Outcomes and quality of life issues in the pharmacological management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Orthostatic Hypotension in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients and Its Association With Alpha-1 Antagonist Use: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is frequently observed in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients undergoing alpha-1 adrenergic antagonist (A1AA) therapy. While previous studies have acknowledged the prevalence of OH in BPH patients on A1AAs, limited data exist on ranking the safety of different A1AAs. This comprehensive review explores the underlying mechanisms of OH, examines numerous factors influencing its development, and provides insights into effective treatment strategies such as hydration, gradual postural changes, leg exercises, compression stockings, and tilt-table training for BPH management. The review highlights the significance of individualized care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and further research to optimize A1AA treatment, improve patient outcomes, and enhance quality of life.

Top Ten Tips Palliative Care Clinicians Should Know About Urological Care

Patients receiving palliative care (PC) can present with or develop a host of urological needs or complications. These needs can include attention to sexual health, urinary incontinence, genitourinary bleeding, and urinary tract obstruction by benign, malignant, or urinary stone diseases. These varied conditions require that PC clinicians understand invasive and noninvasive medical, surgical, and radiation options for treatment. This article, written by a team of urologists, geriatricians, and PC specialists, offers information and guidance to PC teams in an accessible "Top Ten Tips" format to increase comfort with and skills around assessment, evaluation, and specialist referral for urological conditions common in the PC setting.

Effect of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on prostate volume and vascularity in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a pilot study in a canine model

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a result of urogenital aging. Recent studies suggest that an age-related impairment of the blood supply to the lower urinary tract plays a role in the development of BPH and thus may be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of BPH. The canine prostate is a model for understanding abnormal growth of the human prostate gland. We studied the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) in dogs to modify prostate blood flow and evaluated its effect on BPH.

METHODS

PEMF (5 min, twice a day for 3 weeks) was performed on 20 dogs affected by BPH. Prostatic volume, Doppler assessment by ultrasonography, libido, semen quality, testosterone levels, and seminal plasma volume, composition and pH were evaluated before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The 3 weeks of PEMF produced a significant reduction in prostatic volume (average 57%) without any interference with semen quality, testosterone levels or libido. Doppler parameters showed a reduction of peripheral resistances and a progressive reduction throughout the trial of the systolic peak velocity, end-diastolic velocity, mean velocity, mean, and peak gradient of the blood flow in the dorsal branch of the prostatic artery. The pulsatility index and the resistance index did not vary significantly over time.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of PEMF on BPH in dogs, with no side effects, suggests the suitability of this treatment in humans and supports the hypothesis that impairment of blood supply to the lower urinary tract may be a causative factor in the development of BPH.

Superselective α-adrenergic blockers versus transurethral resection of the prostate: a prospective comparison of health-related quality of life outcome after treating patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE

We prospectively evaluated the impact of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) versus superselective α-adrenergic blocker treatment on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in men with clinically diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 219 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by BPH were recruited in this study. Treatment modalities consisted of standard TURP (n = 104) and tamsulosin medical treatment (n = 115). HRQOL was assessed by SF-36-Item Health Survey 1.0. LUTS were estimated by The International Prostate Symptom Score. Patients' outcome 4 weeks after treatment was compared to pre-treatment status and to that of the other group. Statistically significant changes in each HRQOL scale from baseline to follow-up period were investigated.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups except for the duration of disease before treatment that was longer in TURP group. Both treatments resulted in statistically significant improvements from pre-treatment in all scales of QOL after 4 weeks, with no significant differences observed between the two groups. In medical treatment group, there was a significant association between higher educational level and better QOL in all 8 scales. Our outcomes revealed a significant decrease in the IPSS in both groups but this improvement was more evident in TURP group.

CONCLUSION

All scales concerning HRQOL were favorably improved 4 weeks after both surgical and medical treatment, and no significant differences were observed between these two treatment modalities for patients with symptomatic BPH. This information may aid patients when deciding which treatment option to take.

Effect of combination treatment on patient-related outcome measures in benign prostatic hyperplasia: clinical utility of dutasteride and tamsulosin

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, the fourth most commonly diagnosed medical condition in the elderly, is a major underlying cause of lower urinary tract symptoms in men. Medical therapy is usually the first therapeutic option. Combination therapy is increasingly used for better symptom relief and outcome.

METHODS

We searched the literature using the MEDLINE database for the efficacy of combination therapy in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia in terms of symptom improvement and impact on quality of life.

RESULTS

Combination therapy with dutasteride and tamsulosin not only provides better symptom improvement and improved urinary flow rate, but is also associated with a more favorable impact on quality of life and patient satisfaction with treatment than monotherapy. Combination therapy also reduces the risk of events related to disease progression, such as acute urinary retention and benign prostatic hyperplasia-related surgery.

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy with dutasteride and tamsulosin is highly efficacious as medical therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms.