Efficacy of tolterodine as a first-line treatment for non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction in children

Efficacy of tolterodine in children with overactive bladder

Aim:

Tolterodine is an anticholinergic drug used for the treatment of overactive bladder. We evaluated the effects of tolterodine on clinical symptoms and compared its efficacy with that of oxybutynin in terms of bladder capacity, bladder wall thickness, and post-void residual volume in children with overactive bladder.

Material and Methods:

Twenty-six patients who were treated with tolterodine for overactive bladder (20 girls, mean age 8.0±2.2 years) were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty patients with overactive bladder who had undergone oxybutynin treatment (15 girls, mean age 7.6±1.8 years) served as the control group. Dysfunctional voiding symptom scoring was used to evaluate the clinical response to tolterodine. To investigate the effect of treatment on the bladder, ultrasonographic data at baseline and the third month were compared with the oxybutynin group.

Results:

The dysfunctional voiding symptom scores significantly decreased after the third month of tolterodine treatment (p<0.001). Bladder capacity significantly increased (p<0.001), and filled bladder wall thickness decreased (p=0.007); however, post-void residual volumes significantly increased (p<0.001) at the third month. No serious adverse effects were recorded during tolterodine treatment. The increase in bladder capacity at the third month in the tolterodine group was similar to that in the oxybutynin group (p=0.77), but the decrease in filled bladder wall thickness was significantly greater in the tolterodine group (p=0.019).

Conclusion:

Tolterodine remarkably ameliorates the clinical symptoms of overactive bladder in a short time, and seems to be as effective as oxybutynin for the treatment of overactive bladder in children. Its effect on reduction of bladder wall thickness appears to be superior to that of oxybutynin.

Current pharmacological management of idiopathic overactive bladder in children in the UK: a national survey of practice

BACKGROUND

Children with daytime urinary incontinence secondary to idiopathic overactive bladder (IOAB) commonly present to paediatric urologists following failure of standard urotherapy and/or 1st-line anticholinergics. Off-label oral medications and intravesical botulinum toxin A (BtA) are being increasingly used for treatment-refractory IOAB, despite the paucity of high-quality evidence and guidelines. Knowledge of contemporary paediatric urologists' practice allows specialists to keep up-to-date with current trends in the management of IOAB in children.

OBJECTIVES

1. To present an analysis of contemporary tertiary management of IOAB in children and 2. to highlight current trends in practice and identify areas of high variability in care for targeted research.

METHODS

Paediatric urologists (55 individuals) who attended the 2018 national British Association of Paediatric Urologists (BAPU) congress responded to a 20-question survey presented at the congress. Respondents could submit one answer per question, and one survey was taken per respondent, using secure software to disable any manipulation. Answers were analysed prospectively by a single reviewer.

RESULTS

Of UK paediatric urologists, 98% regularly manage children with IOAB, 48% use 48-h frequency/volume charts and others use three or seven-day bladder diaries to aid diagnosis. Oxybutynin is the 1st-line therapy for 85%, 2nd-line is tolterodine (53%), and 3rd-line is solifenacin (41%). Mirabegron is used either alone or in combination with solifenacin as 4th-line management by 55%. Those who use intravesical Botulinum toxin A (BtA) accounted for 81% and 84% of these perform invasive urodynamic assessment prior to BtA administration. Post-BtA, assessment was clinical in 18%, 24% use invasive urodynamics, whereas uroflowmetry is preferred by 58%. Of the paediatric urologists, 72% believe the most clinically significant outcome of treatment is patient-reported improvement. Treatment success is defined variably: 49% define success as completely dry, whereas 35% accept a 90% improvement as success.

CONCLUSIONS

Off-label medications are being used widely either alone or in combination by paediatric urologists. In oral therapy-resistant IOAB, BtA is being used by the majority of specialists, usually after formal urodynamic assessment. However, post-BtA assessment and evaluation of treatment success for IOAB are variable.

