The wet patient: understanding patients with overactive bladder and incontinence

Alterations of the myovesical plexus of the human overactive detrusor

Objectives. The human bladder shows spontaneous autonomous activity. Detrusor overactivity could be seen as a consequence of exaggerated autonomous activity. Interstitial cells (ICs) play a potential role in coordination of autonomous activity. As it is suggested that changes in ICs coexist with detrusor overactivity (DO), we investigated possible alterations to human bladder ICs. Methods. Biopsies were obtained from 23 patients and were categorized into four groups: genuine stress incontinence (without DO) (n = 5), neurogenic disease with DO (n = 6), bladder outlet obstruction with DO (n = 6), or idiopathic DO (n = 6). Specimens were processed to investigate expression of N-cadherin and PGP9.5. N-cadherin expression was semiquantitatively analyzed and correlated to PG9.5 expression and bladder wall morphology. Results. The population of cells expressing N-cadherin is altered in the overactive detrusor, making no difference between the sources of DO. Punctate distribution of morphological changes was found and downregulation of PGP9.5 expression seemed to coexist with upregulation of N-cadherin expression in the detrusor layer. Conclusions. The population of N-cadherin+ cells of the interstitial compartment of the human bladder has the ability to proliferate. As this proliferation seems to coexist with denervation, it could be possible that a highly developed network of interstitial cells replaces the loss of innervation in overactive detrusor.

Efficacy and safety of solifenacin succinate 10 mg once Daily: A multicenter, phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial in patients with overactive bladder

BACKGROUND

Solifenacin succinate is an antimuscarinic drug with reported efficacy and tolerability at a recommended starting dose of 5 mg QD in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this trial was to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of solifenacin 10 mg QD in patients with OAB.

METHODS

In this multicenter, Phase III, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial, patients aged ≥18 years with OAB were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive solifenacin 10 mg or placebo QD for 12 weeks. The patients were instructed to complete a micturition diary for the 3 days preceding each scheduled visit (weeks 4, 8, and 12). The primary end point was the change from baseline in the mean number of micturitions per 24 hours; secondary end points included the mean change from baseline in the number of episodes per 24 hours of urgency, incontinence, nocturnal voiding, and nocturia and the mean volume voided per micturition. Tolerability was monitored through adverse events (AEs), vital sign measurements, ECGs, laboratory assessments, and physical examination.

RESULTS

A total of 672 patients were randomized and received ≥1 dose of study drug (solifenacin, n = 340; placebo, n = 332). The mean (SE) decrease from baseline to study end in the number of micturitions per 24 hours was significantly greater in the solifenacin group compared with the placebo group (-3.0 [0.2] vs -1.5 [0.2], respectively; P < 0.001). The mean decrease in the number of episodes of incontinence was significantly greater in the solifenacin group compared with the placebo group (-2.0 [0.2] vs -1.1 [0.2]; P < 0.001), as was the mean decrease in the number of episodes of urgency (-4.1 [0.2] vs -2.1 [0.2]; P < 0.001). Of the patients with ≥1 incontinence episode per 24 hours at baseline, significantly more patients in the solifenacin group achieved complete continence at study end than did patients in the placebo group (119/225 [52.9%] vs 80/237 [33.8%]; P < 0.001). The change from baseline to study end in the mean volume voided per micturition increased significantly in the solifenacin group compared with the placebo group (47.2 vs 2.7 mL; P < 0.001). Most AEs were mild or moderate in intensity. The AEs that were most commonly reported in the solifenacin-treated group were anticholinergic in nature: dry mouth (91 [26.8%] vs 13 patients [3.9%] in the placebo group; P < 0.001); constipation (58 [17.1%] vs 11 [3.3%]; P < 0.001); and blurred vision (12 [3.5%] vs 4 [1.2%]; P < 0.05). Serious AEs (SAEs) were reported for 5 patients in the solifenacin group and 3 patients in the placebo group. In the solifenacin group, 2 patients experienced chest pain, 1 had cellulitis, 1 had dehydration, and 1 had colonic obstruction; only 1 SAE (colonic obstruction) was judged to be possibly related to the study drug. In the placebo group, 1 patient had chest pain, 1 had bacterial meningitis, and 1 had hemopericardium.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that solifenacin 10 mg QD for 12 weeks was associated with significantly reduced symptoms of OAB, including the frequency of micturition, and episodes of urgency and of incontinence. With solifenacin, the volume voided per micturition increased by 47.2 mL, and 53% of patients with ≥1 incontinence episode per 24 hours at baseline achieved complete continence. This efficacy was accompanied by a favorable safety and tolerability profile.

