The placebo effect in overactive bladder syndrome

Heterogeneity of placebo effects on urinary incontinence in overactive bladder syndrome: A meta-analysis of Japanese placebo-controlled clinical trials

OBJECTIVES

The effect sizes, changes over time, and heterogeneity of placebo effects on frequency of urination for voiding disorders in Japanese clinical trials have been published. This study evaluated the characteristics of placebo effects on overall and urge incontinence in overactive bladder patients.

METHODS

A meta-analysis of Japanese placebo-controlled clinical trials was conducted to determine placebo effects on the daily frequency of overall (n = 16) and urge (n = 11) incontinence and identify factors that should be considered in clinical trials.

RESULTS

The between-study heterogeneity variance of placebo effects for overall and urge incontinence at 8 weeks was estimated as I2  = 70.3% and 64.2%, and the prediction interval for the ratio of means ranged from g = 0.31-0.91 and 0.32-0.81, respectively. Subgroup analysis using the random-effects model showed placebo effects in overall incontinence (p = 0.08) and urge incontinence (p < 0.0001). The ratio of means (95% confidence interval) of urge incontinence frequency from baseline to 4 (n = 10), 8 (n = 10), and 12 (n = 7) weeks were 0.65 (0.57, 0.74), 0.51 (0.42, 0.62), and 0.48 (0.36, 0.64), respectively, for the random-effects model. Regression analysis did not reveal any significant factors that influenced placebo effects.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis confirmed the characterization of placebo effects on overall and urge incontinence, which demonstrates heterogeneity between trials. The impact of population, follow-up period, and endpoints on placebo effects should be considered when designing clinical trials for overactive bladder syndrome.

A pilot trial of movement-based pelvic floor physical therapy to address pelvic floor myofascial pain and lower urinary tract symptoms

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Pelvic floor myofascial pain (PFMP) is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The objective of this study was to test movement-based pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) for patients with PFMP and LUTS. We hypothesized that movement-based PT designed to target PFMP would result in significant improvement in both PFMP and concomitant LUTS.

METHODS

This pilot trial enrolled patients with moderate-to-severe PFMP on palpation who were referred to movement-based PT to diagnose and treat pelvic floor dysfunction in the context of body alignment and movement patterns. The primary outcome was change in Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI) scores after PT. Factors associated with PT attendance were also measured. We aimed to enroll 55 participants to achieve 80% power to detect a difference in 11 points on the UDI scores with an alpha-level of 0.05, accounting for a 10% loss to follow-up. The sample size was increased to 65 owing to a higher-than-expected loss-to-follow-up rate.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were enrolled and 62 analyzed. Thirty-eight (61.3%) attended PT, and 30 (48.4%) completed a follow-up PT Attendance (PTA) survey. Overall, UDI score and irritative, obstructive, and stress subscales (p<0.0001) improved in participants who attended PT as well as mean myofascial examination scores at each site.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants who attended movement-based PT demonstrated an improvement in LUTS. Future studies should extend our findings by: first, confirming whether the myofascial pain-directed elements of PT improved LUTS; second, investigating whether movement-based PT improves prolapse symptoms; and third, including a non-PT control arm to rule out the possible influence of a placebo effect and behavioral modifications on LUTS and PFMP.

Posterior Tibial Nerve Stimulation in Children with Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Experiences, Quality of Life and Treatment Effect

Background: Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is one of the treatment modalities for children with therapy-refractory lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD). This study used a mixed-methods analysis to gain insight into the experiences of children treated with PTNS and their parents, the effect of treatment on quality of life (QOL) and the effect of PTNS on urinary symptoms. Methods: Quantitative outcomes were assessed through a single-centre retrospective chart analysis of all children treated with PTNS in a group setting between 2016–2021. Voiding parameters and QOL scores before and after treatment were compared. Qualitative outcomes were assessed by an explorative study involving semi-structured interviews transcribed verbatim and inductively analysed using the constant-comparative method. Results: The data of 101 children treated with PTNS were analysed. Overall improvement of LUTD was seen in 42% and complete resolution in 10%. Average and maximum voided volumes significantly increased. QOL improved in both parents and children independent of the actual effect on urinary symptoms. Interviews revealed PTNS to be well-tolerated. Facilitating PTNS in a group setting led to feelings of recognition in both children and parents. Conclusions: PTNS is a good treatment in children with therapy-refractory LUTD and provides valuable opportunities for peer support if given in a group setting.

The placebo and nocebo effects in functional urology

A placebo is an inert substance normally used in clinical trials for comparison with an active substance. However, a placebo has been shown to have an effect on its own; commonly known as the placebo effect. A placebo is an essential component in the design of conclusive clinical trials but has itself become the focus of intense research. The placebo effect is partly the result of positive expectations of the recipient on the state of health. Conversely, a nocebo effect is when negative expectations from a substance lead to poor treatment outcomes and/or adverse events. Randomized controlled trials in functional urology have demonstrated the importance of the placebo and nocebo effects across different diseases such as overactive bladder, urinary incontinence, lower urinary tract symptoms and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome, as well as male and female sexual dysfunction. Understanding the true nature of the placebo-nocebo complex and the scope of its effect in functional urology could help urologists to maximize the positive effects of this phenomenon while minimizing its potentially negative effects.