Pharmacologic therapies for the management of non-neurogenic urinary incontinence in children

Introduction: Non-neurogenic urinary incontinence in children is a common condition that affects the quality of life for both patients and parents. Symptoms may occur in the daytime, nighttime, or both and may be the result of structural and functional anomalies. Evaluation and management of associated co-morbidities, such as constipation is critical to management. Behavioral therapy is a fist line therapy in most cases of non-neurogenic urinary incontinence and pharmacologic therapy a second-line therapy.Areas covered: In this review, the authors cover the pharmacologic agents, FDA approved and commonly used non-FDA approved, available for the treatment of four non-structural etiologies of non-neurogenic urinary incontinence in children. These include nocturnal enuresis, overactive bladder, giggle incontinence, and dysfunctional voiding.Expert opinion: Non-neurogenic causes of urinary incontinence in children represent a complicated medical condition that requires both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management. Limited FDA-approved therapies as well as suboptimal results with approved therapies due to a lack in the understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and patient selection may lead to the use of alternative non-FDA approved therapies.

Diagnosis and management of bladder bowel dysfunction in children with urinary tract infections: a position statement from the International Children's Continence Society

BACKGROUND

We present a consensus view from the International Children's Continence Society (ICCS) on the evaluation and management of bladder bowel dysfunction (BBD) in children with urinary tract infection (UTI). The statement aims to highlight the importance of BBD in the development and recurrence of childhood UTI and its management to reduce its associated morbidity and sequelae.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was done on PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases until August 15, 2016. Relevant publications concerning BBD and its relationship with UTI among children were reviewed and aggregated for statements of recommendation. Discussion by the ICCS Board and a multi-disciplinary core group of authors resulted in a document available on its website for all ICCS members to review. Insights and feedback were considered with consensus and agreement reached to finalize this position statement.

RESULTS

BBD in children with UTI is summarized. Details regarding epidemiology, pathophysiology, and recommendations for general and family practitioners and pediatricians relating to the evaluation and management of this condition are presented.

CONCLUSIONS

This document serves as the position statement from ICCS, based on literature review and expert opinion providing our current understanding of BBD in children with UTI.

Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX®) for urinary urge symptoms

OBJECTIVE

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is common first-line therapy for urinary symptoms despite minimal evidence-based support. We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of PEG for initial treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients aged >3 years underwent baseline urinary symptom questionnaire (USQ, scored 0-16), bowel symptom questionnaire (scored 0-20) and abdominal X-ray (KUB). Patients were randomized to placebo/PEG regardless of parent's perception of constipation. After 1 month, patients completed follow-up questionnaires and KUB. Improvement was defined as decrease in USQ (ΔUSQ) ≥ 3 points. Secondary analyses compared urinary and bowel symptoms to KUB.

RESULTS

Of 138 enrolled patients, 71 (51.4%) completed 1 month of therapy. Analyses of those randomized to placebo vs. PEG and non-completers demonstrated similar demographics, baseline symptoms, and KUB. Patients treated with placebo and PEG both had significant improvement in USQ scores (p < 0.0001). Patients treated with placebo and PEG responded similarly to placebo (ΔUSQ 3.7 vs. 3.4, p = 0.773), with improvement in nearly half (48.5% PEG vs. 44.7% placebo). There was no correlation between KUB and urinary or bowel symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 50% of patients with urinary urge symptoms treated with either placebo or PEG for 1 month had improvement in urinary symptoms. KUB did not correlate with baseline or follow-up urinary or bowel symptoms.

Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in school-age children

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated rates of incontinence and enuresis as high as 20% in school-age children. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms in 739 children aged 6-12 years enrolled in three government schools with different socioeconomic levels in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Symptoms of LUT were evaluated using a modified version of the Dysfunction Voiding Scoring System in which the cutoff point considered as an indicator of LUT dysfunction is >6 for girls and >9 for boys. Children with a score indicative of symptoms received an educational booklet on the functioning of the LUT and were sent for clinical evaluation. LUT dysfunction symptoms were detected in 161 (21.8%) children. Symptoms were most frequent in girls (p < 0.001), children aged 6-8 (p < 0.028), and attended the school with the lowest social level (p < 0.001). Intestinal constipation was the most prevalent finding (30.7%), independent of LUT score. The most common urinary symptoms in children with an elevated score were diurnal urinary incontinence (30.7%), holding maneuvers (19.1%), and urinary urgency (13.7%). Stress factors were associated in 28.4% of children. Our findings suggest that LUT symptoms must be investigated carefully at routine pediatric visits.

