Effects of tadalafil on storage and voiding function in patients with male lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia: A urodynamic-based study

The pressure flow study investigation of pathophysiology of post-micturition dribble in male patients

PURPOSE

In this study, we aimed to elucidate the pathophysiology of post-micturition dribble (PMD) through analyzing several variables including pressure flow study (PFS) findings and symptoms questionnaire.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed male patients who visited our department between 2010 and 2020. We used modified international prostate symptom score (m-IPSS), which consists of eight sub-score related to lower urinary tract symptoms (Incomplete Emptying, Frequency, Intermittency, Urgency, Weak Stream, Straining, Nocturia, and PMD) and one question related to quality of life (QOL). Multivariate regression analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationship between PMD and the variables, including age, prostate volume (PV), body mass index, bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), bladder contractility index, and bladder voiding efficiency, which were obtained by PFS.

RESULTS

A total of 143 male patients were analyzed. The patients with PMD showed significantly larger PV and higher BOOI, and worse IPSS total and QOL score than those without PMD. Multivariate regression analysis showed that large PV and BOOI were significantly associated with PMD. In Spearman's correlation analysis, PMD and each m-IPSS sub-score except nocturia had significant positive correlation. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis showed that PMD and QOL had significant strong positive correlation.

CONCLUSION

PMD was significantly associated with large PV and BOO evaluated by PFS. Furthermore, PMD significantly exacerbated QOL. The severity of PMD and the other m-IPSS sub-score except nocturia could have intercorrelation with each other.

Chapter 4: Treatment of overactive bladder in men: Is it really different?

INTRODUCTION

Overactive bladder (OAB) in men is a topic that is gaining increasing attention as there is a wider understanding that OAB is not a female condition. There are several treatments; however, data in male populations are lacking compared to female cohorts. The high likelihood of concomitant benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) adds to the complexity of the treatment algorithm. The overlap in urinary storage symptoms also makes the interpretation of the literature challenging.

METHODS

Articles that evaluated men with OAB and men with OAB and BPH/BPO were evaluated and assessed.

RESULTS

Behavioral interventions can offer a significant benefit to male patients with OAB. Medical therapies that have been studied in men with OAB include anticholinergics, beta-3 agonists, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibits. These agents can be offered in addition to alpha-blockers for men with coexisting BPH/BPO. The literature on Onabotulinumtoxin-A and neuromodulation modulation in the male population is growing and shows promising results.

CONCLUSION

Male OAB is complex; however, there is a growing body of literature to help guide treatments. Many treatments are available and they have shown considerable success.

Efficacy and Safety of 12-week Monotherapy With Once Daily 5 mg Tadalafil for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Evidence-based Analysis

Background: Tadalafil has been approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for nearly 10 years. However, there are insufficient evidence-based studies of the efficacy and safety of tadalafil in treating lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH (LUTS/BPH). Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and clinical safety of tadalafil monotherapy (5 mg once daily for 12 weeks) for LUTS/BPH. Methods: A total of 13 studies (15 randomized clinical trials [RCTs]) were extracted from the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, and Web of Science for the period up to July 2021. The quality of the included RCTs was evaluated independently by two authors, who, respectively, extracted data according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses principles. Conflicts were settled by a discussion with two-third of senior authors. All data analyses were conducted by the Review Manager, version 5.4. Results: Regarding efficacy, 12-week trials indicated that 5 mg once daily tadalafil showed a significantly lower and, consequently, better total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) than the placebo did (mean difference [MD]: -1.97, 95% CI: -2.24 to -1.70; P < 0.00001). In addition, significant differences were found between the tadalafil regimen and the placebo in the IPSS voiding subscore (MD: -1.30, 95% CI: -1.48 to -1.11; P < 0.00001), the IPSS storage subscore (MD: -0.70, 95% CI: -0.82 to -0.58; P < 0.00001), the IPSS quality of life (MD: -0.29, 95% CI: -0.35 to -0.22; P < 0.00001), and BPH impact index (MD: -0.58, 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.40; P < 0.00001). The safety analysis did not show a significant difference in serious adverse events between the two groups (risk ratio: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.80-2.01; P = 0.31), although the adverse events occurred at a higher incidence in the tadalafil group than in the placebo. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that once daily 5 mg tadalafil is a potentially effective and safe treatment choice with excellent tolerability for patients with LUTS/BPH. Systematic Review Registration: Identifier (CRD42021228840).

