with an alpha-blocker may have little effect on major adverse events (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.96; low-quality evidence). A subset of higher-quality, placebo-controlled trials suggest that alpha-blockers likely increase the risk of major adverse events slightly (RR 2.09, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.86), corresponding to 29 more (95% CI 3 more to 75 more) major adverse events per 1000 participants.Patients treated with alpha-blockers may experience shorter stone expulsion times (mean difference (MD) -3.40 days, 95% CI -4.17 to -2.63; low-quality evidence), may use less diclofenac (MD -82.41, 95% CI -122.51 to -42.31; low-quality evidence), and likely require fewer hospitalisations (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.77; moderate-quality evidence), corresponding to 69 fewer hospitalisations (95% CI 93 fewer to 32 fewer) per 1000 participants. Meanwhile, the need for surgical intervention appears similar (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.02; low-quality evidence), corresponding to 28 fewer surgical interventions (95% CI 51 fewer to 2 more) per 1000 participants.A predefined subgroup analysis (test for subgroup differences; P = 0.002) suggests that effects of alpha-blockers may vary with stone size, with RR of 1.06 (95% CI 0.98 to 1.15; P = 0.16; I² = 62%) for stones 5 mm or smaller versus 1.45 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.72; P < 0.0001; I² = 59%) for stones larger than 5 mm. We found no evidence suggesting possible subgroup effects based on stone location or alpha-blocker type.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

For patients with ureteral stones, alpha-blockers likely increase stone clearance but probably also slightly increase the risk of major adverse events. Subgroup analyses suggest that alpha-blockers may be less effective for smaller (5 mm or smaller) than for larger stones (greater than 5 mm).

Comparative efficacy of tamsulosin versus tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones

Objective:

The objective of this study was to compare the relative efficacy of tamsulosin and tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones.

Patients and Methods:

This was a prospective study performed between December 2014 and February 2016. A total of 123 adult patients (>18 years of age) presenting with distal ureteric stones sized 6–10 mm were randomized to treatment with tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily (Group A) or tadalafil10 mg once daily (Group B). Therapy was given for a maximum of 4 weeks. The stone expulsion rate was the primary endpoint. Time to stone expulsion, number of colic episodes, analgesic use, number of hospital visits for pain, endoscopic treatment, and adverse effects of the drugs were noted. Statistical analyses were done using Fisher's exact test and Chi-square test.

Results:

A total of 61 patients were included in tamsulosin group and 62 patients in tadalafil group. A statistically insignificant difference was found for stone clearance rate between both groups as a whole (Group A-73.77%, Group B-69.35%, P = 0.690) as well as when we considered both subgroups (A1-78.05%, B1-75.0%, P = 0.802; A2-65.0%, B2-55.6%, P = 0.741). All the primary and secondary outcome measures were more in favour of stones ≤8 mm size than stones >8 mm size. No statistical difference was found for adverse drug effects except for retrograde ejaculation, which was significantly high in tamsulosin group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

This study showed that although tamsulosin is more effective for stone clearance than tadalafil, but this difference was not significant (P = 0.690).

The efficacy and safety of adrenergic alpha-antagonists in treatment of distal ureteral stones in pediatric patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adrenergic alpha-antagonists as a medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register databases were searched up to January 2016. All randomized controlled trials and all cohort studies in which patients were randomized to receive either adrenergic alpha-antagonists or placebo for ureteral stones were identified. The outcome measures assessed were overall stone expulsion rate (primary), expulsion time (secondary), and treatment-emergent adverse events.

RESULTS

Five trials with a total of 406 pediatric patients met the inclusion criteria. According to the doses of adrenergic alpha-antagonists, the pooling effects of adrenergic alpha-antagonists were analyzed, with a higher expulsion rate obtained than in controls, the stone expulsion rate (OR=2.70, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.91, P=0.001). Adrenergic alpha-antagonists statistically did not significantly decrease the number of the stone expulsion time with the placebo, the stone expulsion time (SMD=-4.65, 95% CI -9.76 to 0.45, P=0.07). Safety assessments included common treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (OR=2.01, 95% CI 0.74 to 5.48, P=0.17). Compared with placebos, there was a higher stone expulsion rate with the adrenergic alpha-antagonists; in addition, fewer adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis may suggest that adrenergic alpha-antagonists are a safe and effective medical expulsive therapy choice for ureteral stones in pediatric patients. As the level of classification of evidence-based medicine, the level of evidence of our article is Ia. But it remains to need a large-scale multicenter randomized controlled study to be further confirmed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

The level of evidence of our study is V.