Management of lower urinary tract dysfunction: a stepwise approach

PURPOSE

To evaluate management patterns of lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction and establish a treatment algorithm to guide pediatric healthcare providers.

METHODS

390 children with non-neurogenic LUT dysfunction were followed over 7 months; 115 patients were excluded due to incomplete data. Children were categorized based on presenting complaints and pelvic ultrasound into three groups: daytime urinary incontinence (UI) with complete emptying (CE), UI with incomplete emptying (IE), or IE without UI. Every child underwent behavioral modification (BM) including timed voiding, double voiding, deep breathing, and treatment of constipation if present. BM failures received secondary treatment including medications (alpha blockers, anticholinergics), physical therapy, and/or botulinum toxin type A injection of the external sphincter at a dose of 100 units.

RESULTS

BM improved symptoms in 152 (55%): 68% (46% dry), 49% (27% dry), and 59% (29% dry) from the three groups, respectively. Of the 45% who showed no change in symptoms, 98 (80%) improved with addition of medication, the majority (89) after starting alpha blocker therapy. Children with IE responded better to alpha blockers, 83 (77%) compared to 38% with CE, whereas those with CE demonstrated more symptom resolution with anticholinergics, 6 (38%) compared to 13% of those with IE. Only 6 (2%) patients were refractory to non-operative treatment with all showing improvement after injection of botulinum toxin type A, 4 (67%) of whom became completely dry.

CONCLUSION

Diagnosis of UI and/or IE with stratification of children into particular symptom groups appears beneficial in determining the appropriate therapy for children with LUT dysfunction.

Evaluation of consistency between physician clinical impression and 3 validated survey instruments for measuring lower urinary tract symptoms in children

PURPOSE

Since many children with lower urinary tract symptoms are treated based on history and physical, it is important to know which symptom survey correlates best with the physician clinical impression. We evaluated 3 tools that have been demonstrated to predict severity of lower urinary tract symptoms, the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score, the Akbal survey and the Nelson survey. Total scores from each survey were compared to clinical impression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Participants consisted of 36 males and 35 females referred to our pediatric urology center for lower urinary tract symptoms. A total of 37 children 4 to 10 years old completed the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score with the help of their parents, and 34 of these parents completed the Akbal survey. A total of 35 children 11 to 17 years old completed the Nelson survey. Scores from the 3 instruments were compared to the clinical impression of a pediatric urologist using rank correlation (Kendall's tau-b test).

RESULTS

Mean total symptom scores were increased relative to physician rating for all 3 surveys. Symptoms reported by younger children using the Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score correlated better with physician rating of symptom severity (tau-b 0.43) compared to symptoms reported by parents using the Akbal survey (tau-b 0.41). Older children reporting symptoms using the Nelson survey had the strongest correlation with physician clinical impression (tau-b 0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

All 3 surveys were statistically significantly correlated with the physician impression of severity for lower urinary tract symptoms, with the Nelson survey being the most accurate.

Prospective open label study of solifenacin for overactive bladder in children

PURPOSE

We evaluated the effect of solifenacin for urinary incontinence in children with overactive/neurogenic bladder refractory to oxybutynin or tolterodine.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pediatric patients presenting with refractory overactive bladder with incontinence were offered the opportunity to enter a prospective, open label protocol using adjusted dose regimens of 1.25 to 10 mg solifenacin. Study inclusion criteria were absent correctable neurological anomalies on magnetic resonance imaging, failure of symptoms to improve on intensive behavioral and medical (oxybutynin or tolterodine) therapy, and/or significant side effects of those agents. Followup consisted of a voiding diary, post-void residual urine measurement, urine culture, ultrasound and urodynamics. Families were questioned about continence, side effects, compliance, behavior change and quality of life. The primary end point was efficacy for continence and secondary end points were tolerability and safety.

RESULTS

Enrolled in the study were 42 girls and 30 boys. Of the patients 27 with neurogenic bladder, of whom 11 were on clean intermittent catheterization, and 45 with overactive bladder completed a minimum 3-month followup. Patients were on solifenacin a mean of 15.6 months. Mean age at study initiation was 9.0 years. Mean ± SD urodynamic capacity improved from 146 ± 64 to 311 ± 123 ml and uninhibited contractions decreased from 70 ± 29 to 20 ± 19 cm H(2)O (p <0.01). Continence improved in all patients, including 24 who were dry, and 42 and 6 who were significantly and moderately improved, respectively. Of the patients 50 reported no side effects while 15 had mild and 3 had moderate side effects. Four patients withdrew from the protocol due to intolerable side effects. Four patients had significant post-void residual urine (greater than 20 ml).

