Dose-ranging study of tolterodine in patients with detrusor hyperreflexia

Detrusor relaxing agents for neurogenic detrusor overactivity: a systematic review, meta-analysis and network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the evidence regarding the therapeutic benefits and safety of oral detrusor relaxing agents (DRAs) in treating neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed on 1 September 2022. Two authors independently reviewed the articles to extract data using a pre-designed form. The meta-analysis was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A common-effect or random-effects model was used based on the heterogeneity among studies. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was further performed to make indirect comparisons of antimuscarinics and mirabegron.

RESULTS

A total of 23 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comprising 1697 patients were included in our analysis. Compared to placebo, the clinical benefits of oral DRAs, along with more adverse events (AEs), were demonstrated in the treatment of NDO. In the subgroup analysis, antimuscarinics significantly improved both urodynamic and bladder diary outcomes (including urinary incontinence episodes, urinary frequency, and residual volume), with a higher rate of AEs, such as xerostomia. Mirabegron improved some of the parameters and had fewer bothersome side-effects in patients with NDO. The NMA showed that none of the antimuscarinics or mirabegron was superior or inferior to the other.

CONCLUSIONS

Detrusor relaxing agents are associated with improved outcomes in patients with NDO and our analysis has added new evidence regarding antimuscarinics. Evidence concerning mirabegron as first-line therapy for NDO is still limited. Well-designed RCTs are still required in this specific population.

Oral anticholinergic drugs versus placebo or no treatment for managing overactive bladder syndrome in adults

BACKGROUND

Around 16% of adults have symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB; urgency with frequency and/or urge incontinence), with prevalence increasing with age. Anticholinergic drugs are commonly used to treat this condition. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2002 and last updated in 2006.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of anticholinergic drugs compared with placebo or no treatment for treating overactive bladder syndrome in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Specialised Register, which contains trials identified from the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP and handsearching of journals and conference proceedings (searched 14 January 2020), and the reference lists of relevant articles. We updated this search on 3 May 2022, but these results have not yet been fully incorporated.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised or quasi-randomised trials in adults with overactive bladder syndrome that compared an anticholinergic drug alone with placebo treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed eligibility and extracted data from the included studies, including an assessment of the risk of bias. We assessed the certainty of the body of evidence using the GRADE approach. We processed data as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 104 studies, 71 of which were new or updated for this version of the review. Although 12 studies did not report the number of participants, there were 47,106 people in the remainder of the included studies. The majority of the studies had insufficient information to allow judgement of risk of bias and we judged them to be unclear for all domains. Nine anticholinergic drugs were included in these studies: darifenacin; fesoterodine; imidafenacin; oxybutynin; propantheline; propiverine; solifenacin; tolterodine and trospium. No studies were found that compared anticholinergic drugs to no treatment. At the end of the treatment period, anticholinergics may slightly increase condition-specific quality of life (mean difference (MD) 4.41 lower, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.28 lower to 3.54 lower (scale range -100 to 0); 12 studies, 6804 participants; low-certainty evidence). Anticholinergics are probably better than placebo in terms of patient perception of cure or improvement (risk ratio (RR) 1.38, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.66; 9 studies, 8457 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), and the mean number of urgency episodes per 24-hour period (MD 0.85 lower, 95% CI 1.03 lower to 0.67 lower; 23 studies, 16,875 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Compared to placebo, anticholinergics may result in an increase in dry mouth adverse events (RR 3.50, 95% CI 3.26 to 3.75; 66 studies, 38,368 participants; low-certainty evidence), and may result in an increased risk of urinary retention (RR 3.52, 95% CI 2.04 to 6.08; 17 studies, 7862 participants; low-certainty evidence). Taking anticholinergics may be more likely to lead to participants withdrawing from the studies due to adverse events (RR 1.37, 95% CI 1.21 to 1.56; 61 studies, 36,943 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, taking anticholinergics probably reduces the mean number of micturitions per 24-hour period compared to placebo (MD 0.85 lower, 95% CI 0.98 lower to 0.73 lower; 30 studies, 19,395 participants; moderate-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The use of anticholinergic drugs by people with overactive bladder syndrome results in important but modest improvements in symptoms compared with placebo treatment. In addition, recent studies suggest that this is generally associated with only modest improvement in quality of life. Adverse effects were higher with all anticholinergics compared with placebo. Withdrawals due to adverse effects were also higher for all anticholinergics except tolterodine. It is not known whether any benefits of anticholinergics are sustained during long-term treatment or after treatment stops.

The effectiveness and safety of oral medications, onabotulinumtoxinA (three doses) and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation as non or minimally invasive treatment for the management of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in adults: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Oral medications, onabotulinumtoxinA injections, and transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (TTNS) are recommended by the American Urological Association/Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction guidelines as non or minimally invasive treatments for patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) without treatment hierarchy.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to compare and rank the effectiveness and safety of oral medications, three doses of onabotulinumtoxinA, and TTNS on improving urodynamic outcomes in patient-reported outcomes and safety outcomes in patients with NDO.

METHODS

The authors searched PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Medicine, and clinicaltrials.gov, from their inception to October 2022 and included randomized controlled studies on the drug, onabotulinumtoxinA, and TTNS for the treatment of patients with NDO. Outcomes included urodynamic parameters, voiding diary, quality of life changes, adverse event rate and postvoid residual.

RESULTS

A total of 26 articles and 2938 patients were included in the statistics. Regarding effectiveness, all interventions except TTNS and α-blockers were statistically different for the placebo group. The urodynamic outcome and patient-reported outcome suggested that onabotulinumtoxinA injection (urodynamic outcome: onabotulinumtoxinA 200 U, the mean surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA): 87.4; patient-reported outcome: onabotulinumtoxinA 100 U, mean SUCRA: 89.8) was the most effective treatment, and the safety outcome suggested that TTNS (SUCRA: 83.3) was the safest. Cluster analysis found that antimuscarinics and β3-adrenoceptor-agonists possessed good effectiveness and safety.

CONCLUSION

OnabotulinumtoxinA injection is probably the most effective way to treat patients with NDO, with increasing effectiveness but decreasing safety as the dose rises. The effectiveness of α-blockers and TTNS was not statistically different from the placebo group. Antimuscarinics and β3-adrenoceptor-agonists have good effectiveness and safety.

Efficacy, according to urodynamics, of OnabotulinumtoxinA compared with antimuscarinic drugs, for neurogenic detrusor overactivity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

To summarize the differences in urodynamic outcomes between oral antimuscarinic drugs and OnabotulinumtoxinA, and finding a therapy that maintains good urodynamics in neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). We conducted a literature search of EMBASE and PubMed, with the language limited to English. In the analysis, all of the published randomized trials of OnabotulinumtoxinA or antimuscarinic drugs used to treat NDO were found and the results were finally obtained through Bayesian model analysis. A total of 12 RCTs and 2208 patients were included. OnabotulinumtoxinA 300U was superior to other drugs in terms of MCC, volume at IDC, and Pdet_max endpoints. OnabotulinumtoxinA 200U was more effective on the urodynamic endpoint of BC than other drugs or doses of OnabotulinumtoxinA. According to the MCC urodynamic results, oxybutynin, solifenacin 10 mg, and tolterodine 4 mg also had positive effects. OnabotulinumtoxinA 300U, 200U and 100U were better in improving the urodynamic results of NDO, and the current evidence also shows that selective injection of onabotulinumtoxinA can effectively improve the urodynamic results.

Neurogenic bladder - concepts and treatment recommendations

Introduction:

Bladder and urinary sphincter malfunctioning that results from some change in the central and/or peripheral nervous system is defined as neurogenic bladder. The urinary tract symptoms that can be related to its filling, emptying, or both have a significant impact on the quality of life of individuals. The present review was based on the document prepared for the public health system in Brazil as a treatment guidelines proposal.