The use of mono- and combination drug therapy in men and women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the UK: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Combination drug therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is beneficial to selected patients and recommended by guidelines. Patterns of real-world LUTS drug use, especially combination drug therapy, have not been studied extensively. Moreover, further understanding of the recent landscape is required following the introduction of the beta-3-adrenoceptor agonist mirabegron in the UK in 2013 for overactive bladder (OAB). The objective was to describe mono- and combination drug therapy use for LUTS in patients in UK clinical practice.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, descriptive, observational database study using UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink GOLD and linked databases. Men and women ≥ 18 years with a first prescription for any LUTS drug from 2014 to 2016 with ≥ 12 months continuous enrollment pre- and post-index date were included. Primary endpoints were mono- or combination drug therapy use for LUTS in male and female cohorts. Secondary endpoints were description of treatment prescribed, treatment persistence and patient demographics. Data were analyzed descriptively. Sub-cohorts were defined by drugs prescribed at index date.

RESULTS

79,472 patients (61.3% male) were included, based on index treatments. Of all men, 82.5% received any benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) drug, 25.4% any OAB drug, and 7.9% any BPO drug plus any OAB drug. As either mono- or combination drug therapy, 77.1% received an alpha-blocker, 18.9% a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, 23.9% an antimuscarinic agent, and 2.1% mirabegron. Of all women, 94.5% received any OAB drug, 6.0% duloxetine, and 0.5% any OAB drug plus duloxetine. As either mono- or combination drug therapy, 87.7% received an antimuscarinic, and 9.7% mirabegron. In men or women receiving OAB treatment, approximately 2.5% received combination drug therapy with an antimuscarinic agent and mirabegron. For OAB drug monotherapies, mirabegron had the highest persistence in both male and female cohorts.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a better understanding of the recent landscape of LUTS drug use in UK clinical practice. It highlights potential undertreatment of storage symptoms in men with LUTS and the low use of combination OAB treatments.

Beyond Antimuscarinics: A Review of Pharmacological and Interventional Options for Overactive Bladder Management in Men

CONTEXT

The role of overactive bladder (OAB) treatment in women beyond antimuscarinics has been evaluated extensively. Beta-3 agonists, botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A), and nerve stimulation are indicated in these patients. However, data on male patients in this clinical scenario are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence on treatment options beyond antimuscarinics in men with OAB.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Central Database of Systematic Reviews databases was performed for relevant articles published between January 2000 and October 2020, using the following Medical Subject Headings: "male/man," "LUTS," "overactive bladder," "storage symptoms," "urgency," "nocturia," "incontinence," "beta-3 agonist," "PDE-5 inhibitors," "botulinum toxin," "sacral nerve stimulation/neurostimulation," "percutaneous/transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation," "PTENS," and "combination therapy." Evidence acquisition was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PROSPERO registration number is CRD42020201223.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Overall, 24 studies were retrieved. In male OAB, mirabegron (MIRA) is the most intensively investigated pharmacological option. A pooled analysis of five randomized clinical trials (RCTs), including 1187 patients, concluded that MIRA 50 mg was associated with a greater reduction in frequency versus placebo (-0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.74, -0.01, p <  0.05). A pooled analysis of three RCTs, including 1317 male patients, has also shown that the addition of MIRA 50 mg in men receiving the α₁-blocker tamsulosin improved the mean number of micturitions per day (-0.27, 95% CI: -0.46 to -0.09, p <  0.05), urgency episodes (-0.50, 95% CI: -0.77 to -0.22, p <  0.05), total OAB symptom score (-0.66, 95% CI: -1.00 to -0.38, p <  0.05), and mean volume voided (+10.76 ml, 95% CI: 4.87-16.64, p <  0.05). MIRA treatment is well tolerated in men. Other pharmacological treatment options, such as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, should be considered investigational. BTX-A seems to be effective as third-line treatment in male OAB patients. A higher rate of intermittent self-catheterization (5-42%) is observed in male than in female patients. Data on nerve stimulation are scarce.