Overactive Bladder Syndrome: The Social and Economic Perspective

Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is a highly prevalent condition associated with a significant impairment of patients’ Quality of Life (QoL) because of its adverse effects on social, sexual, interpersonal, and professional functions. Cost-of-illness analyses showed the huge economic burden related to OAB for patients, public healthcare systems, and society, secondary to both direct and indirect costs. These types of cost analyses, however, exclude intangible costs related to QoL impairment. Recently, many novel therapies have been introduced, arising the need to apply the modern methodology of Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to new therapies in order to evaluate objectively their value in terms of both improvement in length/Quality of Life and costs. By producing information on the clinical, economic, organizational, social and ethical impact of health technologies, HTA has been used worldwide to inform decision makers at different levels in health systems. The HTA approach demonstrated, worldwide, to be a useful approach to increase the level of appropriateness in the use of medical technology and, as a consequence of that, of resources. Health utilities are instruments that allow a measurement of QoL and its integration in the economic evaluation using the Quality-of-life-Adjusted-Life-Years (QALYs) model and cost-utility analysis. The development of suitable instruments for quantifying utility in the specific group of OAB patients is vitally important to extend the application of cost-utility analysis in OAB and to guide healthcare resources allocation for this disorder. Studies are required to define the cost-effectiveness of available pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy options.

Falls risk reduction and treatment of overactive bladder symptoms with antimuscarinic agents: a scoping review

AIMS

Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are associated with falls and fractures in older adults and treatment with antimuscarinic agents may decrease this falls risk. Bladder-specific antimuscarinic agents may also adversely affect falls risk because of drug-related cognitive impairment. Thus, a tension between effective treatment, falls risk reduction, and increased falls risk is created. We conducted a scoping review to determine whether sufficient studies exist to warrant a full systematic review of falls risk reduction through treatment of OAB and to identify gaps in current research.

METHODS

Using an iterative scoping approach, a search of electronic databases was undertaken using key terms. Studies in any setting of older adults who had fallen or were at risk for falls and were provided pharmacological treatment of OAB to reduce of falls or falls risk were sought. Relevant articles were identified, reviewed, and used to map research activity regarding the pharmacological treatment of OAB in older adults and its relationship to falls and falls risk reduction.

RESULTS

Only one study met our initial inclusion criteria. Six additional studies were useful in identification research gaps, particularly in terms of outcome measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Insufficient evidence exists to recommend antimuscarinic treatment as a strategy for falls reduction, and the contribution of such agents to increased falls risk is unclear. Future studies of antimuscarinic agents for OAB must include measures of falls and falls risk and cognitive effects.

Linguistic validation of the N-QOL (ICIQ), OAB-q (ICIQ), PPBC, OAB-S and ICIQ-MLUTSsex questionnaires in 16 languages

OBJECTIVE

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent condition with a negative impact on both health-related quality of life and sexual functioning. We aimed to create and validate conceptually equivalent tools to assess OAB for use in diverse cultural and linguistic settings.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To evaluate the linguistic validity of harmonised translations of the Nocturia Quality of Life (N-QOL) questionnaire, Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q) family, Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) questionnaire, Overactive Bladder Satisfaction Questionnaire (OAB-S) and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ) Male Sexual Matters associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Questionnaire (ICIQ-MLUTSsex), bilingual (target language and English) interviewers cognitively debriefed subjects to assess their ability to paraphrase and understand the instructions, questions and responses within each questionnaire.