Material and Methods:

Survey questions were structured as per PICO (Population, Intervention, Control, and Outcome). Search strategies were defined and performed in the MEDLINE/Pubmed, Embase, Epistemonikos and Google Scholar databases. The selection of articles followed the evidence hierarchy concept; evidence body was identified, and the quantitative study data were extracted. The quality of evidence and grade of recommendation were qualitatively assessed according to GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations).

Results:

A total of 2.707 articles were identified, with 49 of them being selected to compose the basis for this review. Neurogenic bladder treatments were classified according to their focus on filling or emptying symptoms and sub- classified in pharmacological and surgical treatments.

Conclusion:

Treatment guidelines are important tools for the public health system to promote the best practice when treating neurogenic bladder patients.

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.

Factors influencing efficacy endpoints in clinical trials for new oral medicinal treatments for overactive bladder: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom-based disease; therefore, clinical trials to evaluate treatments for OAB employ a range of efficacy endpoints. Since factors that influence efficacy endpoints can affect trial outcomes, their identification could aid in the design of future OAB clinical trials. We investigated factors influencing different efficacy endpoints used in clinical trials with OAB patients and examined their characteristics to determine future clinical trial strategies for new medicinal treatments for OAB.

METHODS

Data from placebo-controlled double-blind trials in patients with OAB were extracted via a systematic literature review. The integrated differences for efficacy endpoints were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Q statistic and I² statistic. Factors influencing efficacy endpoints were identified through univariate and multivariate meta-regression analyses.

RESULTS

Forty-one controlled trials were analyzed. Substantial heterogeneity between studies was observed for each efficacy endpoint (P > 0.001, I² > 70%). We found with multivariate meta-regression analysis that period of recording in a bladder diary and year of publication were significantly likely to influence the change from baseline in the mean number of urgency episodes in 24 h, year of publication and gender were significantly likely to influence the change from baseline in the mean number of micturitions in 24 h, and gender was significantly likely to influence the change from baseline in the mean volume voided per micturition. In contrast, there were no factors significantly associated with change from baseline in the mean number of incontinence episodes in 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified that change from baseline in the mean number of incontinence episodes in 24 h should serve as a relatively stable endpoint. In contrast, we identified factors influencing other endpoints, and the identified factors should be taken into account when planning and conducting future clinical trials.

An integrative review of standardized clinical evaluation tool utilization in anticholinergic drug trials for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

STUDY DESIGN

To review prospective and randomized trials studying anticholinergic therapy for neurogenic bladder in SCI to identify whether trials included standardized clinical evaluation tools and reporting measures now recognized to enhance clinical trial data.

METHODS

A systematic search via EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), HTA (Health Technology Assessment), CMR (Comprehensive Microbial Resource), HAPI (Health and Psychosocial Instruments) and PsycINFO using the key term spinal cord injury crossed with oxybutynin, tolterodine, darifenacin, solifenacin, fesoterodine, trospium chloride, propiverine, propantheline and anticholinergic(s) for 1946-2015 inclusive. We then collated whether standardized clinical tools, measures and descriptors were used within each study identified: American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale; symptom scores validated in SCI; technical methodology for urodynamics/video urodynamics; urinary diaries; and standardized urologic terminology.

RESULTS

A total of 1225 entries with 610 unique articles were identified, 14 randomized and 16 prospective studies. In 6/30 the population comprised SCI patients with neurogenic bladder alone; the remainder included mixed neurogenic etiologies. Classification using the ASIA impairment scale was used in <10% of studies; none used symptom scores validated in SCI; <50% reported urodynamic test methodology fully, incorporated urinary diaries or used International Continence Society Standardization Subcommittee urinary tract terminology.

CONCLUSION

Integrative review of trials from 1946 to 2015 identified infrequent use of standardized clinical evaluation tools and reporting measures. Data from future trials evaluating therapies for neurogenic bladder would likely be more applicable to specific SCI patients if current standardized classification and descriptors now available were used consistently: for example, the ASIA scale, symptom scores validated in SCI, standardized urodynamic methodology, urinary diaries and urinary tract terminology. Studies recruiting SCI patients exclusively would also provide additional benefit.

Potential Primary Endpoint for Exploratory Clinical Trial in Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Literature Review

OBJECTIVES

To identify a potential primary endpoint in an early-phase exploratory trial among key overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

METHODS

Placebo-controlled double-blinding trials in patients with OAB were extracted for systematic literature review. The correlation between key OAB symptoms recorded in bladder diaries and coefficient of variation (CV) in each study were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty-one controlled trials were extracted for the present review. Mean number of urgency episodes in 24 h was substantially associated with mean number of urgency incontinence episodes in 24 h, mean volume voided per micturition, and mean number of micturitions in 24 h (Spearman's r = 0.725, -0.661, and 0.657, respectively). Mean number of micturitions in 24 h was also substantially associated with mean volume voided per micturition (Spearman's r = -0.674). Mean number of incontinence episodes in 24 h was substantially associated with mean number of urgency incontinence episodes in 24 h and mean volume voided per micturition (Spearman's r = 0.840 and -0.628, respectively). The median CV of mean volume voided per micturition in each trial was the smallest among all endpoints.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that volume voided per micturition is a useful symptom for evaluating OAB candidate compounds in a small sample size and represents an effective primary endpoint, especially in exploratory clinical trials.

Medical management of neurogenic bladder with oral therapy

This is a review of the most current literature on medical management of the neurogenic bladder (NGB) to treat detrusor overactivity (DO), improve bladder compliance and treat urinary incontinence. The use of antimuscarinics, alpha blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, desmopressin and mirabegron will be discussed along with combination therapy to improve efficacy. These medical therapies will be the focus of this review with surgical therapy and botulinum toxin injections being the subject of other articles in this series.

Neurogenic detrusor overactivity in adults: a review on efficacy, tolerability and safety of oral antimuscarinics

OBJECTIVES

This review analyzed efficacy, tolerability and safety of oral antimuscarinic (AM) drugs in adults suffering from neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).

METHODS

A comprehensive search of major literature bases was conducted to identify all references.

RESULTS

Thirty studies, thereof 16 randomized controlled trials (RCT), enrolling 1479 patients were identified and included in the review. Results were grouped in dose-finding, placebo- and active-controlled, flexible dose and combined high-dose AM drugs, and various studies. Key urodynamic outcome parameters, such as maximum detrusor pressure and maximum cystometric bladder capacity, demonstrated the efficacy of AM in NDO, following 2-3 weeks of treatment. Contrary to idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO), no placebo effects manifested. Other important parameters, such as impact on the upper urinary tract function and morphology, issues of continence, post-void residual urine, catheterisation, urinary tract infections and quality of life, were investigated to a limited extent only. Incidence rates of adverse events were comparable for NDO and IDO. Most of the studies, especially RCT, were undertaken with oxybutynin immediate release (IR), trospium chloride IR, propiverine IR and propiverine extended release. In NDO, these drugs are best investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

AM drugs are effective in NDO, they normalize the intravesical pressure and increase cystometric bladder capacity. However, other important parameters are not adequately investigated so far and should be recognized in future studies.

Tolterodine for the treatment of urge urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION

Overactive bladder (OAB) and its resultant urge urinary incontinence (UUI) are significant problems that medically, psychologically and financially affect people. The constellation of symptoms comprising OAB affects ∼ 16% of the adult population and its prevalence increases with aging. The typical class of medications used to treat OAB is antimuscarinics.

AREAS COVERED

OAB medications, with a focus on tolterodine for the treatment of UUI are reviewed. A thorough review of English language literature using EMBASE/Medline and PubMed has been performed.

EXPERT OPINION

Tolterodine provides a reasonable starting point when treating patients with OAB and UUI. Efficacy and tolerability are generally comparable between tolterodine and other newer antimuscarinics. Tolterodine is a good option as part of the algorithm in the treatment of OAB and UUI.