Efficacy and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA in patients with overactive bladder: subgroup analyses by sex and by serum prostate-specific antigen levels in men from a randomized controlled trial

Purpose

We aimed to assess onabotulinumtoxinA treatment outcomes by sex in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) and then explore the impact of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in men.

Methods

Patients inadequately managed with OAB medications were randomized to receive single-dose onabotulinumtoxinA (100 U) or placebo intravesical injection in a phase III trial in Japan. We performed subgroup analyses by sex and post-hoc subgroup analyses using male PSA categories.

Results

In women (n = 186), onabotulinumtoxinA demonstrated statistically significant and clinically relevant improvements in all urinary symptoms at Week 12. In men with lower PSA (< 1.5 ng/mL, n = 40), onabotulinumtoxinA also showed numerically greater reductions in urinary symptom frequency than placebo; the between-group differences (onabotulinumtoxinA minus placebo) in change from baseline in the average daily number at Week 12 for urinary incontinence (UI), urgency UI, micturition, urgency, and nocturia were − 1.43, − 1.79, − 2.81, − 2.45, and − 0.32 episodes, respectively. In men with higher PSA (≥ 1.5 ng/mL, n = 22), onabotulinumtoxinA did not reduce urinary symptom frequency. Some patients treated with onabotulinumtoxinA showed elevated post-void residual urine volume at Week 2 (≥ 200 mL): 4 of 91 women, none of the men with lower PSA and 3 of 11 men with higher PSA.

Conclusions

OnabotulinumtoxinA was efficacious and well tolerated in women and in men with lower PSA levels. Given our post-hoc subgroup analyses which suggested that onabotulinumtoxinA treatment is a good treatment option for OAB males with lower PSA levels, future studies having prostate volume data with larger sample size are warranted to verify our findings.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT02820844 (first posted July 1, 2016). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02820844.

Placebo Response in Patients with Oral Therapy for Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

The role of a placebo response in the management of overactive bladder (OAB) remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to methodically study the placebo response extracted from the control arms of randomized clinical trials assessing therapy in patients with OAB.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline (PubMed), The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published until September 2019. Randomized placebo-controlled trials investigating oral drug therapy for OAB were included. The articles were critically appraised by two reviewers. The primary outcomes were the placebo response in the main patient-reported urinary outcomes together with assessing the impact of patient demographic factors on the placebo response.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

The initial search resulted in 1982 records after reviewing the titles and abstracts, and reference lists of other systematic reviews; 57 studies with an overall estimated 12 901 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The included studies were of overall high/acceptable quality. The standardized mean difference was -0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.51 to -0.40; p<0.001) for daily micturition episodes, -0.33 (95% CI -0.42 to -0.24; p<0.001) for daily nocturia episodes, -0.46 (95% CI -0.55 to -0.37; p<0.001) for urgency urinary incontinence episodes, -0.50 (95% CI -0.61 to -0.39; p<0.001) for daily urgency episodes, -0.51 (95% CI -0.60 to -0.43; p<0.001) for daily incontinence episodes, and 0.25 (95% CI 0.211-0.290; p<0.001) for volume voided per micturition. The meta-regression of age-related impact of the placebo response on nocturia showed a slope of -0.02 (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Placebo has a statistically significant effect on improving symptoms and signs associated with OAB; this effect is age dependent. However, there is no consensus on what change of OAB symptoms and signs is clinically meaningful for the affected patient. Taken together, the placebo response seems to be non-negligible in OAB, supporting the need for placebo control in RCTs.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Placebo is an inert treatment method often used in clinical research for comparison with active treatment. However, studies show that placebo has an effect of its own. A placebo response means the total improvement resulting from receiving a placebo. In our study, placebo had a significant role in improving the symptoms of overactive bladder.

Efficacy and Safety of Vibegron Add-on Therapy in Men With Persistent Storage Symptoms After Receiving Alpha 1-Blocker or Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor: A Preliminary Study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of vibegron add-on therapy in men with persistent storage symptoms receiving α-1 blockers or PDE5 inhibitor for benign prostatic hyperplasia and then determine the independent factors affecting the efficacy of vibegron.

METHODS

Vibegron 50 mg was administered for 12 weeks to 42 patients (72.0 ± 8.2 years) with persistent storage symptoms who had taken α-1 blockers (22 patients) or PDE5 inhibitor (20 patients). The primary endpoint was change in the overactive Bladder (OAB) Symptom Score from baseline to end of treatment. The secondary endpoints were changes in each question of several questionnaires, maximum flow rate and residual urine volume. Finally, independent factors affecting the efficacy of vibegron were investigated.

RESULTS

Total OAB Symptom Score was significantly decreased (6.21 ± 3.12 vs 4.38 ± 2.46; P < .001). Although each score of several questionnaires, especially for storage symptoms, improved significantly, no significant improvement was found in stress incontinence, straining, bladder pain and urethral pain in the Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom score. Maximum flow rate and residual urine volume did not change, and no patient discontinued vibegron because of adverse events. Multiple regression analysis showed that OAB Symptom Score, Core Lower Urinary Tract Symptom score, prostate volume and monotherapy with α-1 blocker were independent factors affecting the efficacy of vibegron.

CONCLUSION

Add-on therapy of vibegron to monotherapy with α-1 blockers or PDE5 inhibitor for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and persistent storage symptoms was effective and safe.

Nocebo Response in the Pharmacological Management of Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

The role of a nocebo response in managing urology patients is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the nocebo response in randomized placebo-controlled overactive bladder (OAB) trials of pharmacological treatment by investigating the adverse events in the placebo arms.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify potential randomized controlled trials published from 1998 to November 2019. After evaluating the risk of bias in the selected studies, all selected full-text articles were included due to their overall acceptable quality. We extracted the event rate of the most commonly reported adverse events in the placebo arms of OAB trials, and finally, we performed a meta-analysis to calculate the cumulative rate of certain adverse events. The primary outcomes were the event rate of adverse events in the placebo arms of OAB trials of pharmacological treatment, and differences in adverse events in the placebo groups based on drug type and routes of administration.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

After a systematic search and risk of bias assessment, 57 trials comprising 15 446 patients were included in this systematic review. We selected 13 commonly reported adverse events for the meta-analysis. Owing to the possible differences in study samples and design, we used a random model for the analysis. The average age of the patients was 59.5 yr and 79.8% were female. Dry mouth was the most commonly evaluated adverse event reported in 57 studies comprising 15 324 patients; the mean event rate was 4.9% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.042-0.057, p < 0.001). Constipation was the second most commonly reported adverse event in 49 studies comprising 14 556 patients; the mean event rate of constipation was 2.6% (95% CI 0.022-0.031, p < 0.001). The event rate of headache was evaluated in 33 studies comprising 10 202 patients, with a mean event rate of 3.1% (95% CI 0.026-0.037, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dry mouth, constipation, headache, and nasopharyngitis were the most prevalent events in the included studies. The nocebo response plays a statistically significant role in causing and/or facilitating adverse events. Health care providers should have a better understanding of the positive and negative expectations associated with therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual patient. Finally, identification of the real effect of nocebo requires studies that also include a no-treatment arm. Research could help us better understand and potentially modify the nocebo response.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this meta-analysis of 57 studies comprising 15 446 patients, we reviewed the adverse events extracted from the placebo arms of randomized controlled trials studying therapies for overactive bladder. Dry mouth, constipation, headache, and urinary tract infection were the most common adverse events. Adverse events varied based on the drug type and the route of administration. Negative expectations from the therapy and giving verbal information to the patient can cause/alleviate adverse events.

[Follow-up and evaluation of non-neurogenic OAB treatments]

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of monitoring a patient treated for overactive bladder (OAB) is to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and to detect any side effects.

OBJECTIVE

To synthesize current knowledge on the follow-up and the evaluation of non-neurogenic OAB treatments.

METHOD

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

RESULTS

The definition of success of OAB treatments is not consensual. Definitions of success in clinical trials usually use bladder diary data. However, they cannot always be transposed into clinical practice because they do not measure the overall effectiveness of a treatment, reported by the patient, or the satisfaction with the treatment. It is then necessary to have symptom questionnaires with an assessment of quality of life. Indeed, the concept of therapeutic success is different depending on the view of the physician or the patient. It is therefore important to carefully assess with the patient, and before initiating any treatment, the objectives and expected results of the treatment. The definition of "refractory" OAB is heterogeneous but important to select candidates for second-line treatments. Monitoring a patient with OAB is essential to adapt the treatment to efficacy and tolerance, but also to detect any change in symptoms that may reveal another urological disease.

CONCLUSION

The success or failure of OAB treatments depends on the interaction of many factors, including objective criteria measured by the clinician, and subjective criteria of perception of the treatment effectiveness by the patient.

Systematic review with meta-analysis: lubiprostone efficacy on the treatment of patients with constipation

BACKGROUND

Lubiprostone is a type 2 chloride channel activator that has been shown to be efficacious and safe in the treatment for chronic constipation.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review randomized clinical trials (RCTs) assessing efficacy of lubiprostone for patients with chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC), irritable bowel syndrome with predominant constipation (IBS-C) and opioid-induced constipation (OIC).

METHODS

Searches were conducted in PubMed, LILACS, Cochrane Collaboration Database, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Lubiprostone RCTs reporting outcomes of spontaneous bowel movements (SBM) and abdominal pain or discomfort were deemed eligible. Meta-analysis was performed calculating risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals, using the Mantel-Haenszel method and random effects model.