CONCLUSIONS

In children with overactive bladder refractory to oxybutynin or tolterodine solifenacin is an effective alternative to improve symptoms. Tolerability was acceptable and the adjusted dose regimen appeared safe.

Long-term efficacy and safety of tolterodine in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated long-term (> or =12 months) efficacy and safety of tolterodine in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Subjects successfully completed one of three 12-week, open-label studies and had stable neurologic disease and urodynamic evidence of neurogenic detrusor overactivity requiring intermittent catheterization. Drug formulation and dosing were based on age (4 months-4 years, tolterodine oral solution 0.2-2mg twice daily; 5-10 years, tolterodine oral solution 0.5-4 mg twice daily; 11-16 years, tolterodine extended-release capsules 2, 4, or 6 mg once daily). Daily doses were individualized for each subject. Efficacy was evaluated urodynamically and using parent-completed 3-day bladder diaries.

RESULTS

Thirty subjects were enrolled. Functional bladder capacity (volume at first leakage, first sensation of bladder fullness or 40 cm H(2)O pressure) increased by month 12 in the younger age groups but not in the oldest subjects. Volume to first detrusor contraction >10 cm H(2)O pressure and detrusor leak point pressure did not change in any age group. The number of incontinence episodes per 24h decreased in all subjects, as did the number of catheterizations per 24h. Mean volume per catheterization increased in all subjects. Seven treatment-related adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Both tolterodine formulations were effective and well tolerated in children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity.

Comparative efficacy and safety of extended-release and instant-release tolterodine in children with neural tube defects having cystometric abnormalities

AIM

To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of extended-release (ER) and instant-release (IR) tolterodine preparations in a pediatric population with neural tube defects having cystometric abnormalities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-five patients with neural tube defects and a similar demographic profile underwent a routine hemogram, liver function tests, renal function tests, urine culture, X-ray lumbo-sacral spine, and renal and bladder ultrasound. Vesicoureteric reflux was diagnosed by micturating cystourethrogram under fluoroscopy. Dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scintigraphy was performed to study the presence or absence of renal scars. Patients were treated with tolterodine ER (Group I: 2mg once daily for 21 days) and tolterodine IR (Group II: 2mg twice daily for 21 day) in a cross-over study with a 10-day washout period between administrations. Evaluation was by subjective assessment, visual analog scale, urodynamic assessment and adverse drug reaction monitoring.

RESULTS

There was ultrasound evidence of hydroureteronephrosis in 20% of the patients. One patient out of 25 had impaired renal function and eight patients had renal scarring on dimercaptosuccinic acid scans. Both forms of the drug increased the maximum cystometric bladder capacity, decreased detrusor leak pressures and increased compliance compared to pre-therapy levels (P=0.0001). Visual analog scale showed a significant clinical improvement with both ER and IR tolterodine. A significant increase in maximum bladder capacity in the group receiving IR tolterodine as compared to the ER preparation was noted (P=0.0001). The decrease in detrusor leak pressures and improvement in compliance were not significantly different between the groups. No adverse effects of hyperpyrexia, flushing or intolerance to outdoor temperatures, or dryness of mouth were observed in either group. No patient suffered from constipation.

CONCLUSION

ER tolterodine 2mg once daily is as effective and well tolerated in children with neurogenic bladder as IR tolterodine 2mg twice a day. The latter was found to be more effective in terms of urodynamic parameters. ER formulation of tolterodine is less expensive and has the advantage of single dosage.

Long-Term Tolerability of Tolterodine Extended Release in Children 5–11 Years of Age: Results from a 12-Month, Open-Label Study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the long-term tolerability of tolterodine extended release (ER) in children (aged 5-11 yr) with urgency urinary incontinence (UUI).