Efficacy and tolerability of combined medication of two different antimuscarinics for treatment of adults with idiopathic overactive bladder in whom a single agent antimuscarinic therapy failed

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have investigated a combination of two antimuscarinics for adult neurogenic bladder managed with clean intermittent catheterization or pediatric refractory overactive bladder (OAB). We assessed the efficacy and tolerability of this strategy in adults with idiopathic OAB.

METHODS

We reviewed 49 patients with idiopathic OAB who received combined antimuscarinic medication. Patients had serially received different kinds of antimuscarinics as monotherapy, but wished to take combined medication due to a lack of sufficient subjective improvement in urgency, even with dosage escalation. Efficacy was measured by changes of episodes of urgency, daytime voiding, nocturia and mean voided volume before and after the addition of the second antimuscarinic.

RESULTS

The mean duration of combined medication was 9.3 months. After adding the second antimuscarinic, urgency per day decreased from 3.8 to 1.9 (p < 0.001) and daytime voiding decreased from 10.4 to 7.4 (p < 0.001). The number of nocturia episodes and the mean voided volume also improved, although there was no statistical significance. Efficacy did not differ between the 29 cases, with non-selective and non-selective drugs and 20 cases with non-selective and M3 selective drugs. Thirty-three (67.3%) patients reported to have benefited from combined medication. Maximal flow rate and post-void residual volume did not change in either of the sexes. Eleven (22.4%) patients discontinued the combination due to continued ineffectiveness and dry mouth.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study suggests that combined medication can help adults with refractory idiopathic OAB. Combined medication was tolerated in most of our patients.

Anticholinergic drugs versus non-drug active therapies for non-neurogenic overactive bladder syndrome in adults

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder syndrome is defined as urgency with or without urgency incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia. Pharmacotherapy with anticholinergic drugs is often the first line medical therapy, either alone or as an adjunct to various non-pharmacological therapies after conservative options such as reducing intake of caffeine drinks have been tried. Non-pharmacologic therapies consist of bladder training, pelvic floor muscle training with or without biofeedback, behavioural modification, electrical stimulation and surgical interventions.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of anticholinergic drugs with various non-pharmacologic therapies for non-neurogenic overactive bladder syndrome in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 4 September 2012), which includes searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and MEDLINE, and the reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised or quasi-randomised, controlled trials of treatment with anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder syndrome or urgency urinary incontinence in adults in which at least one management arm involved a non-drug therapy. Trials amongst patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors evaluated the trials for appropriateness for inclusion and risk of bias. Two authors were involved in the data extraction. Data extraction was based on predetermined criteria. Data analysis was based on standard statistical approaches used in Cochrane reviews.

MAIN RESULTS

Twenty three trials were included with a total of 3685 participants, one was a cross-over trial and the other 22 were parallel group trials. The duration of follow up varied from two to 52 weeks. The trials were generally small and of poor methodological quality. During treatment, symptomatic improvement was more common amongst those participants on anticholinergic drugs compared with bladder training in seven small trials (73/174, 42% versus 98/172, 57% not improved: risk ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.61 to 0.91). Augmentation of bladder training with anticholinergics was also associated with more improvements than bladder training alone in three small trials (23/85, 27% versus 37/79, 47% not improved: risk ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.38 to 0.88). However, it was less clear whether an anticholinergic combined with bladder training was better than the anticholinergic alone, in three trials (for example 74/296, 25% versus 95/306, 31% not improved: risk ratio 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.62 to 1.04). The other information on whether combining behavioural modification strategies with an anticholinergic was better than the anticholinergic alone was scanty and inconclusive. Similarly, it was unclear whether these complex strategies alone were better than anticholinergics alone.In this review, seven small trials comparing an anticholinergic to various types of electrical stimulation modalities such as Intravaginal Electrical Stimulation (IES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), the Stoller Afferent Nerve Stimulation System (SANS) neuromodulation and percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) were identified. Subjective improvement rates tended to favour the electrical stimulation group in three small trials (54% not improved with the anticholinergic versus 28/86, 33% with electrical stimulation: risk ratio 0.64, 95% confidence interval 1.15 to 2.34). However, this was statistically significant only for one type of stimulation, percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation (risk ratio 2.21, 95% confidence interval 1.13 to 4.33), and was not supported by significant differences in improvement, urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, incontinence episodes or quality of life.The most commonly reported adverse effect among anticholinergics was dry mouth, although this did not necessarily result in withdrawal from treatment. For all comparisons there were too few data to compare symptoms or side effects after treatment had ended. However, it is unlikely that the effects of anticholinergics persist after stopping treatment. 

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The use of anticholinergic drugs in the management of overactive bladder syndrome is well established when compared to placebo treatment. During initial treatment of overactive bladder syndrome there was more symptomatic improvement when (a) anticholinergics were compared with bladder training alone, and (b) anticholinergics combined with bladder training were compared with bladder training alone. Limited evidence from small trials might suggest electrical stimulation is a better option in patients who are refractory to anticholinergic therapy, but more evidence comparing individual types of electrostimulation to the most effective types of anticholinergics is required to establish this. These results should be viewed with caution in view of the different classes and varying doses of individual anticholinergics used in this review. Anticholinergics had well recognised side effects, such as dry mouth.

Efficacy and adverse events of antimuscarinics for treating overactive bladder: network meta-analyses

CONTEXT

Millions of people worldwide experience overactive bladder (OAB), and antimuscarinics are the pharmacologic treatment of choice. Several conventional meta-analyses have been published, but they fail to quantify efficacy and adverse events across drugs, dosages, formulations, and pharmaceutical forms.

OBJECTIVE

To perform two network meta-analyses summarizing the efficacy and adverse events of antimuscarinics in the treatment of OAB.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Medline and Scopus searches, previous systematic reviews, conference abstracts, book chapters, and the reference lists of relevant articles were searched. Trialists were contacted. Eligible studies were randomized trials that compared at least one antimuscarinic for treating OAB with placebo or with another antimuscarinic, and that reported efficacy and/or adverse event outcomes. Efficacy was assessed for six outcomes (perception of cure or improvement, urgency episodes per 24h, leakage episodes per 24h, urgency incontinence episodes per 24h, micturitions per 24h, and nocturia episodes per 24h). Adverse events were assessed in seven categories according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events. Across all outcomes, a summary efficacy and an adverse event score were computed. Two authors independently extracted data.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

For the comparison of the efficacy, 76 trials enrolling 38 662 patients were included; for adverse events, 90 trials enrolling 39 919 patients were included. In the subset of studies reporting on treatments and dosages as used in clinical practice, 40 mg/d trospium chloride, 100mg/g per day oxybutynin topical gel, and 4 mg/d fesoterodine had the best efficacy, while higher dosages of orally administered oxybutynin and propiverine had the least favorable relationship of efficacy and adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study allowing trade-offs between efficacy and adverse events of various drugs and dosages in the treatment of patients with OAB. Differences among the various antimuscarinics call for careful, patient-centered management in which regimen changes should be considered.

Oxybutynin and tolterodine for treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity: a pharmacoeconomic evaluation in the Brazilian context

Antimuscarinic agents are the first-line choice for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). The currently available antimuscarinic drugs have been widely studied in patients presenting idiopathic detrusor overactivity; however, investigations evaluating the effects of these drugs on NDO are scant, particularly with regard to cost-effectiveness analyses. A pharmacoeconomic evaluation was performed to compare the costs and effectiveness of oxybutynin and tolterodine in two different formulations, extended (ER) and immediate-release (IR), for the treatment of NDO (based on Brazilian maximal consumer price index). A systematic review of literature was conducted in order to obtain significant clinical and urodynamic data (based on expert opinion), concerning the effects of these drugs in the neurogenic population. Furthermore, a pharmacoeconomic evaluation was performed and costs involved were calculated based on percentage effectiveness obtained for the timeframes of one month and of one year. The best cost-effectiveness ratio (CER) was observed with oxybutynin IR for the urodynamic parameters. In terms of clinical parameters, oxybutynin IR and ER showed the best CER. Based on the key urological parameters analyzed, oxybutynin IR was considered the most cost-effective antimuscarinic agent.