RESULTS

Searches yielded 109 records representing 93 non-duplicate publications, and 11 RCTs (978 CIC, 1,366 IBS-C, 1,300 OIC, total = 3,644) met inclusion criteria. Qualitative synthesis showed that for CIC patients, lubiprostone is superior to placebo in terms of SBM outcomes. Meta-analysis for CIC was feasible for full responder and SBM within 24h rates, indicating superiority of lubiprostone over placebo. For IBS-C, lubiprostone was significantly superior for all SBM outcomes in follow-ups ranging from 1 week-3 months. In terms of abdominal pain, lubiprostone provided significantly better symptoms relief, particularly after 1 month of treatment. For OIC, lubiprostone was more effective than placebo for both SBM and discomfort measures.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that lubiprostone is superior to placebo in terms of SBM frequency for CIC, IBS-C and OIC. In terms of abdominal symptoms, the most pronounced effect was seen for abdominal pain in IBS-C patients.

Optimizing Nonsurgical Treatments of Overactive Bladder in the United States

Overactive bladder syndrome is a prevalent condition impacting quality of life, activities of daily living, work productivity, physical and psychological health, sleep, and sexuality. Published guideline recommendations and effective behavioral, pharmacologic, and neuromodulatory therapies exist; however, adherence can be poor. Clinicians have important roles educating patients, setting treatment expectations, and providing follow-up. Determining patient goals, routinely assessing and adjusting therapy, and combining treatment strategies may improve outcomes. We review the benefits and challenges of overactive bladder treatments and propose approaches to improve patient management, with the goals of initiating therapy earlier and achieving better patient satisfaction, functioning, and quality of life.

Can we harness the placebo effect to improve care in lower urinary tract dysfunction? ICI-RS 2019

The proposal "Can we harness the placebo effect to improve care in lower urinary tract dysfunction?" was discussed at the International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS) 2019 meeting. The placebo effect can change the treatment outcome whether the treatment is an active treatment or placebo. The total active treatment outcome is a combination of the placebo and the active treatment effect which is seen in placebo-controlled trials. The placebo effect plays an important role in the treatment of lower urinary tract dysfunction in overactive bladder, bladder pain syndrome, and stress urinary incontinence. In clinical practice, a number of factors can be employed to use the placebo effect to maximize its effect on patients receiving an active treatment, such as having the same environment for review such as the same appointment time, same room, and same clinician. Clinicians should also be aware of the nocebo effect which is increased with an overemphasis on side effects or negative outcomes.

The Relative Efficacy and Safety of Mirabegron and OnabotulinumtoxinA in Patients With Overactive Bladder who Have Previously Been Managed With an Antimuscarinic: A Network Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of mirabegron and onabotulinumtoxinA in the management of treatment-experienced patients with overactive bladder.

METHODS

The network meta-analysis was based on evidence from a systematic literature review of randomized controlled trials and a post-hoc analysis of treatment-experienced subpopulations from mirabegron studies.

RESULTS

Nineteen trials described in 21 publications were included.

CONCLUSION

Overall, compared to mirabegron, there was some evidence that onabotulinumtoxinA was associated with improved outcomes, including reductions in the number of micturitions in a 24-hour period, and the number of incontinence episodes. However, mirabegron was associated with a lower risk of urinary tract infections compared with onabotulinumtoxinA.

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

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

Is there "brain OAB" and how can we recognize it? International Consultation on Incontinence-Research Society (ICI-RS) 2017

AIMS

In light of mounting evidence supporting the association of brain regions with the control of urine storage and voiding, the high placebo effect in OAB studies as well as certain anecdotal observations from clinical practice with OAB patients, the role of the brain in OAB was explored.

METHODS

At the ICI-RS 2017 meeting, a panel of Functional Urologists and Basic Scientists presented literature data generating a proposal to discuss whether there is "brain OAB" and how we could recognize it.

RESULTS

Existing data point toward organic brain causes of OAB, in particular concerning white matter disease (WMD) and aging, but with currently speculative mechanisms. Imaging techniques have revealed connectivity changes between brain regions which may explain brain-peripheral interactions in OAB patients, further to acknowledged structural and functional changes in the central nervous system (CNS). Furthermore, psychological disorders like stress and depression have been identified as causes of OAB, with animal and human studies proposing a neurochemical and neuroendocrine pathophysiological basis, involving either the serotoninergic system or the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Finally, childhood data suggest that OAB could be a developmental disorder involving the CNS, although childhood OAB could be a different condition than that of adults in many children.

CONCLUSIONS

Future research should aim to identify the pathogenesis of WMD and the aging processes affecting the brain and the bladder, with possible benefits in prevention strategies, as well as connectivity disorders within the CNS, the pathophysiology of OAB in childhood and the neurochemical pathways connecting affective disorders with OAB.

Development of an overactive bladder assessment tool (BAT): A potential improvement to the standard bladder diary

AIMS

To develop a comprehensive patient-reported bladder assessment tool (BAT) for assessing overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, bother, impacts, and satisfaction with treatment.

METHODS

Subjects were consented and eligibility was confirmed by a recruiting physician; subjects were then scheduled for in-person interviews. For concept elicitation and cognitive interviews, 30 and 20 subjects, respectively, were targeted for recruitment from US sites. All interviews were conducted face-to-face, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, anonymized, and analyzed using a qualitative data analysis software program. A draft BAT was created based on the results of the concept elicitation interviews and further revised based on cognitive interviews as well as feedback from an advisory board of clinical and patient-reported outcome (PRO) experts.

RESULTS

Nocturia, daytime frequency, and urgency were reported by all subjects (n = 30, 100.0%), and incontinence was reported by most subjects (n = 25, 83.3%). The most frequently reported impacts were waking up to urinate (n = 30, 100.0%), embarrassment/shame (n = 24, 80.0%), stress/anxiety (n = 23, 76.7%), and lack of control (n = 23, 76.7%). Following analysis, item generation, cognitive interviews, and advisory board feedback, the resulting BAT contains four hypothesized domains (symptom frequency, symptom bother, impacts, and satisfaction with treatment) and 17 items with a 7-day recall period.

CONCLUSIONS

The BAT has been developed in multiple stages with input from both OAB patients and clinical experts following the recommended processes included in the FDA PRO Guidance for Industry. Once fully validated, we believe it will offer a superior alternative to use of the bladder diary and other PROs for monitoring OAB patients in clinical trials and clinical practice.

Pharmacotherapy in overactive bladder

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) has a high prevalence within the population and has a negative effect on quality of life. Although the precise pathophysiology has yet to be fully elucidated, pharmacotherapeutic agents have been developed targeting two main pathways, antimuscarinic drugs and β3-adrenoreceptor agonists. Conservative management strategies, for example, bladder training, should be used as first-line treatment, with pharmacotherapy used as an adjunct if this is insufficiently effective. Antimuscarinics have a moderate effect on treating the symptoms of OAB, are associated with side effects, particularly dry mouth, and have low adherence rates in the long term. No single agent has consistently shown superiority over another. Antimuscarinics can affect cognition and may contribute to the anticholinergic burden in elderly patients. Mirabegron, a β3-agonist, appears to be as effective as antimuscarinics in improving symptoms of OAB with fewer side effects and improved adherence, and is currently recommended if treatment with antimuscarinics has failed. A combination of an antimuscarinic and β3-agonist may be worth considering if symptoms remain refractory or to reduce the side-effect profile associated with higher doses of antimuscarinics.

Level of evidence: Not applicable.

Placebo Medication and Sham Surgery Responses in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatments: Implications for Clinical Trials

Placebo medications and sham surgeries have long been thought to be inert treatments. These groups served as a threshold to which an active treatment should be compared in a randomized trial to determine the true efficacy of the active treatment. However, surprising changes in subjective symptom scores and objective measures of voiding have been demonstrated in numerous placebo medication or sham surgery arms of trials. The exact mechanisms by which these inactive treatments augment patient outcomes are not clearly defined and multiple theories have been proposed to explain the often pronounced response. It appears that urologic outcomes are particularly prone to these effects and the astute physician should keep these responses in mind when interpreting any trial on a new therapy.

Management of nocturia in the female

Nocturia is a common but overlooked lower urinary tract symptom that substantially reduces patient health and quality of life. Though traditionally viewed as occurring predominantly in males, nocturia has been found to be equally as prevalent in females. The recent emphasis on the importance of nocturia has resulted in a surge of research studies, providing a foundation for current and future management decisions. In this review, we describe the current recommendations for the female patient in light of the most recently published studies, including a unique interest in predicting treatment response.

[Chronic pollakiuria: cystectomy or psychotherapy]

BACKGROUND

Persistent unexplained urological complaints and diseases are a common problem in clinical practice. Psychological components can play an important role in urological complaints. Neglect of these facts can lead to an insufficient or incorrect treatment. Therefore, apart from the specific medical diagnostics, a complete examination of mental and psychological functions before an invasive intervention is also required.

PSYCHOSOMATICS IN UROLOGY

Illustrated by the case of a young woman with a request for a cystectomy while suffering from a chronic pollakiuria, this paper explains the importance of good interdisciplinary collaboration for evidence-based, guideline-oriented medical treatment. The patient's suffering and urge for removing the bladder was contrasted by a lack of medical indication for surgery and the principle of proportionality. The essay gives insight into the discipline of psychosomatic medicine, somotoform disorders found in urology and, especially, the symptoms of pollakiuria and overactive bladder.

CONCLUSION

The case illustrates the importance of timely and simultaneous medical and psychosocial diagnostics for the treatment outcome in patients with unspecific physical complaints. Treatment recommendations for patients with somatoform complaints in clinical practice are provided.