CONCLUSIONS

MIRA has the most robust data in terms of safety and efficacy in this patient population. Preliminary data in men suggest that BTX-A is indicated as an interventional treatment. Evidence for PDE-5 inhibitors and nerve stimulation is too limited to provide recommendations. Future studies in this population should aim to better define the best treatment sequence and to identify predictors for treatment response and failure, to determine a therapeutic approach tailored to patients' characteristics.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Overactive bladder is highly prevalent in men. Mirabegron 50 mg is the treatment option supported by the highest level of evidence when antimuscarinics failed. Botulinum toxin A injections seems to be an effective treatment as interventional option. Roles of nerve stimulation and phosphodiesterase inhibitors in male OAB patients are still to be defined.

Pre-treatment serum testosterone level can be a useful factor to predict the improvement in bladder outlet obstruction by tadalafil for male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms induced by benign prostatic obstruction

INTRODUCTION

To investigate possible pre-treatment factors related to the therapeutic effect of tadalafil on bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty untreated outpatients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to BOO received 5 mg tadalafil daily for 12 months. Subjective symptoms and objective findings were evaluated before and 12 months after treatment. At 12 months, the patients were divided into two groups according to an improvement grade in BOO index (BOOI). Patient characteristics including age, serum total testosterone level (TT), PSA, and prostate volume, and subjective and objective parameters on LUTS were set as candidates of pre-treatment factors, and the parameters that influenced the improvement of BOO were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 69 patients with mean age of 69.8 years and mean prostate volume of 48.8 mL were included. Subjective symptoms and BOOI were significantly ameliorated after 12 months. In terms of an improvement of BOOI, 30 patients (43.5%) showed insignificant improvement in BOO, whereas 39 patients (56.5%) exhibited excellent improvement. Comparison of pre-treatment factors between the groups showed that TT was the only independent predictor related to the improvement in BOO. The improvement of BOO was significantly better in patients with higher TT.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-treatment TT was considered to be a useful predictor of therapeutic effects of tadalafil for BOO.

Persistence Rate with Tadalafil for Treatment of Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

OBJECTIVES

We examined the persistence rate with tadalafil for treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and explored the factors relevant to withdrawal.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively collected the data of male patients who received tadalafil treatment for LUTS. The persistence rate and the reason for withdrawal were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 155 patients were examined. Mean age and mean observation period were 71.9 (48-93) years and 15.1 (1-52) months, respectively. During the observation period, 74 patients (48%) withdrew tadalafil. The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated a 58% persistence rate at 1 year. The reasons for withdrawal included insufficient efficacy (31 patients, 42%), adverse events (21 patients, 28%), or symptom improvement (8 patients, 11%). Patients who continued tadalafil were significantly younger than those who withdrew it due to insufficient efficiency (71.4 ± 9.6 vs. 74.9 ± 9.1 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients withdrew tadalafil due to insufficient efficacy. Older patients are likely to withdraw the treatment because of insufficient efficacy, thus, tadalafil for male LUTS could be more effective for younger patients.

The association between gut microbiome and erectile dysfunction: a community-based cross-sectional study in Japan

PURPOSE

We investigated the gut microbiome in subjects with erectile dysfunction (ED) in a community-based population.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study surveyed comprehensive health status in 408 men who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project in 2015 in Hirosaki, Japan. The gut microbiome was assessed by tag sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, which we extracted from fecal samples. Erectile function was evaluated with the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and the men were divided into two groups: low-IIEF-5 (≤ 16) and high-IIEF-5 (> 16). Of those, we selected age-adjusted 192 men (96 each) for analysis. We investigated the association of gut microbiome with IIEF-5 between the two groups.

RESULTS

Median age was 50 years. No significant difference was seen in the history of hypertension, DM, CKD, and CVD between the low-IIEF-5 and high-IIEF-5 groups. However, the relative abundance of Alistipes (related with anti-inflammation) and Clostoridium XVIII (related with bowel movement) was significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that the relative abundance of Clostridium XVIII (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.20-3.55, P = 0.009) and Alistipes (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.66-0.99, P = 0.040) and, with an IPSS ≥ 8, were independent factors for low IIEF-5.

CONCLUSION

We observed significant association between the low-IIEF-5 and high-IIEF-5 groups in Alistipes and Clostoridium XVIII. Further study is necessary to access the causal relationship between the gut microbiome and ED.