Anticholinergic drugs for adult neurogenic detrusor overactivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

There is a lack of evidence about the efficacy and safety of anticholinergic drugs and about the optimal anticholinergic drug, if any, for the treatment of adult neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).

OBJECTIVE

Review the current evidence on the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of anticholinergic drugs in the treatment of adult NDO.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A literature search was conducted from 1966 to May 2011. Meta-analysis of all published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing anticholinergic drugs with placebo and comparing different types, doses, and routes of administration of anticholinergic drugs, in adults with NDO, was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. The primary outcome was patient-reported cure/improvement of overactive bladder symptoms. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (QoL) changes, bladder diary events, urodynamic outcomes, adverse events, and costs to health services.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 960 patients from 16 RCTs with mean follow-up of 3.8 wk were included. Anticholinergic drugs were associated with statistically significantly better patient-reported cure/improvement (risk ratio: 2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64 to 4.77), higher maximum cystometric capacity (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 49.49; 95% CI, 15.38 to 84.20), higher volume at first contraction (WMD: 49.92; 95% CI, 20.06 to 79.78), and lower maximum detrusor pressure (WMD: -38.30; 95% CI, -53.17 to -23.43) when compared with placebo. The dry-mouth rates were statistically significantly higher with anticholinergics, with no difference in withdrawals because of adverse events. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the outcomes between oxybutynin and other anticholinergics or among different doses and preparations of anticholinergic drugs. No study reported QoL changes or costs to health services.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with placebo, anticholinergic treatment in patients with NDO is associated with better patient-reported cure/improvement and significant reduction of maximum detrusor pressure; however, there is a higher incidence of adverse events. None of the anticholinergic drugs or different dosages assessed in this review was superior to another.

Which anticholinergic drug for overactive bladder symptoms in adults

BACKGROUND

Around 16% to 45% of adults have overactive bladder symptoms (urgency with frequency and/or urge incontinence - 'overactive bladder syndrome'). Anticholinergic drugs are common treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of different anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder symptoms.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 8 March 2011) and reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials in adults with overactive bladder symptoms or detrusor overactivity that compared one anticholinergic drug with another, or two doses of the same drug.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. Data were processed as described in the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook.

MAIN RESULTS

Eighty six trials, 70 parallel and 16 cross-over designs were included (31,249 adults). Most trials were described as double-blind, but were variable in other aspects of quality. Crossover studies did not present data in a way that could be included in the meta-analyses. Twenty nine collected quality of life data (the primary outcome measure) using validated measures, but only fifteen reported useable data.Tolterodine versus oxybutynin: There were no statistically significant differences for quality of life, patient reported cure or improvement, leakage episodes or voids in 24 hours, but fewer withdrawals due to adverse events with tolterodine (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.66, data from eight trials), and less risk of dry mouth (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.71, data from ten trials).Solifenacin versus tolterodine: There were statistically significant differences for quality of life (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.12, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.01, data from three trials), patient reported cure/improvement (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.39, data from two trials), leakage episodes in 24 hours (weighted mean difference (WMD) -0.30, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.08, data from four studies) and urgency episodes in 24 hours (WMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.13, data from four trials), all favouring solifenacin. There was no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events and dry mouth, but after sensitivity analysis the dry mouth (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.94) was statistically significantly lower with solifenacin when compared to Immediate Release (IR) tolterodine.Fesoterodine versus extended release tolterodine: Three trials contributed to the meta analyses. There were statistically significant differences for quality of life (SMD -0.20, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.14), patient reported cure/improvement (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.16), leakage episodes (WMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.30 to -0.09), frequency (WMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.06) and urgency episodes (WMD -0.44, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.16) in 24 hours, all favouring fesoterodine, but those taking fesoterodine had higher risk of withdrawal due to adverse events (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.98) and higher risk of dry mouth (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.05) at 12 weeks.Different doses of tolterodine: The standard recommended starting dose (2 mg twice daily) was compared with two lower (0.5 mg and 1 mg twice daily), and one higher dose (4 mg twice daily). The effects of 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg doses were similar for leakage episodes and micturitions in 24 hours, with greater risk of dry mouth with 2 and 4 mg doses at two to 12 weeks.Different doses of solifenacin: The standard recommended starting dose of 5 mg once daily was compared to 10 mg: while frequency and urgency were less (better) with 10 mg compared to 5 mg, there was a higher risk of dry mouth with 10 mg solifenacin at four to 12 weeks.Different doses of fesoterodine:The recommended starting dose of 4mg once daily was compared to 8 and 12 mg. The clinical efficacy (patient reported cure, leakage episodes, micturition per 24 hours) of 8 mg was better than 4 mg fesoterodine but with a higher risk of dry mouth with 8 mg.There was no statistically significant difference between 4 and 12 mg in the efficacy but the dry mouth was significantly higher with 12 mg at eight to 12 weeks.Extended versus immediate release preparations of oxybutynin and/or tolterodine: There were no statistically significant differences for cure/improvement, leakage episodes or micturitions in 24 hours, or withdrawals due to adverse events, but there were few data. Overall, extended release preparations had less risk of dry mouth at two to 12 weeks.One extended release preparation versus another: There was less risk of dry mouth with oral extended release tolterodine than oxybutynin (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.95), but no difference between transdermal oxybutynin and oral extended release tolterodine although some people withdrew due to skin reaction at the transdermal patch site at 12 weeks.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Where the prescribing choice is between oral immediate release oxybutynin or tolterodine, tolterodine might be preferred for reduced risk of dry mouth. With tolterodine, 2 mg twice daily is the usual starting dose, but a 1 mg twice daily dose might be equally effective, with less risk of dry mouth. If extended release preparations of oxybutynin or tolterodine are available, these might be preferred to immediate release preparations because there is less risk of dry mouth.Between solifenacin and immediate release tolterodine, solifenacin might be preferred for better efficacy and less risk of dry mouth. Solifenacin 5 mg once daily is the usual starting dose, this could be increased to 10 mg once daily for better efficacy but with increased risk of dry mouth.Between fesoterodine and extended release tolterodine, fesoterodine might be preferred for superior efficacy but has higher risk of withdrawal due to adverse events and higher risk of dry mouth.There is little or no evidence available about quality of life, costs, or long-term outcome in these studies. There were insufficient data from trials of other anticholinergic drugs to draw any conclusions.

Adverse event assessment of antimuscarinics for treating overactive bladder: a network meta-analytic approach

Background

Overactive bladder (OAB) affects the lives of millions of people worldwide and antimuscarinics are the pharmacological treatment of choice. Meta-analyses of all currently used antimuscarinics for treating OAB found similar efficacy, making the choice dependent on their adverse event profiles. However, conventional meta-analyses often fail to quantify and compare adverse events across different drugs, dosages, formulations, and routes of administration. In addition, the assessment of the broad variety of adverse events is dissatisfying. Our aim was to compare adverse events of antimuscarinics using a network meta-analytic approach that overcomes shortcomings of conventional analyses.

Methods

Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialized Trials Register, previous systematic reviews, conference abstracts, book chapters, and reference lists of relevant articles were searched. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials comparing at least one antimuscarinic for treating OAB with placebo or with another antimuscarinic, and adverse events as outcome measures. Two authors independently extracted data. A network meta-analytic approach was applied allowing for joint assessment of all adverse events of all currently used antimuscarinics while fully maintaining randomization.

Results

69 trials enrolling 26′229 patients were included. Similar overall adverse event profiles were found for darifenacin, fesoterodine, transdermal oxybutynin, propiverine, solifenacin, tolterodine, and trospium chloride but not for oxybutynin orally administered when currently used starting dosages were compared.

Conclusions

The proposed generally applicable transparent network meta-analytic approach summarizes adverse events in an easy to grasp way allowing straightforward benchmarking of antimuscarinics for treating OAB in clinical practice. Most currently used antimuscarinics seem to be equivalent first choice drugs to start the treatment of OAB except for oral oxybutynin dosages of ≥10 mg/d which may have more unfavorable adverse event profiles.