Results of a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- and active-controlled, multicenter study of mirabegron, a β3-adrenoceptor agonist, in patients with overactive bladder in Asia

AIMS

To assess the efficacy and safety of mirabegron 50 mg once daily compared with placebo and the active control, tolterodine extended-release (ER) 4 mg once daily, in patients with symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) in Taiwan, Korea, China, and India.

METHODS

A 12-week multinational, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group placebo- and active-controlled trial. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to final visit in mean number of micturitions/24 hr. Secondary endpoints were: mean number of urgency episodes, incontinence episodes and urge incontinence episodes/24 hr, mean number of nocturia episodes per night, mean volume voided per micturition, and quality-of-life (QoL) scores as assessed by the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ).

RESULTS

Of 1,126 patients who were randomized to receive double-blind study drug, 921 patients (300, 311, and 310 in the placebo, mirabegron 50 mg, and tolterodine ER 4 mg groups, respectively) completed the treatment period. Demographic characteristics were similar across treatment groups. A statistically significant improvement versus placebo in mean number of micturitions/24 hr was seen with mirabegron 50 mg at all timepoints (P < 0.05) as well as final visit (-0.57 with 95% confidence intervals [CIs] of [-1.04, -0.09], P = 0.019). There was no significant difference between treatment groups in improvement from baseline to final visit in any of the secondary outcome measures except volume voided per micturition. The overall incidence of drug-related adverse events was 17.2%, 15.8%, and 21.3%, in the placebo, mirabegron 50 mg, and tolterodine ER 4 mg groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron 50 mg once daily for 12 weeks was superior to placebo in reducing the frequency of micturitions in patients with symptoms of OAB in Taiwan, Korea, China, and India.

Combination treatment with mirabegron and solifenacin in patients with overactive bladder: efficacy and safety results from a randomised, double-blind, dose-ranging, phase 2 study (Symphony)

BACKGROUND

Combining the β3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron and the antimuscarinic (AM) agent solifenacin may improve efficacy in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) while reducing the AM side effects.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of combinations of solifenacin/mirabegron compared with solifenacin 5mg monotherapy. The secondary objective was to explore the dose-response relationship and the safety/tolerability compared with placebo and monotherapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A phase 2, factorial design, randomised, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo- and monotherapy-controlled trial, conducted at 141 sites in 20 European countries. Male and female patients were aged ≥18 yr with symptoms of OAB for ≥3 mo.

INTERVENTION

A total of 1306 patients (66.4% female) were randomised to 12 wk of treatment in 1 of 12 groups: 6 combination groups (solifenacin 2.5, 5, or 10 mg plus mirabegron 25 or 50 mg), 5 monotherapy groups (solifenacin 2.5, 5, or 10 mg, or mirabegron 25 or 50 mg), or placebo.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Change from baseline to end of treatment in mean volume voided per micturition (MVV) (primary end point) and mean numbers of micturitions per 24 h, incontinence episodes per 24 h, and urgency episodes per 24 h were analysed using an analysis of covariance model. Safety assessments included treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), blood pressure, pulse rate, postvoid residual (PVR) volume, and laboratory and electrocardiography (ECG) parameters.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Compared with solifenacin 5 mg monotherapy, all combinations with solifenacin 5 or 10 mg significantly improved MVV, with adjusted differences ranging from 18.0 ml (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.4-30.0) to 26.3 ml (95% CI, 12.0-41.0). Three combination groups significantly reduced micturition frequency compared with solifenacin 5 mg, ranging from -0.80 (95% CI, -1.39 to -0.22) to -0.98 (95% CI, -1.68 to -0.27). Five of six combinations significantly reduced urgency episodes compared with solifenacin 5 mg, ranging from -0.98 (95% CI, -1.78, to -0.18) to -1.37 (95% CI, -2.03 to -0.70). No dose-related trends in TEAEs, blood pressure, pulse rate, PVR volume, or laboratory or ECG parameters were observed between combination and monotherapy groups, although the incidence of constipation was slightly increased with combination therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Combination therapy with solifenacin/mirabegron significantly improved MVV, micturition frequency, and urgency compared with solifenacin 5 mg monotherapy. All combinations were well tolerated, with no important additional safety findings compared with monotherapy or placebo.

PATIENT SUMMARY

To improve treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), mirabegron/solifenacin in combination was compared with each drug alone and placebo. Combination therapy improved OAB symptoms and had similar safety and acceptability.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trials.gov: NCT01340027.

Overactive bladder syndrome: Current pathophysiological concepts and therapeutic approaches

Objectives

The overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a highly prevalent and bothersome symptom complex. We review contemporary reports to provide an update of the key aspects of its pathogenesis and the therapeutic approaches.

Methods

The PUBMED database was searched for relevant publications in the period from 1 January 1985 to 1 May 2013, using the keywords ‘overactive bladder’, ‘anti-muscarinics’, ‘β-3 agonists’, ‘intravesical botulinum toxin’, ‘tibial nerve stimulation and ‘sacral neuromodulation’.