Alpha blockers in the management of ureteric lithiasis: A meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Effective medical expulsion for ureteric stones with α-blockers offers numerous advantages over surgical alternatives. However, its effectiveness remains uncertain and with the publication of new trial data, the available evidence requires reappraisal.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of α-blockers the management of ureteric lithiasis.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature, with predefined search criteria, was conducted using PubMed and Embase. All randomised trials comparing α-blocker monotherapy to placebo or standard therapy were included. Stone expulsion rate was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were time to stone expulsion, analgesic usage and pain scores. Subgroup analyses assessed individual adrenergic antagonists and variations in standard therapy. Sensitivity analysis was based on stone location, stone size, Cochrane Risk of Bias score and study protocol. Summary effects were calculated using a random-effect model and presented as Relative risks (RR) and mean differences (MD) for dichotomous and continuous outcome measures, respectively.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven studies randomising 6654 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Stone expulsion rates improved with α-blockers (RR, 1.49; 95% CI 1.38-1.61). Contrast enhanced funnel showed evidence of publication bias. Stone expulsion time was 3.99 days (CI -4.75 to -3.23) shorter with α-blockers. Similarly, patients required 106.53 mg [CI -148.20 to -64.86] less diclofenac compared with control/placebo, and had 0.80 [CI -1.07 to -0.54] fewer pain episodes. Visual Analogue Scores were also reduced, -2.43 [CI -3.87 to -0.99]. All formulations of α-antagonists all demonstrated beneficial effects over conservative treatment/placebo. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated significant effects of stone location, stone size and study design.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Despite the opposing results of recently published trial, current evidence continues to demonstrate a potential benefit of α-blocker treatment particularly for distal stones over 5 mm.

Alpha blockers for treatment of ureteric stones: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

 To investigate the efficacy and safety of alpha blockers in the treatment of patients with ureteric stones.

DESIGN

 Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

 Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, and Medline databases and scientific meeting abstracts to July 2016.

REVIEW METHODS

 Randomized controlled trials of alpha blockers compared with placebo or control for treatment of ureteric stones were eligible. : Two team members independently extracted data from each included study. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who passed their stone. Secondary outcomes were the time to passage; the number of pain episodes; and the proportions of patients who underwent surgery, required admission to hospital, and experienced an adverse event. Pooled risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for the primary outcome with profile likelihood random effects models. Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias and the GRADE approach were used to evaluate the quality of evidence and summarize conclusions.

RESULTS

 55 randomized controlled trials were included. There was moderate quality evidence that alpha blockers facilitate passage of ureteric stones (risk ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.39 to 1.61). Based on a priori subgroup analysis, there seemed to be no benefit to treatment with alpha blocker among patients with smaller ureteric stones (1.19, 1.00 to 1.48). Patients with larger stones treated with an alpha blocker, however, had a 57% higher risk of stone passage compared with controls (1.57, 1.17 to 2.27). The effect of alpha blockers was independent of stone location (1.48 (1.05 to 2.10) for upper or middle stones; 1.49 (1.38 to 1.63) for lower stones). Compared with controls, patients who received alpha blockers had significantly shorter times to stone passage (mean difference -3.79 days, -4.45 to -3.14; moderate quality evidence), fewer episodes of pain (-0.74 episodes, -1.28 to -0.21; low quality evidence), lower risks of surgical intervention (risk ratio 0.44, 0.37 to 0.52; moderate quality evidence), and lower risks of admission to hospital (0.37, 0.22 to 0.64; moderate quality evidence). The risk of a serious adverse event was similar between treatment and control groups (1.49, 0.24 to 9.35; low quality evidence).

CONCLUSIONS

 Alpha blockers seem efficacious in the treatment of patients with ureteric stones who are amenable to conservative management. The greatest benefit might be among those with larger stones. These results support current guideline recommendations advocating a role for alpha blockers in patients with ureteric stones.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

 PROSPERO registration No CRD42015024169.