Pharmacologic therapy for the neurogenic bladder

This article is a review of the current and past literature on medical management of the neurogenic bladder, with a particular focus on spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis. The use of antimuscarinics, αα-blocker, and tricyclic antidepressants and their combined use are discussed along with new therapies in human and animal trials.

Role of fesoterodine in the treatment of overactive bladder

Muscarinic receptors have long been the target receptors for treatment of patients with overactive bladder (OAB). These patients experience symptoms of urgency, urinary frequency and nocturia, with or without urge incontinence (the involuntary leakage of urine associated with urge). Fesoterodine, a pro-drug, structurally and functionally related to tolterodine, is the newest agent developed for the treatment of OAB. Fesoterodine is broken down to the active metabolite, 5-hydroxy-methyl-tolterodine (5-HMT) by non-specific esterases. This metabolism results in the complete breakdown of the parent compound and is responsible for dose related improvements in clinical efficacy and health related quality of life. Like other antimuscarinic agents including tolterodine, fesoterodine is associated with improvements in clinical variables related both to bladder filling (decreasing micturition frequency and increasing mean voided volume) and urgency (urgency and urge incontinence episodes). Improvements in health related quality of life following treatment with fesoterodine is indicated by improvements in 7 of the 9 variables measured by the King’s Health Questionnaire. Also like other antimuscarinic agents, fesoterodine use is associated with adverse events including dry mouth. However the incidence of dry mouth is reduced with fesoterodine, compared to oxybutynin, due to the improved bladder selectivity of 5-HMT.

Fesoterodine for the treatment of urinary incontinence and overactive bladder

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent condition, affecting males and females. The prevalence increases with age. Behavioral therapy and antimuscarinic therapy remain the first-line therapies for management of OAB. Despite improvements in symptoms, persistence with antimuscarinic therapy has remained low. Multiple factors including patient expectations, adverse effects and cost may affect persistence. Fesoterodine is one of the newest antimuscarinic agent approved for the management of OAB. It is unique in that it shares the same active metabolite as tolterodine, 5-hydoxymethyltolterodine (5-HMT); however, this conversion is established via ubiquitous esterases and not via the cytochrome P450 system, thus providing a faster and more efficient conversion to 5-HMT. Fesoterodine is available in 2 doses, 4 mg and 8 mg. Clinical trials have established a dose response relationship in efficacy parameters as well as improvements in quality of life. As with all antimuscarinics, dry mouth and constipation are the more common side effects. A combination of medical therapy and behavioral therapy improves the overall outcome in management of OAB. Dose flexibility may help improve efficacy outcomes and patient education on the management of common adverse effects may improve tolerability with these agents.

Effective treatment of neurogenic detrusor dysfunction by combined high-dosed antimuscarinics without increased side-effects

OBJECTIVES

Patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction demonstrate an insufficient treatment outcome under dosage-escalated monotherapy. With the objectives of continence and normalised bladder pressure, safe and tolerable non-invasive treatment alternatives were evaluated by using combined antimuscarinics.

METHODS

Twenty-seven patients who were previously registered in a doubled antimuscarinics study were enrolled in this study. The patients demonstrated urodynamic-proven neurogenic bladder dysfunction with incontinence, reduced bladder capacity, and increased intravesical pressure, resulting from spinal cord injury (n=21); spinal cord dysplasia (myelomeningocele; n=3); multiple sclerosis (n=2), and viral encephalomyelitis (n=1). On the basis of the initial study treatment, they were allocated into three groups and treated with two antimuscarinics. Before enrollment, at 4 wk, and at 6 mo, patients underwent urodynamics and recorded bladder diaries, including side-effects.

RESULTS

In all three groups, significant changes were noted at the 4-wk follow-up. Incontinence events decreased from an average of 7 to 1 event per day. The average median bladder capacity (180-393 ml) and reflex volume (125-335 ml) increased; detrusor compliance also improved (average, 15-33 ml/cm H2O). Seven patients reported side-effects; two discontinued the successful treatment. Two other patients did not reach satisfactory amelioration of the detrusor dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

With combined high-dosage antimuscarinic medications, 85% of the patients who previously demonstrated unsatisfactory outcome with dosage-escalated monotherapy were treated successfully. The appearance of side-effects was comparable to that of normal-dosed antimuscarinics. Further studies are required to investigate the long-term pharmacological and physiological background of our findings.

Anticholinergic drugs versus other medications for overactive bladder syndrome in adults

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder syndrome is defined as "urgency with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia". It is a common condition with significant economic and quality of life implications. While the condition's pathophysiology remains to be fully elucidated, pharmacotherapy is the main treatment option. Despite uncertainty as to drug treatment of choice, anticholinergics are increasingly being used in primary and secondary care settings. This review compares anticholinergic drugs with other types or classes of drugs for treating overactive bladder syndromes.

OBJECTIVES

To compare anticholinergic drugs with other types or classes of drugs for treating overactive bladder symptoms.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 20 December 2006) and the reference lists of relevant articles. No language or other limits were imposed.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing anticholinergic drugs with other drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms. At least one arm of the study used an anticholinergic drug and at least one other arm used a non-anticholinergic drug.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers assessed the identified studies for eligibility and methodological quality and independently extracted data from the included studies. Data analysis was performed using RevMan software (version 4.2.8).

MAIN RESULTS

Twelve trials were included in the review. There were seven crossover trials and five parallel group studies. For the comparisons between anticholinergic drugs with tricyclic antidepressants, alpha adrenergic agonists, afferent nerve inhibitors, and calcium channel blocker a single trial was identified for each. Nine trials compared flavoxate with anticholinergics. There was no evidence of a difference in cure rates between anticholinergics and flavoxate. Adverse effects were more frequent in anticholinergic groups versus flavoxate groups (RR 2.28 95% CI 1.45 to 3.56). There was no strong evidence to favour either anticholinergic drugs or the comparators.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Many of the drugs considered in trials in this review are no longer used in clinical practice (and this includes the most commonly tested - flavoxate). There is inadequate evidence as to determine whether any of the available drugs are better or worse than anticholinergic medications. Larger randomised controlled trials in clinical settings are required to further establish the role of these medications in the management of overactive bladder syndrome.

Anticholinergic drugs versus other medications for overactive bladder syndrome in adults

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder syndrome is defined as "urgency with or without urge incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia". It is a common condition with significant economic and quality of life implications. While the condition's pathophysiology remains to be fully elucidated, pharmacotherapy is the main treatment option. Despite uncertainty as to drug treatment of choice, anticholinergics are increasingly being used in primary and secondary care settings. This review compares anticholinergic drugs with other types or classes of drugs for treating overactive bladder syndromes.

OBJECTIVES

To compare anticholinergic drugs with other types or classes of drugs for treating overactive bladder symptoms.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 20 December 2006) and the reference lists of relevant articles. No language or other limits were imposed.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing anticholinergic drugs with other drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms. At least one arm of the study used an anticholinergic drug and at least one other arm used a non-anticholinergic drug.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers assessed the identified studies for eligibility and methodological quality and independently extracted data from the included studies. Data analysis was performed using RevMan software (version 4.2.8).

MAIN RESULTS

Thirteen trials were included in the review. There were eight crossover trials and five parallel group studies. For the comparisons between anticholinergic drugs with tricyclic antidepressants, alpha adrenergic agonists, afferent nerve inhibitors, and calcium channel blocker a single trial was identified for each. Ten trials compared flavoxate with anticholinergics. There was no evidence of a difference in cure rates between anticholinergics and flavoxate. Adverse effects were more frequent in anticholinergic groups versus flavoxate groups (RR 2.28 95% CI 1.45 to 3.56). There was no strong evidence to favour either anticholinergic drugs or the comparators.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Many of the drugs considered in trials in this review are no longer used in clinical practice (and this includes the most commonly tested - flavoxate). There is inadequate no evidence as to whether any of the available is better or worse than anticholinergic medications. Larger randomised controlled trials in clinical settings are required to further establish the role of these other medications in the management of overactive bladder syndrome.

