Increased risk of incident dementia following use of anticholinergic agents: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Summary of the 2024 Update of the European Association of Urology Guidelines on Neurourology

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Most patients with neurourological disorders require lifelong medical care. The European Association of Urology (EAU) regularly updates guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of these patients. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of the 2024 updated EAU guidelines on neurourology.

METHODS

A structured literature review covering the timeframe 2021-2023 was conducted for the guideline update. A level of evidence and a strength rating were assigned for each recommendation on the basis of the literature data.

KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS

Neurological conditions significantly affect urinary, sexual, and bowel function, and lifelong management is required for neurourological patients to maintain their quality of life and prevent urinary tract deterioration. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are key, and comprehensive clinical assessments, including urodynamics, are crucial. Management should be customised to individual needs and should involve a multidisciplinary approach and address sexuality and fertility. Lifelong monitoring and follow-up highlight the importance of continuous care for neurourological patients.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The 2024 EAU guidelines on neurourology provide an up-to-date overview of available evidence on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up for neurourological patients.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Neurological disorders very frequently affect the lower urinary tract and sexual and bowel function and patients need lifelong management. We summarise the updated European Association of Urology guidelines on neurourology to provide patients and caregivers with the latest insights for optimal health care support.

Assessing the Impact of Overactive Bladder Medications on Cognition

IMPORTANCE

Emerging literature has associated the use of anticholinergic medications to cognitive decline.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of overactive bladder medications on cognitive function with prospective longitudinal cognitive assessments.

STUDY DESIGN

A population-based cohort of individuals 50 years and older who had serial validated cognitive assessment, in accordance with the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, was evaluated from October 2004 through December 2021. Anticholinergic overactive bladder medications were grouped by traditional anticholinergic medications and central nervous system (CNS)- sparing anticholinergic medications and compared to no medication exposure. A linear mixed effects model with time-dependent exposures evaluated the association between overactive bladder anticholinergic medication exposure and subsequent trajectories of cognitive z-scores.

RESULTS

We included 5,872 participants with a median follow-up of 6.4 years. Four hundred forty-three were exposed to traditional anticholinergic medications, 60 to CNS-sparing medications, and 5,369 had no exposure. On multivariable analyses, exposure to any anticholinergic overactive bladder medication was significantly associated with deterioration in longitudinal cognitive scores in the language and attention assessments compared to the control cohort. Traditional anticholinergic medication exposure was associated with worse attention scores than nonexposed participants. Exposure to CNS-sparing anticholinergic medications was associated with a deterioration in the language domain compared to those unexposed. Among women, traditional anticholinergic medication exposure was associated with worse global and visuospatial scores than nonexposed participants, but this association was not identified in the CNS-sparing group.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to anticholinergic overactive bladder medications was associated with small but significantly worse decline in cognitive scoring in the language and attention domains when compared to nonexposed individuals.

Voiding Phase Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: Contemporary Review of Terminology, Diagnosis, Management, and Future Directions

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are highly prevalent in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, assessment of these symptoms is often hindered by vague definitions or absence of screening in asymptomatic patients. It is crucial to exercise caution when applying the non-neurogenic definition of urinary retention in this population. For men with MS experiencing persistent and treatment-resistant LUTS, urodynamic studies should be used to identify the underlying causes of symptoms. Although numerous therapies are presently accessible for managing LUTS in MS, there is a need for further investigation into emerging treatments such as percutaneous tibial nerve, and noninvasive brain stimulation.

A prospective study to assess the effectiveness and safety of the BlueWind System in the treatment of patients diagnosed with urgency urinary incontinence

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) affects one in six adults in Europe and the United States and impairs the quality of life of millions of individuals worldwide. When conservative management fails, third-line treatments including tibial neuromodulation (TNM) is often pursued. TNM has traditionally been accomplished percutaneously in clinic.

OBJECTIVE

A minimally invasive implantable device activated by a battery-operated external wearable unit has been developed for the treatment of urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), mitigating the burden of frequent clinic visits and more invasive therapies that are currently commercially available.

METHODS

A prospective, multicenter, single-arm, open-label, pivotal study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the device in adult females with UUI (i.e., wet OAB) (BlueWind Implantable Tibial Neuromodulation [iTNM] system; IDE number #G200013; NCT03596671). Results with the device were previously published under the name RENOVA iStim, which has been since renamed as the Revi™ System. Approximately 1-month post-implantation of the device, participants delivered therapy at their convenience and completed a 7-day voiding diary before visits 6- and 12-months post-treatment initiation. The primary efficacy and safety endpoints were the proportion of responders to therapy ( ≥ 50% improvement on average number of urgency-related incontinence episodes) and incidence of adverse events from implantation to 12-month post-activation.

RESULTS

A total of 151 participants, mean age 58.8 (SD: 12.5), were implanted; 144 and 140 completed the 6- and 12-month visits, respectively. The participants demonstrated mean baseline of 4.8 UUI/day (SD 2.9) and 10 voids/day (SD 3.3). Six and 12-months post-activation, 76.4% and 78.4% of participants, respectively, were responders to therapy in an intent-to-treat analysis. Of the 139 participants with completed 12-month diaries, 82% were responders, 50% were classified as "dry" (on at least 3 consecutive diary days), and 93.5% of participants reported that their symptoms improved. No implanted participant experienced an SAE related to the procedure or device.

CONCLUSIONS

iTNM, delivered and powered by a patient-controlled external wearable communicating with an implant, demonstrated clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in UUI symptoms and a high safety profile. This therapy highlights the value of patient-centric therapy for the treatment of UUI.

Oxybutynin-associated Cognitive Impairment: Evidence and Implications for Overactive Bladder Treatment

Anticholinergic medications have long been a mainstay of overactive bladder (OAB) treatment. Oxybutynin, a first-generation anticholinergic, still accounts for more than half of all OAB medication prescriptions, despite associations with impaired memory and cognition, as well as mounting evidence that it may increase the risk of incident dementia. This review details the current literature regarding oxybutynin and cognition, including evidence from preclinical, clinical, and real-world studies that show that oxybutynin binds nonspecifically to muscarinic receptors in the brain and is associated with adverse cognitive outcomes. We also discuss society recommendations to reduce use of oxybutynin and other anticholinergics to treat OAB.

Sacral neuromodulation in the golden years: Treatment outcomes in elderly 75 years and older

INTRODUCTION

Despite high prevalence and increased severity and burden of overactive bladder (OAB) and fecal incontinence (FI) in the elderly, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is often overlooked as a potential treatment option for this demographic. In this study, we report the outcomes of SNM in patients aged 75 years or older at the time of surgery.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent SNM implantation between 2013 and 2022 performed by a single, high-volume urologist at a tertiary center. Success, complication, and adjunct therapy rates were analyzed by Fisher's or Wilcox rank-sum test as appropriate. We compared outcomes between patients aged 75-79 years and octogenarians.

RESULTS

Of 632 patients, 50 were ≥75 years. Patients had a mean age of 78.4±2.6 years and were predominantly female (84%). The indications for SNM were 66% OAB, 16% FI, 16% non-obstructive urinary retention, and 4% pelvic pain. Within the first year, 94% of patients reported satisfaction and improvement in symptoms, while 76% continued to experience improvement beyond one year. SNM insertion led to reduced oral medication use from 68% to 24% (p<0.0001). The complication rate was 16% and mostly included device pain. No significant difference was observed in treatment success, complication, or adjunct therapy rate between age groups.

CONCLUSIONS

SNM is a safe and effective option in well-selected patients over the age of 75 years. Treatment success rate is comparable to younger cohorts. Advanced age should not preclude third-line therapy options in this population.

Unmet needs in the management of neurourological disorders within the last 50 years

PURPOSE

This abstract aims to assess the evolution of neurogenic patient management over the past century, with a focus on persistent unmet needs in the field. We reflect on the history of neurourology and its key principles, highlighting urgent needs for research and progress.

METHODS

This review is based on a non-systematic search of MEDLINE databases. We explore the historical context, innovations, and challenges in neurological patient care, using keywords such as "Neurourology", "history" and "future", as well as specific treatment modalities.

RESULT

Several unmet needs in the field of neurourology have been identified. These include the need to strike a balance between spontaneous micturition and continence, the search for solutions to restore spontaneous micturition in patients with acontractile bladders, the imperative to improve and personalize renal and bladder function monitoring, mitigation of the side effects of long-term treatments, strategies to manage recurrent urinary tract infections, and efforts to overcome organizational barriers in patient care.

CONCLUSION

The care of neurological patients has made remarkable progress over the past 50 years. However, persistent unmet needs underline the need for ongoing research and collaboration to improve the quality of care in this field.