RESULTS

Overall item comprehension rates were 96% for the N-QOL, 98.9% for the OAB-q, 92% for the PPBC, 98.5% for the OAB-S and 94.3% for the ICIQ-MLUTSsex.

DISCUSSION

We found that the translations were well-understood by subjects, although a number of minor changes were made to the N-QOL, OAB-q, OAB-S and ICIQ-MLUTSsex translations in an effort to improve clarity and cultural appropriateness. In a few instances, the majority of subjects in a language were unable to paraphrase a specific term or phrase prior to the revisions. In several cases, problems arose from the wording of the question in the source language.

CONCLUSIONS

The translated instruments in this study demonstrated a high level of overall linguistic validity.

A multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial of a neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist for overactive bladder

PURPOSE

Neurokinin-1 receptor dependent mechanisms may regulate urinary frequency and urgency. We conducted this study to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the neurokinin-1 receptor antagonist serlopitant vs placebo or tolterodine in patients with overactive bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, 69-center trial enrolled adults with overactive bladder (8 or more average daily micturitions and 1 or more daily urge incontinence episodes). After a 1-week placebo run-in the patients were randomized to 8 weeks of daily 0.25, 1 or 4 mg serlopitant, 4 mg tolterodine extended release or placebo. Patients kept 7-day voiding diaries. The primary end point was change from baseline in micturitions per day. Secondary end points included urgency, total incontinence, urge incontinence episodes and incidence of dry mouth.

RESULTS

Of 557 patients randomized 476 completed the trial and had valid efficacy data for analysis. Mean change from baseline in daily micturitions was significantly greater for 0.25 (-1.1) and 4 mg (-1.1) serlopitant, and for tolterodine (-1.5) than for placebo (-0.5), but not for 1 mg serlopitant (-0.8). No serlopitant dose response was demonstrated. Tolterodine was numerically superior to all doses of serlopitant in mean micturitions per day and secondary end points. The incidence of dry mouth on serlopitant (3.3%) was comparable to placebo (4.6%) and lower than tolterodine (8.8%). Serlopitant was generally well tolerated.

CONCLUSIONS

Serlopitant (0.25 and 4 mg) significantly decreased the primary end point of daily micturitions but not the secondary end points compared with placebo. Serlopitant was generally well tolerated. Thus, NK-1 receptor antagonists may have a role in the treatment of overactive bladder but this compound does not offer advantages in efficacy compared to tolterodine.

Social, economic, and health utility considerations in the treatment of overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent urinary syndrome with a profound impact on quality of life (QoL) of affected patients and their family because of its adverse effects on social, sexual, interpersonal, and professional function. Cost-of-illness analyses showed the huge economic burden related to OAB for patients, public healthcare systems, and society, secondary to both direct and indirect costs; however, intangible costs related to QoL impact are usually omitted from these analyses. Recently many novel treatment modalities have been introduced and the need to apply the modern methodology of health technology assessment to these treatment strategies was immediately clear in order to evaluate objectively their value in term of both improvement in length/quality of life and costs. Health utilities are instruments that allow a measurement of QoL and its integration in the economic evaluation using the quality-adjusted life-years model and cost-utility analysis. The development of suitable instruments for quantifying utility in the specific group of OAB patients is vitally important to extend the application of cost-utility analysis in OAB and to guide healthcare resources allocation for this disorder. Studies are required to define the cost-effectiveness of available pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy options for this disorder.