Results

In all, 33 articles were selected for this review. OAB is very common, affecting 10–20% of the population. It is often bothersome and frequently affects the quality of life. The current definition of OAB remains a source of controversy. Anti-muscarinic agents remain the mainstay of pharmacotherapy. The new β-3 agonists have some efficacy whilst avoiding anti-cholinergic effects, and so might benefit patients who are unable to tolerate anti-muscarinic agents. Intravesical botulinum toxin is recommended for patients in whom oral pharmacotherapy fails, although the optimal parameters in terms of dosing, number of injections and injection site are yet to be fully established. Sacral neuromodulation is another option that has a good response in about half of patients.

Conclusions

OAB remains an incompletely understood problem that presents a significant management challenge. A range of therapeutic options is now available for clinicians managing this problem.

Pharmacologic treatment of pediatric headaches: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of prophylactic headache treatment in children and adolescents. DATA SOURCES PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Clinical Trials, and bibliography of retrieved articles through August 11, 2012. STUDY SELECTION Randomized trials of headache treatment among children and adolescents (&lt;18 years old). INTERVENTION Any placebo-controlled trial or comparisons between 2 or more active medications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Number of headaches per month. RESULTS Among 21 included trials, there were 13 placebo-controlled and 10 active comparator trials (2 also included placebo). Twenty trials focused on episodic migraines and 1 on chronic daily headaches. Drugs more effective than placebo for episodic migraines (&lt;15 headaches per month) included topiramate (difference in headaches per month, -0.71; 95% CI, -1.19 to -0.24) and trazodone (-0.60; 95% CI, -1.09 to -0.11). Ineffective drugs included clonidine, flunarizine, pizotifen, propranolol, and valproate. A single trial of fluoxetine for chronic daily headaches found it ineffective. Patients given placebo experienced a significant (P = .03) decline in headaches, from 5.6 (95% CI, 4.52-6.77; Q = 8.14 [Cochran Q is a measure of the heterogeneity of the included studies]) to 2.9 headaches per month (95% CI, 1.66-4.08; Q = 4.72). Among the 10 active comparator trials, flunarizine was more effective than piracetam (difference in headaches per month, -2.20; 95% CI, -3.93 to -0.47) but no better than aspirin, dihydroergotamine, or propranolol. Propranolol was compared with valproate as well as behavioral treatment, and 2 studies compared different doses of topiramate; none of these trials showed significant differences. CONCLUSIONS Topiramate and trazodone have limited evidence supporting efficacy for episodic migraines. Placebo was effective in reducing headaches. Other commonly used drugs have no evidence supporting their use in children and adolescents. More research is needed.

Efficacy and safety of low dose desmopressin orally disintegrating tablet in men with nocturia: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study

PURPOSE

We investigated the efficacy and safety of 50 and 75 μg desmopressin orally disintegrating tablets in men with nocturia (2 or more nocturnal voids).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this 3-month, randomized, double-blind, parallel study 50 and 75 μg desmopressin were compared with placebo. The co-primary efficacy end points were changes from baseline in mean number of nocturnal voids and proportions of patients achieving at least a 33% reduction from baseline in nocturnal voids (33% responders) during a 3-month treatment period.

RESULTS

The full analysis set comprised 385 men (age range 20 to 87 years). The 50 and 75 μg doses significantly reduced the number of nocturnal voids (-0.37, p <0.0001 and -0.41, p = 0.0003, respectively) and increased the odds of a 33% or greater response (OR 1.98, p = 0.0009 and OR 2.04, p = 0.0004, respectively) compared with placebo during 3 months. Desmopressin 50 and 75 μg increased the time to first void from baseline by approximately 40 minutes compared to placebo (p = 0.006 and p = 0.003, respectively). The response to desmopressin was seen by 1 week of treatment and was sustained. Significant increases in health related quality of life and sleep quality were observed compared to placebo. Desmopressin was well tolerated as only 2 subjects (age 74 and 79 years) on 50 μg had a serum sodium level of less than 130 mmol/L (vs 9 subjects on 75 μg).

CONCLUSIONS

Desmopressin (orally disintegrating tablet) is an effective and well tolerated treatment for men with nocturia. Treatment with 50 μg desmopressin, the minimum effective dose, provided sustained improvement of nocturia throughout the study and meaningful benefits to patients with an improved safety profile.

Efficacy and safety of low dose desmopressin orally disintegrating tablet in women with nocturia: results of a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study

PURPOSE

Previous studies suggest a lower dose of desmopressin orally disintegrating tablet may be effective in females compared to males with nocturia. We confirm the efficacy and safety of 25 μg desmopressin orally disintegrating tablet compared to placebo in female patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this 3-month, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study 25 μg desmopressin once daily was compared to placebo in women with nocturia (2 or more nocturnal voids). The co-primary efficacy end points were change from baseline in mean number of nocturnal voids and proportion of patients achieving at least a 33% reduction from baseline in the mean number of nocturnal voids (33% responders).