A comparison of efficacy of doxazosin 4 and 8 mg in medical expulsive therapy of distal ureteral stones: a prospective randomized clinical trial

We aimed to investigate the efficacy of two different doses of doxazosin, 4 and 8 mg, in medical expulsive therapy (MET). This prospective randomized study included a total of 66 patients with distal ureteral stones which were radio-opaque and ≤10 mm. All patients were randomly divided into three groups: Group 1 included 25 patients receiving 4 mg doxazosin. Group 2 included 22 patients receiving 8 mg doxazosin. Diclofenac 100 mg p.o. and daily 1500-2000 cc hydration were advised to the patients in Groups 1 and 2 to relieve pain. Group 3 consisted of 19 patients who were defined as control group and received only hydration and analgesics. The mean age of the patients was 30 ± 7.6, 37.9 ± 11.5 and 33 ± 11.3 in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3, respectively. The mean stone size was 6.6 ± 1.4, 7.1 ± 1.5 and 6.6 ± 1.5 in Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3, respectively. The stone expulsion rate of the patient groups was 18/25 (72 %), 15/22 (68.1 %) and 5/19 (25.3 %). There were significantly fewer pain episodes and lower analgesic requirement in Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.021). However, the difference between Group 1 and Group 2 was non-significant (p = 0.207). Given the data of the present study, doxazosin, an alpha receptor blocker, exhibited equal efficacy with 4 or 8 mg doses in MET and was used safely and efficiently in ureteral stones <10 mm. The findings of the present study showed that 4 mg dose is effective, when doxazosin is preferred for MET.

Outcome of α-blockers, with or without methylprednisolone combination, in medical expulsive therapy for lower ureteric stones: A prospective randomised study

Objectives

To compare the safety and efficacy of tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and their combinations with methylprednisolone, in the medical management of lower ureteric stones.

Patients and methods

Between September 2012 and June 2014, patients diagnosed with a single lower ureteric stone of ⩽10 mm (longest dimension) were enrolled. Patients with urinary tract infection, severe hydronephrosis, pregnancy, hypertension, diabetes, ulcer disease, or renal insufficiency were excluded. According to the medication added to the analgesic anti-inflammatory, patients were stratified into four groups, with 53 patients in each. Group I patients received tamsulosin 0.4 mg and those in Group II received tamsulosin 0.4 mg and methylprednisolone 8 mg. Group III patients received alfuzosin 10 mg and those in Group IV received alfuzosin 10 mg and methylprednisolone 8 mg. Treatment was continued until stone expulsion or to a maximum of 2 weeks. The patients’ demographics, stone criteria, and stone-free rates were calculated and analysed.

Results

The mean (SD) maximum stone dimension was 7.8 (1.5), 8.1 (1.3), 7.9 (1.6) and 8.0 (1.4) mm in Groups I, II, III and IV, respectively. Groups II and IV had significantly higher stone-free rates than Groups I and III (P < 0.05), whilst there were no statistically significant differences between Groups I and III or between Groups II and IV. There was no statistical difference among the four groups for the time to stone expulsion. Three patients in Group II and two patients in Group IV developed transient hyperglycaemia, which resolved after cessation of methylprednisolone.

Conclusions

The combination of alfuzosin or tamsulosin with methylprednisolone seems to be effective and safe for managing lower ureteric stones of <1 cm.

Alpha-blockers as medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones

BACKGROUND

Urinary stone disease is one of the most common reasons for patients visiting a urology practice, affecting about 5% to 10% of the population. Annual costs for stone disease have rapidly increased over the years and most patients with ureteral colic or other symptoms seek medical care. Stone size and location are important predictors of stone passage. In most cases medical expulsive therapy is an appropriate treatment modality and most studies have been performed with alpha-blockers. Alpha-blockers tend to decrease intra-ureteral pressure and increase fluid passage which might increase stone passage. Faster stone expulsion will decrease the rate of complications, the need for invasive interventions and eventually decrease healthcare costs. A study on the effect of alpha-blockers as medical expulsive therapy in ureteral stones is therefore warranted.

OBJECTIVES

This review aimed to answer the following question: does medical treatment with alpha-blockers compared to other pharmacotherapy or placebo impact on stone clearance rate, in adult patients presenting with symptoms of ureteral stones less than 10 mm confirmed by imaging? Other clinically relevant outcomes such as stone expulsion time, hospitalisation, pain scores, analgesic use and adverse effects have also been explored.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Renal Group's Specialised Register to 9 July 2012 through contact with the Trials Search Co-ordinator using search terms relevant to this review. Studies contained in the Specialised Register are identified through search strategies specifically designed for CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE, handsearching conference proceedings, and searching the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), comparing alpha-blockers with other pharmacotherapy or placebo on ureteral stone passage in adult patients were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes. Reporting bias was investigated using funnel plots. Subgroup analysis was used to explore possible sources of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was performed removing studies of poor methodological quality.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-two studies (5864 participants) were included. The stone-free rates were significantly higher in the alpha-blocker group (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.64) when compared to standard therapy. Stone expulsion time was 2.91 days shorter with the use of alpha-blockers (MD -2.91, 95% CI -4.00 to -1.81). Use of alpha-blockers reduced the number of pain episodes (MD -0.48, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.01), the need for analgesic medication (diclofenac) (MD -38.17 mg, 95% CI -74.93 to -1.41) and hospitalisation (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.97). Patients using alpha-blockers were more likely to experience adverse effects when compared to standard therapy (RR 2.74, 95% CI 1.38 to 5.45) or placebo (RR 2.73, 95% CI 1.50 to 4.96). Most adverse effects were mild of origin and did not lead to cessation of therapy, and several studies reported no adverse events in either the treatment or control group.In 7/32 studies patients and doctors were both blinded. In the other studies blinding was not described in the methods or no blinding had taken place. Two studies described incomplete data and only one study showed a relatively high number of patients who withdrew from the study. These factors limited the methodological strength of the evidence found.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The use of alpha-blockers in patients with ureteral stones results in a higher stone-free rate and a shorter time to stone expulsion. Alpha-blockers should therefore be offered as part of medical expulsive therapy as one of the primary treatment modalities.

A prospective randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of tamsulosin after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for a single proximal ureteral stone

PURPOSE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin on stone clearance after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) in patients with a single proximal ureteral stone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective randomized controlled trial was performed on 88 patients with a single proximal ureteral stone. After consenting with a doctor, the patients were allocated to the treatment (tamsulosin 0.2 mg once a day) or control (no medication) group, and the efficacy of tamsulosin was evaluated. The primary outcome of this study was the stone-free rate, and the secondary outcomes were the period until clearance, pain intensity, analgesic requirement, and incidence of complications.

RESULTS

A stone-free state was reported in 37 patients (84.1%) in the treatment group and 29 (65.9%) in the control group (p=0.049). The mean expulsion period of the stone fragments was 10.0 days in the treatment group and 13.2 days in the control group (p=0.012). There were no statistically significant differences in aceclofenac requirement or pain score between the two groups. Only one patient in the treatment group experienced transient dizziness associated with medical expulsive therapy, and this adverse event disappeared spontaneously.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this prospective randomized controlled trial of the efficacy of tamsulosin after ESWL for a single proximal ureteral stone suggest that tamsulosin helps in the earlier clearance of stone fragments and reduces the expulsion period of stone fragments after ESWL.

Transfer of doxazosin into breast milk

To the best of our knowledge, there have been no published studies of doxazosin transfer into human milk. In rats, milk concentrations twentyfold higher than in plasma have been reported. Based on these animal data, some references advise to avoid breastfeeding during doxazosin therapy. However, the physicochemical properties of doxazosin suggest low transfer into human milk. A 37-year-old breastfeeding woman who was administered doxazosin 4 mg daily for 2 doses was studied. Doxazosin concentrations in milk and plasma were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The milk/plasma area under the concentration-time curve (AUC0-18 hours) ratio was 0.1. This finding is consistent with what could be predicted based on the physicochemical properties of doxazosin. The average and maximum milk concentrations were 2.9 and 4.2 µg/L. These values correspond to estimated relative infant doses of 0.06% and 0.09%, respectively, assuming standard infant milk intake. These values are well below the generally accepted cutoff of 10% for predicting safety during breastfeeding. A low relative infant dose of < 0.1% suggests that maternal doxazosin therapy may be compatible with breastfeeding after careful individual risk-benefit analysis.

Tamsulosin for ureteral stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND/AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of tamsulosin as a medical expulsive therapy of ureteral stones.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ISI-Science Citation Index up to December 2011. All randomized controlled trials were identified in which patients were randomized to receive either tamsulosin or standard therapy with/without placebo for ureteral stones. Outcome measures assessed were overall stone expulsion rate (primary) and expulsion time, and the number of pain episodes (secondary). Three authors independently assessed study quality and extracted data. All data were analyzed using RevMan 5.0.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine trials with a total of 2,763 patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled analysis showed a 19% improvement in stone clearance with tamsulosin. According to the doses of tamsulosin, the pooling effects of tamsulosin were analyzed, with a higher expulsion rate obtained than in controls. Compared with calcium channel blockers, there was a higher stone expulsion rate in tamsulosin. In addition, a shorter expulsion time, fewer colic episodes and adverse effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Tamsulosin is a safe and effective medical expulsive therapy choice for ureteral stones. It should be recommended for most patients with distal ureteral stones before stones are 10 mm in size. In future, high-quality multicenter, randomized and placebo-controlled trials are needed to evaluate the outcome.