Social, economic, and health utility considerations in the treatment of overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent urinary syndrome with a profound impact on quality of life (QoL) of affected patients and their family because of its adverse effects on social, sexual, interpersonal, and professional function. Cost-of-illness analyses showed the huge economic burden related to OAB for patients, public healthcare systems, and society, secondary to both direct and indirect costs; however, intangible costs related to QoL impact are usually omitted from these analyses. Recently many novel treatment modalities have been introduced and the need to apply the modern methodology of health technology assessment to these treatment strategies was immediately clear in order to evaluate objectively their value in term of both improvement in length/quality of life and costs. Health utilities are instruments that allow a measurement of QoL and its integration in the economic evaluation using the quality-adjusted life-years model and cost-utility analysis. The development of suitable instruments for quantifying utility in the specific group of OAB patients is vitally important to extend the application of cost-utility analysis in OAB and to guide healthcare resources allocation for this disorder. Studies are required to define the cost-effectiveness of available pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapy options for this disorder.

Current issues in the management of female urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence can affect the quality of life of many women at all ages. When assessing a woman with urinary incontinence, it is important to establish the type and severity of problem to allow provision of the correct type of treatment. This article highlights current issues in the diagnosis and management of this condition.

Overactive bladder syndrome in older people

The overactive bladder symptom complex (OAB) is the commonest cause of urinary incontinence in older people, and is usually due to underlying detrusor overactivity, and as such is a treatable condition. Older people are a heterogeneous group, which includes fit community-dwelling individuals and those with significant medical comorbidity; thus the requirements of care for this group are many and varied. The International Continence Society definition of the frail elderly, those aged >65 years with continence problems, who by virtue of comorbidity are house-bound or living in an institution, is clearly not applicable to all. However, many conditions begin to appear in later life and practitioners need to be aware of the need to manage these, and their treatment, when dealing with older people. Studies of medication for OAB have included the elderly and there is evidence of an equivalent benefit in younger people. The impact of treatment on the cognitively impaired and those receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is discussed.

Clinical spectrum of the osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system (OROS), an advanced oral delivery form

BACKGROUND

The osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system, OROS, is an advanced drug delivery technology that uses osmotic pressure as the driving force to deliver pharmacotherapy, usually once-daily, in several therapeutic areas.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this review is to discuss the evolution of OROS technology and examine the many therapeutic areas where OROS products are being used.

METHODS

A search of Medline and EMBASE were performed using the keywords 'OROS' and 'osmotic delivery' for the period January 1990 to June 2005. Data were also obtained from the manufacturers' websites and associated publications.

RESULTS

OROS technology has evolved over the last 30 years, resulting in four systems: the elementary osmotic pump; the two-layer osmotic push-pull tablet; the advanced longitudinally compressed tablet multilayer formulation; and, the L-OROS system. OROS technology is employed for drug delivery in many therapeutic areas including: cardiovascular medicine, endocrinology, urology, and central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics. Two calcium channel blockers utilizing OROS technology for the treatment of hypertension are nifedipine and verapamil. Glipizide extended-release is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Doxazosin is used for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, and oxybutynin for overactive bladder. Most recent developments are with drugs that affect the CNS, including the use of methylphenidate for treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, paliperidone extended-release and OROS hydromorphone, which are under clinical development for schizophrenia and chronic pain, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Drug delivery using the various OROS products can result in an improved safety profile, stable drug concentrations, uniform drug effects, and reduced dosing frequency. OROS technology has also enabled the use of an effective starting dose, without the need for dose titration, which allows the achievement of symptom control much earlier than that observed with immediate-release preparations. Such attributes can enhance patient compliance and convenience, thereby ensuring efficacy and improving patient outcomes.

Tolterodine extended release improves overactive bladder symptoms in men with overactive bladder and nocturia

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of nighttime dosing with tolterodine extended release (TER) in men with overactive bladder (OAB) and nocturia.