RESULTS

The full analysis set comprised 261 patients (age range 19 to 87 years). Desmopressin significantly reduced the mean number of nocturnal voids and increased the odds of a 33% or greater response compared to placebo during 3 months, assessed by longitudinal analysis (-0.22, p = 0.028 and OR 1.85, p = 0.006, respectively). Desmopressin increased the mean time to first nocturnal void by 49 minutes compared to placebo at 3 months (p = 0.003). The response to desmopressin was seen by week 1 of treatment and was sustained throughout the trial. Significant increases in health related quality of life and sleep quality were observed compared to placebo. Desmopressin was well tolerated. Serum sodium levels remained greater than 125 mmol/L throughout the trial and 3 transient decreases to less than 130 mmol/L were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

At a dose of 25 μg, desmopressin orally disintegrating tablet is an effective and well tolerated treatment for women with nocturia. Treatment provides rapid and sustained improvement in nocturia and quality of life.

Overactive bladder, differential diagnosis, and clinical utility of fesoterodine

Overactive bladder is a symptom syndrome with urgency, frequency and, in many cases, nocturia. Urge incontinence is not present in all. There is no direct correlation with detrusor overactivity, an objective finding during urodynamic testing where involuntary contractions can be noticed. In the pathophysiology, much more attention has been given to the afferent/sensory arm of the micturition reflex in the last decade. Anatomical and infectious causes have to be diagnosed or ruled out. Diagnosis of overactive bladder is made mostly by history-taking, but other tests can be necessary in specific patients. Treatment consists of behavioral measures, a good explanation of the condition, training, and pelvic floor physiotherapy. Drugs are often used. Until recently, antimuscarinic drugs have been the mainstay of pharmacological therapy. Fesoterodine is a newer antimuscarinic agent which is more pharmacodynamically stable then tolterodine. Fesoterodine has been extensively researched using different dosages and compared with placebo and tolterodine, in different age groups, and under different conditions. Fesoterodine is superior to placebo and to tolterodine in the short term and long term. Its safety is very acceptable.

Finding unrecognized information in overactive bladder clinical trial data: a new approach to understanding placebo and treatment effects

AIMS

To identify combinations of variables among overactive bladder (OAB) clinical trial subjects that allow prediction of those who are more--or less--likely to respond strongly to placebo, or to medication.

METHODS

Data from two Phase IIIb clinical trials of solifenacin in OAB were combined. Predictive models for placebo and treatment responses were constructed using baseline variables including individual items from the OAB questionnaire. These models were reduced to an essential subset of predictor variables. Two outcome measures are reported: urgency and incontinence.

RESULTS

In placebo subjects, 14 selected variables permitted distinction between those who responded with significant reductions in urgency and those who did not. A subset of nine variables in treated subjects permitted distinction between those more--or less--likely to respond to medication. Data for urgency were combined from both placebo and actively treated subjects to identify those who had one of the previously identified clusters of variables. It was possible to predict, among all subjects, who would be likely to experience a strong placebo or active treatment response and who would not. This process was also applied to incontinence data.

CONCLUSIONS

We have developed a new process to help understand placebo and treatment responses and their relationships to baseline conditions. The effectiveness of these methods was indicated using data from two solifenacin clinical trials and would benefit from future validation using other data sets. Methods used here are suitable for predicting the placebo effect in other clinical trials.

A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of the β3-adrenoceptor agonist solabegron for overactive bladder

BACKGROUND

β-Adrenoceptor agonists are effective in animal models of bladder dysfunction, and the human bladder primarily expresses the β3 receptor subtype.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the highly selective and potent β3-adrenoceptor agonist solabegron in a clinical proof-of-concept study in incontinent women with overactive bladder (OAB).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a randomized, double-blind trial in adult women with OAB (one or more 24-h incontinence episodes and eight or more average 24-h micturitions).

INTERVENTIONS

Solabegron 50 mg (n=88), solabegron 125 mg (n=85), or placebo (n=85)-all twice daily-were administered.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary efficacy end point was percentage change from baseline to week 8 in the number of incontinence episodes over 24 h. Secondary end points included actual change and percentage change from baseline to week 4 and week 8 in micturitions per 24 h, urgency episodes per 24 h, and volume voided per micturition. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed, as well.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Solabegron 125 mg produced a statistically significant difference in percent change from baseline to week 8 in incontinence episodes over 24h when compared with placebo (p=0.025). Solabegron 125 mg treatment also showed statistically significant reductions from baseline to weeks 4 and 8 in micturitions over 24 h and a statistically significant increase from baseline to week 8 in urine volume voided. Solabegron was well tolerated, with a similar incidence of AEs in each treatment group. There were no significant treatment differences for mean changes from baseline to week 8 in systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), or heart rate during the 24-h ambulatory measurement.

CONCLUSIONS

Solabegron significantly reduced the symptoms of OAB in women with moderate to severe OAB. Solabegron was safe, well tolerated, and did not demonstrate significant differences in AEs as compared to placebo. β3-Adrenoceptor agonists may represent a new therapeutic approach for treating OAB symptoms.