Defining Causes for Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Women

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the causes for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms in women visiting a urological clinic. Methods: We prospectively recruited female patients with OAB symptoms between December 2008 and February 2010. All patients were interviewed for their detailed personal and medical history. All patients completed a 3‐day frequency‐volume chart. Symptom severity was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) questionnaires. All patients underwent either conventional pressure‐flow urodynamic studies or video‐urodynamic studies. On the basis of these evaluations, patients were assigned to one of the following categories: idiopathic OAB, stress urinary incontinence (SUI)‐associated, neurogenic bladder, or bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Results: A total of 108 female patients were recruited into the study. The mean age of the patients was 63.75 ± 14.02 years (range: 23–89). Detrusor overactivity was demonstrated in 55 patients (51%). The differential diagnosis was idiopathic OAB in 51 women (47.2%), SUI‐associated in 46 (42.6%), neurogenic bladder in 13 (12.0%) and BOO in 7 (6.5%). Conclusion: Our study suggests that the causes for OAB symptoms could be defined in half of the women visiting a urological clinic. Among them, SUI was the most common. Moreover, OAB symptoms in women might relate to BOO. Detailed history taking and sophisticated urodynamic studies are required for a substantial group of female patients with OAB symptoms to make the correct diagnosis and provide optimal therapy.     

Lower urinary tract symptoms are elevated with depression in Japanese women

Objectives

Depression might worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), but the correlation is still disputed. This study examined the influence of depression on LUTS in Japanese women.

Methods

This study used a web-based questionnaire to evaluate the mental status of depression and LUTS. The mental status of depression was evaluated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology-Japanese version (QIDS-J), and LUTS was assessed based on the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and responses to the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form.

Results

A total of 4151 of 5400 (76.9%) women responded to the questionnaire. The mean age was 48.3 ± 13.8 years. The OABSS gradually increased with the QIDS-J score. The incidence of overactive bladder (OAB) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) also increased along with the QIDS-J score. In the younger age group (20–39 years old), the risks of OAB and UUI were higher than in the elderly group (7.42 for OAB and 7.44 for UUI).

Conclusions

This study revealed that worsening of LUTS was correlated with depression.     

Clinical Impact of Solifenacin on Generic and Symptom‐Specific Quality of Life for Females with Overactive Bladder: Using the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score and Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Health Survey

Objectives: We evaluated the effectiveness of antimuscarinic treatment on disease‐specific and generic quality of life (QoL) in females with clinically diagnosed overactive bladder (OAB) by prospectively analyzing improvements in the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) and the Rand Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36). Methods: We prospectively recruited newly diagnosed female patients with OAB. Pretreatment disease‐specific symptoms were documented, and generic QoL questionnaires were administered. All subjects received solifenacin 5 mg/day for >8 weeks. Symptoms and general health‐related QoL (HRQoL) were assessed using the OABSS and SF‐36, respectively. Other objective variables, such as maximum urinary flow rate and postvoid residual urine volume, were also evaluated. Results: Seventy‐eight subjects met all inclusion criteria and no exclusion criteria. After 8 weeks, the mean OABSS decreased by approximately 50% compared with baseline (from 9.1 ± 2.8 to 4.5 ± 3.6). All individual scores in OABSS improved after administration of solifenacin. Before treatment, the scores of the study subjects in all SF‐36 domains were significantly worse than the age‐ and gender‐adjusted Japanese national norms (P < 0.01), except the vitality (VT) scale. Intra‐group comparisons between age groups showed worse mental health (MH) scores in all age groups. In the OAB group, three mean SF‐36 scales (physical function [PF], VT, and MH) significantly improved after treatment. Conclusion: Treatment of OAB with solifenacin is associated with significant improvement in generic HRQoL and disease‐specific symptoms at 8 weeks after drug administration. Particularly for generic HRQoL as measured by the SF‐36, solifenacin treatment effectively improves three SF‐36 scores: PF, VT, and MH.     

Who Would Benefit from Solifenacin Add‐On Therapy to Tamsulosin for Overactive Bladder Symptoms Associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Objectives: We evaluated the types of patient factors that influence the efficacy and safety of solifenacin add‐on therapy to tamsulosin in men with overactive bladder (OAB) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods: A total of 130 BPH patients with persistent OAB symptoms despite undergoing alpha1‐adrenagic antagonist monotherapy were enrolled in this study. Their OAB symptoms persisted after monotherapy consisting of tamsulosin 0.2 mg once daily for more than 8 weeks, followed by subsequent solifenacin 5 mg once daily. The patient backgrounds were assessed, as were the changes in their International Prostate Symptom score (IPSS), Quality of Life (QOL) index, and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) before and 8 weeks after the administration of solifenacin. Results: Total IPSS, QOL index, and OABSS improved significantly following solifenacin administration. Multivariate analyses revealed prostate volume was the only predictor that contributed to the improvement of total IPSS. In patients with prostate volume <30 mL, the improvement in total IPSS (?3.5) was superior to that for prostate volume >30 mL (?0.5; P = 0.002). The data also demonstrated that diabetes mellitus was an independent factor preventing OABSS improvement. In patients with diabetes mellitus, OABSS was not sufficiently improved (?0.6) compared to patients without diabetes (?2.1; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Solifenacin add‐on therapy to tamsulosin showed efficacy and good tolerability in BPH patients with OAB symptoms. The findings also indicated that patients with a relatively small prostate and without diabetes mellitus would receive more benefit from this therapy.     

琥珀酸索利那新治疗良性前列腺增生术后膀胱过度活动症的临床疗效观察

目的 探讨琥珀酸索利那新治疗良性前列腺增生(BPH)术后并发膀胱过度活动症(OAB)的临床疗效和安全性.方法 115例接受BPH手术的患者中,治疗组(n=58)术后第4d睡前口服索利那新治疗20 d,对照组(n=57)术后服用莨菪碱片,观察患者在拔出导尿管前后排尿情况,并以尿动力学检查、国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)和膀胱过度活动症评分(OABSS)评价患者排尿情况.结果 治疗组IPSS评分由28.3分下降到11.3分,OABSS评分由(14.2±1.2)分下降到(2.9±0.7)分(P＜0.01).对照组IPSS评分由27.3分下降到11.8分(P＜0.01),OABSS评分由(14.2±1.6)分下降到(11.3±1.1)分,治疗前后差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 BPH术后正确地使用索利那新,能缓解膀胱过度活动给患者带来的痛苦症状,有利于患者的术后康复.     

Efficacy and Safety of Propiverine and Solifenacin for the Treatment of Female Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Crossover Study

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of propiverine and solifenacin in female patients with overactive bladder (OAB). Methods: A prospective nonrandomized crossover study of propiverine 20 mg and solifenacin 5 mg was conducted. Female OAB patients were assigned alternately to treatment with propiverine for 8 weeks then solifenacin for 8 weeks (Group P‐S) or solifenacin for 8 weeks then propiverine for 8 weeks (Group S‐P). At baseline, 8th week and 16th week, symptoms were assessed using overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS). Results: A total of 121 patients were enrolled. Overall, 38 patients (31.4%) discontinued or dropped out and 83 patients were available for analysis (39 in Group P‐S and 44 in Group S‐P). In both groups, the total score and each score of OABSS were significantly improved after 8 weeks compared with baseline. In only Group P‐S (changing over from propiverine to solifenacin), urgency score in the 16th week was further improved significantly compared with the 8th week. The most bothersome symptom at baseline was urgency incontinence (50.6%), followed by urgency (37.3%). Even after symptom improvement, more than half of the patients were bothered by urgency or urgency incontinence. The incidence of adverse events of moderate and severe grade was higher during propiverine treatment than solifenacin (11.1% vs 2.9%, P = 0.039). Conclusion: Propiverine 20 mg and solifenacin 5 mg were effective for treating female OAB patients. Urgency was further improved after switching from propiverine to solifenacin, but not after switching from solifenacin to propiverine. Solifenacin was better tolerated than propiverine.     

Randomized,Single‐Blind,Parallel Study of the Effectiveness and Safety of Solifenacin versus Propiverine in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness and safety of solifenacin versus propiverine in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), in a single‐blind, randomized parallel study. Methods: Sixty‐six patients with OAB (14 men and 52 women) were randomly assigned to groups: solifenacin (5 mg/day) or propiverine (20 mg/day) and treated for 8 weeks. The primary outcome variable was mean change from baseline to end of treatment in urgency of the OAB symptom score (OABSS). Secondary outcomes were bladder diary variables: change over 24 h in the mean number of voids (daytime and nighttime), episodes of micturition urgency and incontinence, and mean volume voided. Patients also completed total OABSS and the King's Health questionnaires. Results: Group backgrounds were comparable except for the male to female proportion; 11:22 for solifenacin (n = 33) versus 3:30 for propiverine (n = 33). Adverse events were 6 of 29 (21%) for solifenacin versus 14 of 26 (54%) for propiverine (P = 0.017). Three patients were withdrawn for voiding difficulty (one in solifenacin and two in propiverine) and one patient for dry mouth (propiverine group). Change in OABSS urgency score was ?2.3 ± 1.4 for solifenacin (n = 28) versus ?1.3 ± 1.7 for propiverine (n = 23), (P = 0.0169). Total OABSS and other individual scores, and voiding diary parameters for both drugs showed improvements; however, between‐group difference was not established. Conclusion: Although both solifenacin 5 mg and propiverine 20 mg were effective in the treatment of OAB, solifenacin appeared to be more effective and tolerable.     

Medical Causes of Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB), defined as a symptom complex consisting of urgency, with or without urge incontinence, in the absence of urinary tract infection or other obvious pathology, is a diagnosis affecting millions of Americans and patients around the world and is associated with significant secondary morbidity and mortality. The economic burden and prevalence of OAB is increasing in the United States, and its underlying etiology can be attributed to multiple factors. In addition to aging, pelvic floor weakness and bladder outlet obstruction, a number of medical conditions can lead to the symptoms of overactive bladder. Recognition and proper management of associated medical conditions can lead to improved patient outcomes and decreased expenditure of healthcare resources.     

Future Directions in Overactive Bladder Treatment

Overactive bladder (OAB) remains a remarkably common urologic condition resulting in significant clinical and economic sequelae. Although likely underestimated, the overall prevalence of overactive bladder is projected to be between 15% and 38%. The mainstay of therapy for decades has revolved around anticholinergic pharmaceuticals. However, recent advances in bladder and urothelial physiology have dramatically expanded the treatment options available for OAB management. Herein we present an overview of several emerging options for OAB therapy and review the available literature regarding these therapies. Despite substantial investment into OAB treatment, we are witness to but the genesis of research on detrusor function and urothelial biology that will guide practitioner interventions in the coming decades. Immense opportunity exists for future evaluation of OAB pathophysiology to advance our knowledge regarding management of this multifactorial urologic disorder.     

Mirabegron versus vibegron in previously untreated female patients with overactive bladder: A randomized,single-clinic,open-label trial

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of mirabegron compared with vibegron (both 50 mg once daily) in Japanese female patients with symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

This prospective, 12-week, two-arm, parallel-group, open-label randomized trial (UMIN000038288) was conducted at a single clinic from December 2019 to September 2022. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the change in mean total overactive bladder symptom scores (OABSSs) from baseline to end of treatment (EOT) (Week 12). The secondary efficacy outcome measures were changes in mean International Prostate Symptom Score from baseline to EOT, the ratio of patients who achieved a minimal clinically important change (MCIC) of total OABSS, and individual domains of the King's Health Questionnaire. Safety assessments, such as adverse events (AEs), postvoid residual volume, and patient-reported incidences, were recorded at every visit.

Results

There was no statistically significant adjusted mean difference between mirabegron and vibegron in terms of the primary outcome of the mean change from baseline to EOT in the total OABSS. The difference in the percentage of patients in the mirabegron and vibegron groups achieving an MCIC on the total OABSS was not statistically significant but appeared to be clinically important. The incidence of treatment-related AEs was significantly higher for the vibegron group (38.5%) than the mirabegron group (19.1%) (p = .047).

Conclusions

These results showed that both drugs were effective in female OAB patients, with no significant differences in terms of efficacy. However, the safety of vibegron requires further investigation.     

The Effectiveness of Bladder Training in Overactive Bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is often a cause of depression, social isolation and a decline in general health and quality of life. The International Consultation on Incontinence guidelines recommend pharmacotherapy and behavioral therapy as a first-line therapy in OAB patients. Behavioral therapy modalities include dietary modification, pelvic floor muscle exercise, biofeedback, and bladder training (BT) among other bladder control programs. Pharmacotherapy and neuromodulation can be added if these measures fail to control symptoms. Behavioral intervention is suitable for primary care setting. The efficacy of BT on OAB symptoms has been reported as resolution of symptoms ranging from 12 % to 90 %, and improvement ranging from 57 % to 87 %. However, such protocols for BT vary from study to study, and not many studies report on its efficacy on OAB. Considering the increasing prevalence of OAB and the increasing need for a systematized protocol for BT we aimed to provide an overview of evidence supporting BT for OAB patients, to examine its efficacy, and to provide useful information on its clinical application.     