Anticholinergic drugs versus non-drug active therapies for overactive bladder syndrome in adults

BACKGROUND

Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB) is defined as urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia. Pharmacotherapy with anticholinergic drugs is often the first line medical therapy, either alone or as an adjunct to various non-pharmacological therapies. The commonest non-pharmacologic therapies are: bladder training, pelvic floor muscle training with or without biofeedback and electric stimulation to affect detrusor muscle activity.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of various anticholinergic drugs with various non-pharmacologic therapies for idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome in adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Register (searched 29 November 2005), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (January 1966 to September 2004), PREMEDLINE, Dissertation Abstracts and the reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised, or quasi-randomised, controlled trials of treatment with anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder syndrome or urge urinary incontinence in adults, in which at least one management arm involved a non-drug new therapy. Trials amongst patients with neuropathic bladder dysfunction were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors evaluated the trials for appropriateness for inclusion and methodological quality. Three authors were involved in the data extraction. Data extracted was based on predetermined criteria. Data analysis was based on standard statistical approaches used in Cochrane reviews.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirteen trials with 1770 participants were included; all were designed as parallel groups except for one cross-over trial. Trial groups were well matched for baseline characteristics in all trials. Treatment duration was 3 to 12 weeks, with one trial carrying out a follow-up analysis at 24 weeks after starting treatment. During treatment, symptomatic improvement was more common amongst those on anticholinergic drugs compared with bladder training (RR 0.73; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.90). Combination of anticholinergics with bladder training was also associated with more improvement than bladder training alone but with wide confidence intervals (RR 0.55; 95% 0.32 to 0.93). Similarly, the limited data favoured a combination of anticholinergics with bladder training compared with anticholinergics during treatment but the difference was not statistically significant (RR for improvement 0.81; 95% CI 0.61 to 1.06). For all comparisons, there were too few data to compare symptoms after treatment had ended. Adverse effects, such as dry mouth, were reported by around a third of those taking anticholinergics.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The use of anticholinergic drugs in the management of OAB is well established. During initial treatment there was more symptomatic improvement when (a) anticholinergics were compared with bladder training alone, and (b) anticholinergics combined with bladder training were compared with each modality alone. Anticholinergics have well recognised side effects, such as dry mouth. There were too few data to assess whether or not effects are sustained after stopping treatment.

Anticholinergic drugs versus placebo for overactive bladder syndrome in adults

BACKGROUND

Around 16% of adults have symptoms of overactive bladder (urgency with frequency and/or urge incontinence). The prevalence increases with age. Anticholinergic drugs are commonly used to treat this condition.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of anticholinergic drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 14 June 2005) and the reference lists of relevant articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised trials in adults with overactive bladder syndrome that compared an anticholinergic drug with placebo treatment or no treatment.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewer authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. Data were processed as described in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Higgins 2005).

MAIN RESULTS

Sixty -one trials, 42 with parallel-group designs and 19 crossover trials were included (11,956 adults). Most trials were described as double-blind but were variable in other aspects of quality. The crossover trials did not present data in a way that allowed inclusion in the meta-analysis. Nine medications were tested: darifenacin; emepronium bromide or carrageenate; oxybutynin; propiverine; propantheline; tolterodine; trospium chloride; and solifenacin. One trial included the newer, slow release formulation of tolterodine. At the end of the treatment period, cure or improvement (relative risk (RR) 1.39, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.51), difference in leakage episodes in 24 hours (weighted mean difference (WMD) -0.54; 95% CI -0.67 to -0.41) and difference in number of voids in 24 hours (WMD -0.69; 95% CI -0.84 to -0.54) were statistically significant favouring medication. Statistically significant but modest sized improvements in quality of life scores were reported in recently completed trials. There was three times the rate of dry mouth in the medication group (RR 3.00 95% CI 2.70 to 3.34) but no statistically significant difference in withdrawal (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.36). Sensitivity analysis, while limited by small numbers of trials, showed little likelihood that the effects were modified by age, sex, diagnosis, or choice of drug.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The use of anticholinergic drugs by people with overactive bladder syndrome results in statistically significant improvements in symptoms. Recent trials suggest that this is associated with modest improvement in quality of life. Dry mouth is a common side effect of therapy but did not seem to have an effect on the numbers of withdrawals. It is not clear whether any benefits are sustained during long-term treatment or after treatment stops.

Neurogenic bladder treatment by doubling the recommended antimuscarinic dosage

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The dosage of the antimuscarinic drugs: Tolterodine ER or Trospium was increased to a higher-than-recommended dosage in patients where the manufacturer's recommended dosage had failed. All patients were suffering from neurogenic detrusor overactivity incontinence. Tolerability and success were evaluated in the present study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity were evaluated: 17 with spinal cord injury, 3 with multiple sclerosis, and 1 with a meningomyelocele. All patients catheterized themselves or were catheterized. If neurogenic detrusor overactivity continued and the medication was well tolerated, the dosage was doubled to either 8 mg of Tolterodine ER [2 x 4 mg (n = 11)] or 90 mg of Trospium [3 x 30 mg (n = 10)]. The follow-up was monitored by a bladder diary and urodynamic evaluation.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients significantly decreased their incontinence episodes from 8-12 episodes before to 0-2 episodes during the doubled treatment. The reflex volume increased from 202 +/- 68 to 332 +/- 50 ml (P < 0.001). Cystometric capacity enlarged from 290 +/- 56 to 453 +/- 63 ml (P < 0.001). One patient had to stop the medication because of intolerable side effects and five patients did not experience satisfactory benefit.

CONCLUSION

The increased dosage of Tolterodine or Trospium is an effective treatment in patients with neurogenic bladder.

Pharmacotherapy for Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity

Chancellor MB, Anderson RU, Boone TB: Pharmacotherapy for neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2006;85:536-545. Patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity are a heterogeneous group with voiding dysfunction secondary to neurologic injury or disease. The neurogenic detrusor overactivity syndrome, which may include urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence, frequently contributes to a loss of independence, or even institutionalization. Urodynamic assessment provides the best method of quantifying and classifying neurogenic detrusor overactivity dysfunction in patients with primary diagnoses as diverse as Parkinson's disease, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and spina bifida. For many patients, management of urinary symptoms includes pharmacotherapy with an anticholinergic agent. Several novel approaches to managing neurogenic detrusor overactivity, including intravesical instillation of anticholinergic agents, vanilloids, and neurotoxins, are being investigated. For most patients, however, flexible dosing with an anticholinergic agent, with clean intermittent catheterization when indicated, has been shown to reduce the risks of urologic complications, improve levels of continence, and enhance patient quality of life in both children and adults.

Improving the global management of the neurogenic bladder patient: part II. Future treatment strategies

BACKGROUND

Patients with neurogenic bladder represent a small fraction of the total overactive bladder population. As a consequence, development of new therapies in this area has largely focused on idiopathic urinary incontinence. The absence of data for patients with neurological disease has far-reaching implications, affecting reimbursement and physicians' willingness to prescribe therapies, and limiting access of potential valuable treatments to patients whose lives are significantly impaired by inadequately managed bladder symptoms.

SCOPE

The range of new therapies is increasing. Although many reviews of the overall safety, efficacy and mode of action of such treatments are available, there is limited information on how these treatments will best be used in clinical practice. We considered the current benefits and limitations of the various new licensed and unlicensed therapies and what role each would have in the future management of neurogenic urinary incontinence.