METHODS

This was a multicenter, open-label extension of a 12-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of tolterodine ER. Patients had UUI suggestive of detrusor overactivity (>/=1 diurnal incontinence episode per 24h for >/=5 of 7 d) and >/=6 voids per 24h at baseline and had completed the 12-wk double-blind study. Patients received tolterodine ER (2mg once daily) for 12 mo. The primary end points were the incidence and severity of adverse events (AEs) and the incidence and reasons for withdrawals. Visits were scheduled at 3, 6, 9, and 12 mo, and investigators were instructed to report all AEs. At 6 and 12 mo, vital signs were recorded and a physical examination was performed.

RESULTS

A total of 318 patients were enrolled (double-blind tolterodine ER, n=221; placebo, n=97). The majority of patients were white (90%), mean+/-SD age was 7.6+/-1.5 yr, and 54% were boys. Forty-nine percent of patients reported >/=1 AE during the study, similar to that observed in the preceding 12-wk study (42%). The most frequent AEs were urinary tract infection (7%), nasopharyngitis (5%), headache (5%), and abdominal pain (4%); 111 (35%) patients withdrew. The most common reasons for withdrawal were lack of efficacy (12%), symptom improvement (8%), and withdrawn consent (6%). Ten patients (3%) withdrew because of AEs.

CONCLUSION

Long-term treatment with tolterodine ER was well tolerated in children with UUI.

Efficacy of combined anticholinergic treatment and behavioral modification as a first line treatment for nonneurogenic and nonanatomical voiding dysfunction in children: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This randomized blinded clinical study was designed to compare the efficacy of tolterodine treatment combined with behavioral modification, behavioral modification alone and behavioral modification plus placebo in children with nonneurogenic, nonanatomical voiding dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 72 children meeting inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 groups. One group received tolterodine (1 mg twice daily) along with behavioral modification, 1 received behavioral modification only and 1 received placebo with behavioral modification. A dysfunctional voiding scoring system questionnaire was completed for all patients at the beginning of the study, and at 1 and 3 months of treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients were evaluated. The groups did not differ with respect to age, gender and symptom score before study enrollment (p >0.05). Repeated calculations of symptom scores at 1 month of the treatment revealed a significant decrease in symptoms in all 3 groups, with a significant decrease in patients receiving tolterodine. In addition, at month 3 the symptom score of the tolterodine group was significantly lower compared to month 1, while scores remained steady in the behavioral modification and behavioral modification plus placebo groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Tolterodine combined with behavioral modification for voiding dysfunction in children without neurological or anatomical abnormality can be recommended as a first line treatment before invasive evaluation.

Usefulness of a New Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System in Predicting Treatment Effect in Children with Voiding Dysfunction

AIM

To assess the role of the dysfunctional voiding and incontinence scoring system (DVAISS) in children with voiding dysfunction.

METHODS

Ninety-three children were divided into three groups: those who had wetting only (group 1), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and wetting (group 2) and vesicoureteral reflux together with wetting and UTIs (group 3). Individualized multiple treatments modalities were applied. The success criteria defined by the reduction in the rate of wetting described as complete response (more than 90%), partial response (50-90%), no response (less than 50%).Also, in group 3, improvement was determined as a decrease of at least two grades in reflux. Scores of patients were determined before and after treatment.

RESULTS

Complete response rates for groups 1, 2 and 3 were 67.5, 88.8 and 85.71%, respectively. The specificity of the DVAISS in predicting the complete response was 79, 88 and 100%, respectively, and its sensitivity was 100% in all groups. In group 3, improvement rate was 71.4%. The specificity and sensitivity of the DVAISS in predicting the improvement were 83 and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity of the DVAISS is higher in predicting the treatment effect; however, its specificity is decreased. The DVAISS may be an auxiliary diagnostic tool in voiding dysfunction patients.

Symptom score for lower urinary tract dysfunction in pediatric urology

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is a common component of virtually every pediatric urologist's practice. Although lower urinary tract dysfunction should be considered more of a social nuisance than a true medical condition, if left unchecked, real comorbidities may occur. A thorough history, physical examination, voiding diary, and noninvasive urodynamic studies, such as flow rate or flow rate with electromyography, generally are used to make an accurate diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is established, a wide range of therapies are available and their use may be based on the age of the child, duration of symptoms, etiology of the lower urinary tract dysfunction and associated urologic disease, and physician or family preferences. Symptom scoring systems have been devised to confirm diagnosis of lower urinary tract dysfunction, classify its severity, and serve as a monitoring instrument to determine response to treatment.