METHODS

This was a post hoc analysis of data from two 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of nighttime (<4 hours before bedtime) TER (4 mg daily) dosing. Men with a mean micturition frequency of eight or more times in 24 hours, including a mean of 2.5 or more nocturia episodes/night, were included. For each micturition, patients used 7-day diaries to record urinary urgency on a 5-point urgency rating scale (1, none; 2, mild; 3, moderate; 4, severe; 5, urgency urinary incontinence). Micturitions were analyzed post hoc by urgency rating categories: total (1 to 5), non-OAB (1 to 2), OAB (3 to 5), and severe OAB (4 to 5). Adverse events were recorded throughout the study.

RESULTS

A total of 745 men (mean age 64 years) were randomized to placebo (n = 374) or TER (n = 371). Of the 745 men, 73% reported no incontinence episodes in a 7-day diary at baseline. At week 12, the weekly values for nighttime severe OAB micturitions and 24-hour and daytime total, OAB, and severe OAB micturitions were significantly reduced in the TER group versus the placebo group. The TER-treated men also reported a significant reduction in the mean urgency rating versus placebo. Adverse events associated with TER were low and comparable to those in the placebo group, with the exception of dry mouth (11% versus 4%). Withdrawals because of adverse events were infrequent (3% TER, 4% placebo). Five men were withdrawn for symptoms suggestive of urinary retention (3 TER, 2 placebo).

CONCLUSIONS

Nighttime TER dosing reduced urgency-related micturitions and was well tolerated in men with OAB and nocturia.

Rehabilitation vs drug therapy for urge urinary incontinence: short-term outcome

The objective of this study was to compare the short-term effectiveness of rehabilitation treatment with a standard drug treatment for urge urinary incontinence (UUI). The study design includes parallel clinical trial in an outpatient urogynecologic clinic setting. The subjects were 44 women who suffered from UUI and who were systematically assigned to a rehabilitation group (REH) (N=24) or a medication group (MED) (N=20). The intervention for REH was consisted of five visits during a 3-month period of pelvic floor muscle training and behavioral training, whereas for MED was extended release oxybutynin at 5 mg/day, for 3 months. The urinary symptoms considered were frequency of voiding per day and night (freq/day and freq/night), number of incontinent episodes per week based on a bladder diary, and data based on the Incontinence Quality of Life Instrument (I-QoL). In the within-group comparison, both groups had improved significantly over time with respect to urinary symptoms and I-QoL (p<0.01). In addition, there was a significant group-time interaction effect on freq/day. While REH improved during the 3-month follow-up period, the MED group deteriorated to mean baseline value (p<0.01). A significant negative association was found between the urinary symptoms and the I-QoL at the end of follow-up (r (p)=-0.35 to -0.62, p<0.05). Three months after the intervention, both groups maintained the achievements of the intervention period. In addition, the REH group demonstrated additional improvement in mean freq/day while the condition of MED patients deteriorated to baseline values.

Efficacy and tolerability of solifenacin in elderly subjects with overactive bladder syndrome: A pooled analysis

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is characterized by urinary frequency and urgency with or without urge incontinence, and often accompanied by nocturia. The prevalence of OAB increases with aging; it is a particularly common condition among the elderly, affecting at least 25% of people aged > or = 65 years.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of solifenacin 5 and 10 mg once daily for treating elderly subjects with OAB.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of pooled data from 4 studies. Data were analyzed from elderly subjects (aged > or = 65 years) with OAB who were treated with solifenacin in four 12-week, double-blind, Phase III, international, multicenter, randomized, parallel-group, fixed-dose, placebo-controlled studies and from elderly subjects who received solifenacin in a 40-week, open-label, flexible-dose extension trial that enrolled subjects who completed 2 of the double-blind studies. Micturition data were collected from diaries completed during the 3 days before each study visit. Efficacy end points included mean change from baseline for the number of incontinence episodes/24 hours, urgency episodes/24 hours, number of micturitions/24 hours, and volume voided/micturition. The proportion of subjects who became continent or had no urgency episodes at end point was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean age of the subjects in the 12-week, double-blind studies (N = 1045; 781 women, 264 men) was 71.9 years; mean age in the 40-week extension trial (N = 509; 359 women, 150 men) was 71.2 years. The majority of subjects (74.7% in the 12-week, double-blind studies and 70.5% in the 40-week extension trial) were female, and >90% of the elderly subjects were white. The duration of OAB ranged from 0 to 66 months, and 43.7% had received previous medical therapy for OAB. The completion rate for elderly subjects was 85.5% for the 12-week, double-blind studies and 80.0% for the 40-week extension trial. Efficacy end points at week 12 of double-blind treatment demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the symptoms of OAB with solifenacin compared with placebo. Mean (SE) changes in number of incontinence episodes/24 hours were -1.5 (0.17) for the 5-mg dose and -1.9 (0.14) for the 10-mg dose compared with -1.0 (0.14) for placebo (P = 0.013 for the 5-mg dose and P < 0.001 for the 10-mg dose, vs placebo); mean (SE) changes in the number of urgency episodes/24 hours were -3.2 (0.27) for the 5-mg dose and -3.2 (0.19) for the 10-mg dose compared with -1.6 (0.18) for placebo (P < 0.001 for both doses vs placebo); mean (SE) changes in the number of micturitions/24 hours were -2.0 (0.17) for the 5-mg dose and -2.5 (0.13) for the 10-mg dose compared with -1.1 (0.13) for placebo (P < 0.001 for both doses vs placebo); mean (SE) changes in the volume voided/micturition were 30.2 (3.24) mL for the 5-mg dose and 46.2 (2.55) mL for the 10-mg dose, compared with 9.1 (2.39) mL for placebo (P < 0.001 for both doses vs placebo). The proportion of subjects with restoration of continence was 49.1% and 47.3% of the 5- and 10-mg treatment groups, respectively, compared with 28.9% of the placebo group (P < 0.001 for both doses vs placebo). The proportion of subjects with resolution of urgency was 34.6% and 24.9% for the 5- and 10-mg treatment groups, respectively, compared with 16.9% of the placebo group (P < 0.001 for the 5-mg dose and P < 0.01 for the 10-mg dose). Improvements in incontinence, urgency, and micturitions were maintained during the 40-week extension trial. The most common adverse events in both the double-blind and extension trials were dry mouth, constipation, and urinary tract infection. Most adverse events were mild to moderate in nature and did not result in treatment discontinuation.

CONCLUSIONS

In these pooled analyses, solifenacin 5 and 10 mg once daily were efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of these elderly subjects with OAB. Solifenacin therapy was also associated with a high level of persistence in a 40-week extension trial.

Overactive bladder: epidemiology and social impact

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Overactive bladder epidemiology is a rapidly evolving field. The new terminology of lower urinary tract function, introduced in 2002, modified the definitions of all four components of overactive bladder. In the same year, the lack of specific information on overactive bladder prevalence was identified and consequently new studies were launched and recently published.

RECENT FINDINGS

Following the new terminology, overactive bladder now includes both a purely sensory disorder and a condition related to an altered bladder behaviour. Studies conducted in selected countries and populations suggested comparable prevalence data worldwide, although the syndrome is considered to be underreported. 'Urge' is now considered the cornerstone symptom of overactive bladder. Recent epidemiological data confirm the increase in overactive bladder prevalence with age and suggest that most diet and lifestyle factors are not associated with the condition, with the exception of body mass index. Among the symptoms, urge and urinary incontinence were considered to be more significantly related to patients' quality of life compared with frequency and nocturia. The socioeconomic consequences of the overactive bladder syndrome were recently estimated in a large US study and a total cost of 12.6 billion US dollars was calculated.

SUMMARY

Specific data on overactive bladder epidemiology are now available, providing new evidence about its relevance as a clinical issue. Both wet and dry overactive bladder cause a significant reduction in quality of life. In our daily practice we have to consider that overactive bladder is frequently underreported as patients believe that no treatment is available and urinary incontinence is considered a natural consequence of aging.