CONCLUSIONS

A wide range of new treatments have been investigated for the management of overactive bladder; few, however, have been evaluated extensively in neurogenic urinary incontinence. Further studies are required to determine the optimal dosing regimes and formulations for individual sub-populations of neurogenic bladder patients and to determine the cost-effectiveness of these interventions. With the current experience available, two treatment algorithms for a subset of patients with neurological disease have also been proposed, which suggest at which stage of management and in which patients individual therapies for neurogenic urinary incontinence could be used.

Which anticholinergic drug for overactive bladder symptoms in adults

BACKGROUND

Around 16% to 45% of adults have overactive bladder symptoms (urgency with frequency and/or urge incontinence - 'overactive bladder syndrome'). Anticholinergic drugs are common treatments.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of different anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder symptoms.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group specialised trials register (searched 17 January 2002) and reference lists of relevant articles. A search for full publications of abstracts identified in January 2002 was completed in July 2003.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials in adults with overactive bladder symptoms or detrusor overactivity that compared one anticholinergic drug with another, or two doses of the same drug.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. Data were processed as described in the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook.

MAIN RESULTS

Forty nine trials, 39 parallel and 10 cross-over designs were included (11,332 adults). Most trials were described as double-blind, but were variable in other aspects of quality. Crossover studies did not present data in a way that could be included in the meta-analysis.Four trials collected quality of life data (the primary outcome measure) using validated measures; none reported useable data. Oxybutynin versus tolterodine: There were no statistically significant differences for patient perceive improvement, leakage episodes or voids in 24 hours, but fewer withdrawals due to adverse events (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.75), and less risk of dry mouth (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.66), with tolterodine. Different doses tolterodine: The usual recommended starting dose (2 mg twice daily) was compared with two lower (0.5 mg and 1 mg twice daily), and one higher dose (4 mg twice daily). The effect of 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg doses was similar for leakage episodes and micturitions in 24 hours, with greater risk of dry mouth with 2 and 4 mg doses.Extended versus immediate release preparations of oxybutynin and/or tolterodine: There were no statistically significant differences for cure/improvement, leakage episodes or micturitions in 24 hours, or withdrawals due to adverse events, but there were few data. Overall, extended release preparations had less risk of dry mouth. One extended release preparation versus another: There was less risk of dry mouth with oral extended release tolterodine than oxybutynin (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.95), but no difference between transdermal oxybutynin and oral extended release tolterodine although some people withdrew due to skin reaction at the trandermal patch site.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Where the prescribing choice is between oral immediate release oxybutynin or tolterodine, tolterodine might be preferred for reduced risk of dry mouth. With tolterodine, 2 mg twice daily is the usual starting dose, but a 1 mg twice daily dose might be equally effective with less risk of dry mouth. If extended release preparations of oxybutynin or tolterodine are available, these might be preferred to immediate release preparations because there is less risk of dry mouth. There is little or no evidence available about quality of life, costs, or long-term outcome in these studies. There were insufficient data from trials of other anticholinergic drugs to draw any conclusions.

Tolterodine: a new antimuscarinic agent for the treatment of the overactive bladder

Bladder hyperactivity is a debilitating problem that affects many individuals. A plethora of therapeutic options have been investigated to combat this condition, antimuscarinic therapy being the most widely used. Nevertheless, this medication group has historically been of limited benefit, due to its side-effect profile. Tolterodine is a new muscarinic receptor antagonist that has been shown to be equally effective when compared to oxybutynin. However, the side-effect profile for tolterodine is much better than this commonly used anticholinergic. It has reduced affinity for the salivary glands in animal studies, and, in clinical trials, there has been a reduced incidence of dry mouth with this medication. In Phase III studies, tolterodine has been shown to decrease the number of micturitions per day, decrease the number of incontinence episodes per day and increase the mean volume voided per micturition. The maximal effect of this medication may not be seen for 6 - 8 weeks after initiation of the drug although the exact explanation for this finding has yet to be completely elucidated. The recommended dose is 2 mg b.i.d., which should be adjusted for those with liver failure or those on drugs that inhibit the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme known as CYP3A4. In summary, tolterodine is an effective well-tolerated antimuscarinic which should be considered as a first-line treatment due to its more favourable side-effect profile when than other available medications.

Overactive bladder syndrome: considerations in pharmacotherapy and new perspectives

The great epidemiological relevance of the overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome and its impact on quality of life of sufferers has encouraged a growing amount of research both in basic science and in clinical fields, with the pharmacological treatment of OAB syndrome being particularly investigated. Recently a new perspective for the use of alpha-lytic drugs in the treatment of OAB syndrome has been disclosed due to encouraging anecdotal data, and to the identification of different adrenoceptor subtypes in the female lower urinary tract. Starting with a reference picture of female lower urinary tract disorders, the authors review the present pharmacological treatment of female lower urinary tract disorders, and delineate the new perspectives acquired from recent studies of adrenoceptor subtypes.

Variability of detrusor overactivity on repeated filling cystometry in men with urge symptoms: comparison with spinal cord injury patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the variation in urodynamic variables during repeated filling cystometry and the impact that the variability had on the observed incidence of detrusor overactivity, to evaluate the correlation of detrusor overactivity with the symptoms of urge in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), and to compare the variability of detrusor overactivity in men with LUTS to that in men with spinal cord injury (SCI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty men with LUTS and 35 with neurogenic bladders after SCI were assessed. Investigations included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Madsen-Iversen Symptom Score (MSS), uroflowmetry, filling cystometry and pressure-flow, in three successive studies.

RESULTS

In men with LUTS, a significant decrease in the number and pressure of involuntary detrusor contractions (IDCs) in consecutive cystometries resulted in a reduction of observed detrusor overactivity from 72% to 63% and 48%, in the three studies. Urgency scores were significantly lower in men who became 'stable' than in those who remained 'unstable' throughout the three studies. In men with SCI, cystometric variables and detrusor overactivity remained consistent over sequential studies.

CONCLUSION

Urodynamic detrusor overactivity is affected by repeated cystometry. In men with LUTS, two populations with detrusor overactivity were identified; one group adapted to repeated filling while another had persistent IDCs and greater urgency scores. The latter group had bladder behaviour similar to that of men with neurogenic bladders secondary to SCI. These findings might be important in explaining the cause of symptoms, initiating further investigation, and predicting the outcome of therapy.

Benefit-Risk Assessment of Tolterodine in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Adults

Overactive bladder is associated with symptoms of urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with daytime frequency and nocturia in the absence of local pathological factors. Muscarinic receptor antagonists (antimuscarinics) are the first-line pharmacotherapy. Tolterodine, a competitive, nonselective antimuscarinic specifically developed for the treatment of overactive bladder, demonstrated tissue selectivity for the bladder over the parotid gland in an animal model. As of March 5, 2003, the immediate-release (IR) formulation had been approved in 72 countries and the extended-release (ER) formulation had been approved in 28 countries, and tolterodine had been administered to 5 million patients. This review evaluates the benefit-risk profile of tolterodine in the treatment of adults with overactive bladder, summarising clinical trial and postmarketing surveillance data. Tolterodine has been found to significantly reduce micturition frequency, urgency perception and the number of episodes of urge incontinence and increase the volume voided per micturition. Dry mouth, an antimuscarinic class effect, is the most commonly reported adverse effect but is mostly mild to moderate in severity. Serious adverse effects are reported infrequently. Based on summary and review of postmarketing surveillance and clinical trial safety data received by the market authorization holder and contained in the Periodic Safety Update Reports for tolterodine, several monitored serious events of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. ileus or haemorrhage), nervous system (e.g. syncope, convulsions and memory disorders) and cardiovascular system (e.g. ventricular arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation, palpitations, bradycardia, transient ischaemic attacks and hypertension) were not considered related to tolterodine. QT or corrected QT (QTc) prolongation was not observed in any of the five cases of verified ventricular arrhythmia in patients administered tolterodine; there is insufficient evidence to indicate that tolterodine causes ventricular arrhythmia or extrasystoles or any specific type of cardiac rhythm abnormality. The safety profile of tolterodine is similar in patients aged > or =65 years and in younger adults. Clinically relevant drug interactions are limited to cytochrome P450 3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole, and co-administration with such agents warrants a tolterodine dosage decrease. In addition, tolterodine IR 2mg twice daily is similar in efficacy to oxybutynin IR 5mg three times daily, and tolterodine ER 4 mg once daily is similar in efficacy to oxybutynin ER 10mg once daily. Dry mouth occurred less frequently with tolterodine than oxybutynin, and moderate to severe dry mouth occurred more than three times less frequently. Based on the low frequency of adverse events, the absence of unexpected adverse events and the very low frequency of serious adverse events, we conclude that tolterodine is a well tolerated treatment for overactive bladder in adults, in whom it should be considered as first-line therapy.