Relationship between Toe Temperature and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Objective: Cold stress can elicit increases in urinary urgency and frequency. We determined if there was a relationship between finger and toe temperatures and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Methods: We studied 50 people who visited a public health management seminar. The participants were divided into two groups according to self‐described sensitivity to cold stress. The cold non‐sensitive (CNS) group consisted of 3 males and 20 females (66.9 ± 10.8 years old), and the cold sensitive (CS) group consisted of 4 males and 23 females (65.8 ± 8.01 years old). Each participant was assessed to determine international prostate symptom score (IPSS), overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS), and quality of life (QOL) score. They were then instructed on lifestyle changes and exercises that could improve peripheral blood flow and provide relief for their LUTS. Next, the temperatures of their middle fingers and toes were measured before and after 5–10 min of the exercises. Two weeks later, the IPSS, OABSS, and QOL scores were reassessed. Results: Before exercise, the middle fingers were significantly warmer than the middle toes. Exercise had no significant effect on the middle finger temperature of either group; however, it did increase the middle toe temperature for both groups. The increase was greatest for the CS group. The CS group had higher LUTS storage symptoms than the CNS group, and these improved after 2 weeks of lifestyle changes and exercise. Conclusion: Improvements in lifestyle and daily exercise may be effective for LUTS in CS people.     

Male bladder control problems: a guide to assessment

Overactive bladder is a common health problem that affects millions of men and women. Despite its prevalence, provider knowledge is lacking with regard to evaluation and treatment modalities. Although bladder control problems are less common in men than in women, the burden of incontinence may be more significant. In men presenting with symptoms of urgency and frequency, a differential diagnosis between overactive bladder and benign prostatic disease must be made because their cause and treatment are different. Empiric treatment of urgency symptoms may cause them to worsen if the diagnosis is not correct. Symptom assessment should include a medical history, physical examination, urinalysis, and post void residual study. Over the past several years, many new medications have become available to treat both overactive bladder and benign prostatic disease. These medications, in combination with behavioral interventions, are safe and effective. The evaluation and treatment of men with symptoms of overactive bladder and/or incontinence is discussed.     

Comparison of Outcome Assessments in Patients with Overactive Bladder Receiving Anticholinergics

Objectives: Patient‐reported outcomes (PRO) reflect treatment benefits from the patient's perspective, and are a subjective method of evaluating the efficacy of overactive bladder (OAB) treatment. We examined the changes in voiding diaries and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) according to patient‐perceived treatment benefits in patients with OAB receiving propiverine. Methods: Thirty‐two patients (mean age ± S.D: 55.1 ± 14.1 years) with OAB were treated with 20 mg propiverine once daily for 12 weeks. The 3‐day voiding diary and the Korean version of the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABq), which includes an eight‐item bothersome symptom scale, as well as 25 HRQL items, were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Finally, patient perception of treatment benefit was evaluated as “no benefit,”“little benefit,” or “much benefit” after treatment. Results: According to patients' perceptions of treatment benefits, 16 (50%) patients perceived “much benefit” from their treatment (group A) and 16 (50%) patients perceived “little benefit” or “no benefit” from their treatment (group B). In both groups, there were significant improvements in the micturation parameters, OABq bothersome symptoms, and total HRQL score after 12 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). Although there were no significant differences in the voiding diary parameters between the two groups, patients in group A showed significant improvement of the OABq bothersome symptom and total HRQL score compared to group B (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Anticholinergic treatment improves both OAB symptoms and HRQL, and patients' perceptions of treatment benefits correlate better with the OABq than with the voiding diary parameters.     

Update on Overactive Bladder in Children—Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports 2012, 7:27–32

Overactive bladder in children is a prevalent disorder with a significant impact on the quality of life of those that it affects. It may present with a variety of different symptoms ranging from frequency and urgency to daytime urinary incontinence or nocturnal enuresis. In instances of overactive bladder in children without anatomic or neurological abnormalities, the root cause has been linked to dysfunctional elimination syndrome. A perfect therapy remains elusive for this disorder, and many recalcitrant cases remain. In the following, we will seek to address the causes of pediatric overactive bladder, how it can be prevented, and some novel theories on how it can be most efficaciously treated.     