Tamsulosin and placebo vs tamsulosin and tadalafil in male lower urinary tract symptoms: a double-blinded, randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin vs the combination of tamsulosin and tadalafil in male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a double-blinded, parallel-arm randomised controlled trial. Men aged >45 years with moderate LUTS and a maximum urinary flow rate (Q_max ) of 5-15 mL/s were included. One arm received 0.4 mg tamsulosin only (Group-A), while the second received 5 mg tadalafil with tamsulosin (Group-B). The primary outcome was the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Secondary outcomes were IPSS quality of life (QoL) score, five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score, Q_max , and post-void residual urine (PVR). Block randomisation was used. Placebo was used for blinding and allocation concealment. Intention-to-treat analysis was used for outcome measures.

RESULTS

Of the 183 men screened, 140 were randomised (71 in Group-A, 69 in Group-B); 116 (82.85%) (61 in Group-A, 55 in Group-B) completed the study. Baseline characteristics were comparable. The improvements in the IPSS, IPSS QoL score, IIEF score and Q_max were -1.69 (95% confidence interval [CI] -1.4 to -2.0), -0.70 (95% CI -0.60 to -0.80), 3.8 (95% CI 3.4-4.2) and 1.8 mL/s (95% CI 1.1-2.4) respectively, in favour of the combination group. The difference in PVR was not significant. There were no serious adverse events (AEs). The dropout rate due to AEs was 2.85%. Myalgia (five patients) was the commonest AE in the combination group.

CONCLUSION

The combination of tamsulosin and tadalafil produced significantly better improvements in LUTS, QoL, erectile function and Q_max compared to monotherapy with tamsulosin, without an increase in AEs.

Relationship between frailty and lower urinary tract symptoms among community-dwelling adults

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between frailty and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), the association of frailty and LUTS remains unclear.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study investigated LUTS and frailty in 710 individuals (249 men and 461 women, aged ≥60 years) who participated in the Iwaki Health Promotion Project between 2014 and 2015 in Hirosaki, Japan. Parameters of frailty were compared for individuals with mild and moderate to severe symptoms of LUTS. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) were used to evaluate LUTS. Frailty was evaluated by the frailty phenotype (FP), modified frailty index (mFI), and frailty discriminant score (FDS). The influence of frailty on LUTS was investigated by multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Frailty parameters of age, renal function, and lower physical activity were significantly associated with severity of IPSS and OABSS. FP and mFI were significantly associated with severity of OABSS and IPSS, respectively. The FDS was significantly associated with severity of IPSS and OABSS. FP, mFI, and FDS were significantly associated with severity of nocturia. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that FDS was independently associated with the severity of IPSS, OABSS, and nocturia, whereas FP and mFI were significantly associated with the severity of nocturia alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with LUTS are potentially frailer than those without LUTS. Although the influence of frailty on LUTS is different depending on the measurement tool, attention for frailty is necessary for subjects with LUTS.

Add-on effects of tadalafil in tamsulosin-treated patients with small benign prostatic enlargement: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study

AIM

To assess the add-on effects of tadalafil in patients with a relatively small benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) treated with tamsulosin.

METHODS

From September 2014 to July 2018, we prospectively studied patients (aged 50 years or more) attending our hospital who had received tamsulosin for small BPE (20-40 mL) for 4 weeks at least and still had residual lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with total International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) of at least 8 and IPSS-quality of life scores at least 3. We randomized eligible patients into two groups: one of which received tadalafil 5 mg once daily for 6 weeks, followed by placebo for 6 weeks, and the other of which received placebo followed by tadalafil in the same manner. The patients were reviewed at our outpatient clinic after 2, 6, 8, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

There were 13 patients in the tadalafil-placebo and 13 in the placebo-tadalafil group. Their median ages (range) were 70 (65-85) and 73 (50-80) years, prostatic volumes (median) 30.0 (22.0-39.7) and 32.0 (20.1-39.5) mL, and total IPSS (median) 17 (10-27) and 16 (10-24), respectively. The primary endpoints, namely mean changes of total IPSS from baseline, were 1.85 on placebo and -3.42 on tadalafil; this difference is statistically significant (difference: -1.57; 95% confidence interval: -3.00, -0.69; P = .032). We encountered no adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Add-on of tadalafil for symptomatic patients with small BPE treated with tamsulosin appears to be effective and safe.

Efficacy of Tadalafil Therapy and Changes in Oxidative Stress Levels in Male Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Overactive Bladder

Objective

To evaluate the effects of tadalafil monotherapy on lower urinary tract symptoms, urodynamic parameters, and oxidative stress levels in male patients.

Methods

This prospective study included 53 male patients with urinary symptoms, who met the criteria for overactive bladder (OAB) (≥ 2 points for Q3 [urgency] in the OAB symptom score [OABSS] assessment and ≥ 3 points for the total score). The patients received 5 mg tadalafil orally once daily, and their symptoms were assessed before and after the 12‐week treatment. The OABSS and international prostate symptom score (IPSS) were used to evaluate the subjective symptoms. The objective findings were assessed using uroflowmetry. Oxidative stress was assessed by determining urinary levels of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) levels with an adjustment for urinary creatinine (CR) concentration.

Results

After tadalafil administration, total and individual indices of the OABSS assessment showed significant improvement. In addition, total storage and voiding symptoms that contributed to the IPSS were also significantly improved. The voided volume was increased, and the maximum flow rate was improved after tadalafil treatment (P = .002 and < 0.001, respectively). Urinary 8‐OHdG/CR decreased from 12.4 ± 9.7 ng/mg CR to 7.6 ± 11.6 ng/mg CR (P < .001). In patients who showed OAB improvement and did not meet the criteria for OAB after the treatment (44 patients, 83.0%), the urinary 8‐OHdG/CR level was significantly decreased from 11.6 ± 8.4 ng/mg CR to 6.4 ± 10.3 ng/mg CR (P < .001).

Conclusions

Tadalafil treatment improves OAB symptoms and urodynamic parameters by decreasing oxidative stress level.

[EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF TADALAFIL IN VERY ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS]

(Aim) The α-1 blockers have been used as first-line therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia/lower urinary tract symptoms (BPH/LUTS). A new phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, tadalafil, was approved in 2014 and received a Grade A recommendation in the 2017 clinical practice guidelines for LUTS. In this study, we examined the effectiveness and safety of tadalafil in very elderly patients with LUTS. (Subjects and methods) The subjects were 84 very elderly patients, at least 75 years of age, with BPH/LUTS for which they had been administered tadalafil.Data of the 71 patients were retrospectively reviewed in terms of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) index, overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), maximum flow rate and postvoid residual urine volume at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24. We also examined the safety of tadalafil therapy. (Results) Patient characteristics were: median age 80.1±4.38 years, prostate volume 41.2±24.3 cc and IPSS 15.7±5.68. Patients who had undergone treatment for BPH/LUTS prior to tadalafil therapy accounted for 67.9% of the study population.Significant improvements occurred in IPSS, QOL and OABSS at week 4, and the improvements were maintained until week 24. As for postvoid residual urine test results, a significant improvement was seen at week 8 only.Adverse events were noted in 9 patients (10.7%), but only 5 (6.0%) needed to discontinue tadalafil therapy. (Conclusion) Tadalafil is considered to be a highly effective and safe drug in very elderly patients with LUTS.

Phosphodiesterase inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptoms consistent with benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to non-malignant enlargement of the prostate gland that may cause bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Alpha-blockers (ABs) and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are the mainstay of medical treatment. Recently, phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDEIs) that so far have been used mainly to treat erectile dysfunction were introduced to treat male LUTS.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of PDEIs compared to placebo and other standard of care drugs (ABs and 5-ARIs) in men with LUTS consistent with BPH.

SEARCH METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and clinical trials registries of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (updated 2 August 2018). We performed citation tracking and handsearching of abstracts and conference proceedings. We also contacted study authors to ask for additional information.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered for inclusion in this systematic review randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PDEIs versus placebo, ABs, or 5-ARIs for at least four weeks in men with BPH-LUTS.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors independently screened the literature and extracted data. Primary outcomes were effects on urinary symptoms as assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS-total; score ranging from 0 to 35, with higher values reflecting more symptoms), urinary bother as assessed by the Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BPHII; score ranging from 0 to 13, with higher values reflecting more bother), and adverse events (AEs). We used GRADE to rate the quality of evidence. We considered short-term (up to 12 weeks) and long-term (12 weeks or longer) results separately.

MAIN RESULTS

We included a total of 16 randomised trials in this review. The results for primary outcomes are as follows.PDEI versus placebo: PDEIs may result in a small improvement in IPSS-total score (mean difference (MD) 1.89 lower, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.27 lower to 1.50 lower; n = 4293; low-quality evidence) compared to placebo, and may reduce the BPHII score slightly (MD 0.52 lower, 95% CI 0.71 lower to 0.33 lower; n = 3646; low-quality evidence). Rates of AEs may be increased (risk ratio (RR) 1.42, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.67; n = 4386; low-quality evidence). This corresponds to 95 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 47 more to 151 more per 1000). Study results were limited to a treatment duration of six to 12 weeks.PDEI versus AB: PDEIs and ABs probably provide similar improvement in IPSS-total score (MD 0.22 higher, 95% CI 0.49 lower to 0.93 higher; n = 933; moderate-quality evidence) and may have a similar effect on BPHII score (MD 0.03 higher, 95% CI 1.10 lower to 1.16 higher; n = 550; low-quality evidence) and AEs (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.30; n = 936; low-quality evidence). This corresponds to 71 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 41 fewer to 264 more per 1000). Study results were limited to a treatment duration of six to 12 weeks.PDEI and AB versus AB alone: the combination of PDEI and AB may provide a small improvement in IPSS-total score (MD 2.56 lower, 95% CI 3.92 lower to 1.19 lower; n = 193; low-quality evidence) compared to AB alone. We found no evidence for BPHII scores. AEs may be increased (RR 2.81, 95% CI 1.53 to 5.17; n = 194; moderate-quality evidence). This corresponds to 235 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 69 more to 542 more per 1000). Study results were limited to treatment duration of four to 12 weeks.PDEI and AB versus PDEI alone: the combination of PDEI and AB may provide a small improvement in IPSS-total (MD 2.4 lower, 95% CI 6.47 lower to 1.67 higher; n = 40; low-quality evidence) compared to PDEI alone. We found no data on BPHII or AEs. Study results were limited to a treatment duration of four weeks.PDEI and 5-ARI versus 5-ARI alone: in the short term (up to 12 weeks), the combination of PDEI and 5-ARI probably results in a small improvement in IPSS-total score (MD 1.40 lower, 95% CI 2.24 lower to 0.56 lower; n = 695; moderate-quality evidence) compared to 5-ARI alone. We found no evidence on BPHII scores or AEs. In the long term (13 to 26 weeks), the combination of PDEI and 5-ARI likely results in a small reduction in IPSS-total score (MD 1.00 less, 95% CI 1.83 lower to 0.17 lower; n = 695; moderate-quality evidence). We found no evidence about effects on BPHII scores. There may be no difference in rates of AEs (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.36; n = 695; low-quality evidence). This corresponds to 19 more AEs per 1000 participants (95% CI 43 fewer to 98 more per 1000).We found no trials comparing other combinations of treatments or comparing different PDEI agents.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Compared to placebo, PDEI likely leads to a small reduction in IPSS-total and BPHII sores, with a possible increase in AEs. There may be no differences between PDEI and AB with regards to improvement in IPSS-total, BPHII, and incidence of AEs. There appears to be no added benefit of PDEI combined with AB compared to PDEI or AB alone or PDEI combined with 5-ARI compared to ARI alone with regards to urinary symptoms. Most evidence was limited to short-term treatment up to 12 weeks and of moderate or low certainty.

Erectile Dysfunction and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In the past years, the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction has been widely explored. The aim of our systematic review is to summarize the published evidence over the past year on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED).

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent data support the relationship between LUTS and ED in Eastern Europe and in Asia. The role of phosphodiesterase inhibitors alone or in combination with alpha blockers to treat LUTS and ED, especially in younger patients, is strongly supported by high level of evidence. LUTS and ED are prevalent conditions in men over 50; epidemiologically, the relationship between both conditions has been confirmed all over the world. PDE5i alone or in combination with alpha blockers can be considered the gold standard for the treatment of young patients with storage symptoms and concomitant ED. In clinical research, a better understanding of the molecular pathways behind this association may also help to identify new possible targets and develop novel therapeutic approaches to manage both disorders; the identification of new biomarkers of both disorders is also compulsory in this area.