Overactive bladder: Improving the efficacy of anticholinergics by dose escalation

Overactive bladder (OAB) affects millions of people in the United States and significantly impacts their quality of life. New antimuscarinic anticholinergic medications have improved the treatment of OAB, offering patients efficacy equal to that of immediate-release oxybutynin with fewer side effects and an improved dosing schedule. The commonly reported range of reduction of urge incontinence episodes is between 46% and 92%. Although patients are improving, continence rates are lower and many responders continue to leak significantly. The literature supports that the efficacy of anticholinergics is enhanced by dose escalation, but using higher dosages has not become routine in clinical practice. Although dose escalation can be implemented with all of the anticholinergics, it is done most easily and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration with extended-release oxybutynin. This paper critically evaluates the pros and cons of dose escalation in the hope to improve efficacy in patients with OAB.

Prospective, randomized, double-blind study of the efficacy and tolerability of the extended-release formulations of oxybutynin and tolterodine for overactive bladder: results of the OPERA trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and tolerability of extended-release formulations of oxybutynin chloride and tolterodine tartrate in women with overactive bladder.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The OPERA (Overactive bladder: Performance of Extended Release Agents) trial was a randomized, double-blind, active-control study performed at 71 US study centers from November 21, 2000, to October 18,2001. Extended-release formulations of oxybutynin at 10 mg/d or tolterodine at 4 mg/d were given for 12 weeks to women with 21 to 60 urge urinary incontinence (UUI) episodes per week and an average of 10 or more voids per 24 hours. Episodes of UUI (primary end point), total (urge and nonurge) incontinence, and micturition were recorded in 24-hour urinary diaries at baseline and at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 and compared. Adverse events were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Improvements in weekly UUI episodes were similar for the 790 women who received extended-release formulations of oxybutynin (n = 391) or tolterodine (n = 399). Oxybutynin was significantly more effective than tolterodine in reducing micturition frequency (P = .003), and 23.0% of women taking oxybutynin reported no episodes of urinary incontinence compared with 16.8% of women taking tolterodine (P = .03). Dry mouth, usually mild, was more common with oxybutynin (P = .02). Adverse events were generally mild and occurred at low rates, with both groups having similar discontinuation of treatment due to adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Reductions in weekly UUI and total incontinence episodes were similar with extended-release formulations of oxybutynin and tolterodine. In the oxybutynin group, micturition frequency was significantly lower, and the percentage of women reporting no urinary incontinence episodes was significantly higher compared with the tolterodine group. Dry mouth was more common with oxybutynin, but tolerability was otherwise comparable, including adverse events involving the central nervous system.

Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction is common in Parkinson's disease (PD), affects 70% to 80% of patients, and causes significant morbidity and discomfort. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction symptoms in PD include sexual dysfunction, swallowing and gastrointestinal disorders, bowel and bladder abnormalities, sleep disturbances, and derangements of cardiovascular regulation, particularly, orthostatic hypotension. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in PD may be caused by an underlying degenerative process that affects the autonomic ganglia, brainstem nuclei, and hypothalamic nuclei. Anti-parkinsonian medications can cause or worsen symptoms of ANS dysfunction. The care of a PD patient with ANS dysfunction relies on its recognition and directed treatment, including coordinated care between the neurologist and appropriate subspecialist. Pharmacotherapy may be useful to treat orthostasis, gastrointestinal, urinary, and sexual dysfunction.

In vivo evaluation of the potency and bladder-vascular selectivity of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel openers (-)-cromakalim, ZD6169 and WAY-133537 in rats

OBJECTIVE

To compare in vivo the potency and bladder-vascular selectivity of ATP-sensitive potassium channel openers (KCOs) (-)-cromakalim, WAY-133537 and ZD6169 and a muscarinic antagonist, tolterodine in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bladder and arterial pressures were monitored simultaneously, before and after increasing intravenous doses of compounds, in each of two urethane-anaesthetized rat bladder hyperactivity models: spontaneous non-voiding myogenic contractions secondary to partial outlet obstruction and volume-induced neurogenic contractions.

RESULTS

(-)-Cromakalim, WAY-133537 and ZD6169 caused a dose-dependent suppression of spontaneous contractions in the obstructed model, with a 50% inhibition of the contraction area under the curve at doses of 0.06, 0.14 and 2.4 micro mol/kg (intravenous), respectively. Corresponding decreases in mean arterial pressure at these effective doses were 24%, 15% and 15%, respectively. The KCO potency rank order was the same and their relative potency highly comparable in the neurogenic model. There was complete inhibition of spontaneous contractions in obstructed rats at doses corresponding to approximately 50% inhibition of the neurogenic contractions. While tolterodine caused a dose-dependent inhibition of contractions in the neurogenic model, it was ineffective at inhibiting non-voiding contractions in obstructed rats.

CONCLUSIONS

All KCOs tested caused significant decreases in arterial pressure at doses effective on the bladder in the model of obstructive instability, suggesting a lack of bladder-vascular selectivity. Similar KCO potency in both assays suggests no appreciable changes in KATP channel function as a result of partial outlet obstruction.

Neurological disorders cerebrovascular disease and parkinsonism

To store and expel urine at appropriate intervals, the lower urinary tract requires extensive input and control from the peripheral autonomic, somatic, and central nervous systems. Neurological disorders, such as cerebrovascular disease and Parkinson's disease, often cause functional disturbances of the lower urinary tract.

Muscarinic receptor subtypes and management of the overactive bladder

Anticholinergic agents are the most widely used therapy for urge incontinence despite exerting adverse effects, such as constipation, tachycardia, and dry mouth, that limit their use. These adverse effects result from a lack of selectivity for the bladder over other organs. Although M2-muscarinic receptors are the predominant cholinoreceptor present in urinary bladder, the smaller population of M3-receptors appears to be the most functionally important and mediates direct contraction of the detrusor muscle. M2-receptors modulate detrusor contraction by several mechanisms and may contribute more to contraction of the bladder in pathologic states, such as bladder denervation or spinal cord injury. Prejunctional inhibitory M2-receptors or M4-receptors and prejunctional facilitatory M1-muscarinic receptors in the bladder have also been reported, but their relevance to the clinical effectiveness of muscarinic antagonists is unknown. In clinical studies, tolterodine, a nonselective muscarinic antagonist, has been reported to be equally effective to oxybutynin but to induce less dry mouth. Controlled-release and intravesical, intravaginal, and rectal administrations of oxybutynin have all been reported to cause fewer adverse effects. Conversely, darifenacin, a new M3-selective antagonist, has been reported to have selectivity for the bladder over the salivary gland in vivo. Whether M3-selective or nonselective muscarinic antagonists will be the most clinically effective for the overactive bladder-preserving the best balance between efficacy and tolerability-has yet to be established, and comparative clinical trials between compounds, such as darifenacin (M3 selective) and tolterodine (nonselective) will be required.

Pharmacologic treatment for detrusor overactivity

Recent pharmacologic treatment for detrusor overactivity has resulted in more favorable side effect profiles, not only because of the use of different drug delivery systems for older drugs but perhaps also due to the improved bladder selectivity of newer antimuscarinic agents. These developments translate into higher patient compliance and better long-term results with the newer agents over generic immediate-release oxybutynin for the treatment of the overactive bladder.