Pharmacologic management of overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a prevalent and costly condition that can affect any age group. Typical symptoms include urinary urgency, frequency, incontinence and nocturia. OAB occurs as a result of abnormal contractions of the bladder detrusor muscle caused by the stimulation of certain muscarinic receptors. Therefore, antimuscarinic agents have long been considered the mainstay of pharmacologic treatment for OAB. Currently, there are five such agents approved for the management of OAB in the United States: oxybutynin, tolterodine, trospium, solifenacin and darifenacin. This article summarizes the efficacy, contraindications, precautions, dosing and common side effects of these agents. All available clinical trials on trospium, solifenacin and darifenacin were reviewed to determine its place in therapy.     

Clinical Differences Between Solifenacin and Tolterodine

Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by involuntary detrusor contractions that result in bothersome urinary symptoms. The estimated US prevalence of OAB is 16% among men and 16.9% among women, comprising some 37.4 million Americans. The mainstay of treatment is medication. Although all drugs have variable degrees of efficacy and tolerability, several have emerged that yield good clinical results with tolerable side effects. This review focuses on two frequently prescribed drugs, solifenacin and tolterodine, and compares their clinical efficacy. A PubMed review was conducted with “solifenacin” and “tolterodine” as search words. Articles that compared the two medications were reviewed for content and number of study participants. Those with the most relevant findings and the highest number of participants were included. Both solifenacin and tolterodine show clinical efficacy for the treatment of OAB. Solifenacin seems to have better results in some series, with similar side effects. Antimuscarinic therapy is effective as OAB treatment. Both solifenacin and tolterodine have good clinical efficacy. However, in head—to-head trials, solifenacin seems to have somewhat better outcomes. Solifenacin, 5 mg, has less reported dry mouth than tolterodine, but at 10 mg, the incidence of dry mouth is similar.     

Overactive Bladder in Female Patients with Chronic Diseases Visiting Primary Care Doctors: Effect of Age on Prevalence and Bothersomeness

Objectives: We evaluated the effects of age on the prevalence and bothersomeness of overactive bladder (OAB) in female patients with chronic diseases visiting primary care doctors. Methods: We used the pooled data of the SURPRISE survey in which 121 doctors and 1388 female patients aged 40 years or older responded to questionnaires. Results: The OAB prevalence rate in patients was estimated by doctors to be 9.5%. However, the OAB prevalence rate according to patients, as defined by the OAB symptom score, was 22.3%. The rate was increased with age. The number of patients with OAB was much higher than estimated by doctors. Approximately 25% of patients were dissatisfied with their present urinary condition. The rate was increased with age. Dissatisfaction with present urinary condition was strongly correlated with severe urgency score in all age groups. In elderly patients, contribution of urgency incontinence and nocturia to dissatisfaction was also increased. Thirteen percent of patients were receiving treatment for their OAB. However, 15.8% were untreated, regardless of having OAB, suggesting that treated patients comprise less than half of all OAB patients. This tendency was observed in all age groups. In the correlation between satisfaction with pharmacological treatment and each OAB symptom, contribution of urgency to satisfaction with pharmacological treatment was the highest. Conclusion: Urgency is the most bothersome symptom and shows the highest contribution to treatment satisfaction. In elderly patients, urgency incontinence and nocturia are proportionally greater problems. Management of urgency is essential for improving quality of life and satisfaction with treatment in OAB patients.     

Current Understanding of the Interplay between Oab & Bph

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are very common and bothersome to men. For many years all male LUTS, even the storage ones, were attributed to the prostate, which was the target of therapeutic approaches. Increasing knowledge of the contribution of bladder dysfunction to LUTS pathophysiology has brought into focus detrusor overactivity (DO) and its treatments. Available data indicate that in many cases DO and overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are secondary to bladder outlet obstruction (BOO), due to prostatic disease. Accumulating evidence also suggests that the two pathologies may coexist because they share etiologic factors. Despite the prevalence of storage symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), antimuscarinics, the main treatment for OAB, were infrequently used because of fear of urinary retention. Available clinical trials indicate that the addition of an antimuscarinic to prostate-targeted treatments, or treatment initiation with a combination regimen, is safe in terms of urinary retention and offers improvements in storage symptoms. Nevertheless, the improvement in overall quality of life is modest. Criteria for the selection of patients likely to benefit most from the addition of antimuscarinics to common BPH treatments are lacking.