Association of anticholinergic drug exposure with the risk of dementia among older adults in Japan: The LIFE Study

OBJECTIVES

Several studies have investigated that anticholinergic drugs cause cognitive impairment. However, the risk of dementia associated with anticholinergics has not been extensively investigated in the super-aging society of Japan. We conducted this study to assess the association between anticholinergic drugs and the risk of dementia in older adults in Japan.

METHODS

This nested case-control study used data from the Longevity Improvement & Fair Evidence Study, which includes claim data in Japan from 2014 to 2020. We included 66,478 cases of diagnosed dementia and 328,919 matched controls aged ≥65 years, matched by age, sex, municipality, and cohort entry year. Primary exposure was the total cumulative anticholinergic drugs prescribed from cohort entry date to event date or matched index date, which was the total standardized daily doses for each patient, calculated by adding the total dose of different types of anticholinergic drugs in each prescription, divided by the World Health Organization-defined daily dose values. Odds ratios for dementia associated with cumulative exposure to anticholinergic drugs were calculated using conditional logistic regression adjusted for confounding variables.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) age at index date was 84.3 (6.9), and the percentage of women was 62.1%. From cohort entry date to event date or matched index date, 18.8% of the case patients and 13.7% of the controls were prescribed at least one anticholinergic drug. In the multivariable-adjusted model, individuals with anticholinergic drugs prescribed had significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with dementia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.50 [95% confidence interval, 1.47-1.54]). Among specific types of anticholinergic drugs, a significant increase in risk was observed with the use of antidepressants, antiparkinsonian drugs, antipsychotics, and bladder antimuscarinics in a fully multivariable-adjusted model.

CONCLUSIONS

Several types of anticholinergic drugs used by older adults in Japan are associated with an increased risk of dementia. These findings suggest that the underlying risks should be considered alongside the benefits of prescribing anticholinergic drugs to this population.

Patient and Clinician Challenges with Anticholinergic Step Therapy in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder: A Narrative Review

Anticholinergics have been used in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), but their use is limited by poor tolerability and anticholinergic-related side effects. Increasingly, providers are discontinuing anticholinergic prescribing because of growing evidence of the association of anticholinergic use with increased risk of cognitive decline and other adverse effects. Newer medications for OAB, the β3-adrenergic receptor agonists mirabegron and vibegron, do not have anticholinergic properties and are typically well tolerated; however, many insurance plans have limited patient access to these newer OAB medications by requiring step therapy, meaning less expensive anticholinergic medications must be trialed and/or failed before a β3-agonist will be covered and dispensed. Thus, many patients are unable to easily access these medications. Step therapy and other drug utilization strategies (e.g., prior authorization) are often used to manage the growing costs of pharmaceuticals, but these policies do not always follow treatment guidelines and may harm patients as a result of treatment delays, discontinuations, or related increases in adverse events. Medical professionals have called for reform of drug utilization strategies through partnerships that include clinicians and policymakers. This narrative review discusses prescribing patterns for OAB treatment and the effect of switching between drugs, as well as the costs of step therapy and prior authorization on patients and prescribers.

Anticholinergic action is rarely a good thing

The evidence for the risks associated with anticholinergic agents has grown considerably in the last two decades. Not only are they associated with causing peripheral side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation, but they can also cause central effects such as cognitive impairment; and more recently, they have consistently been linked with an increased risk of dementia and death in older people. This paper reviews the evidence for the associations of anticholinergic agents and the risk of dementia and increased mortality in dementia.

Assessment of Codispensing Patterns of Mirabegron and Prespecified CYP2D6 Substrates in Patients with Overactive Bladder

BACKGROUND

Patients with overactive bladder (OAB) experience sudden, intense urges to urinate, which may include urge urinary incontinence and nocturia. Pharmacotherapy includes β3-adrenergic receptor agonists such as mirabegron; however, mirabegron contains a label warning for cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 inhibition, making coadministration with CYP2D6 substrates require monitoring and dose adjustment to avoid unintended increases in substrate concentration.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the codispensing patterns of mirabegron among patients using ten predefined CYP2D6 substrates with and before mirabegron dispensing.

METHODS

This retrospective claims database analysis used the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus Database to assess codispensing of mirabegron with ten predefined CYP2D6 substrate groups identified on the basis of medications most frequently prescribed in the United States, those with high susceptibility to CYP2D6 inhibition, and those with evidence for exposure-related toxicity. Patients had to be ≥ 18 years old before initiation of the CYP2D6 substrate episode that overlapped with mirabegron. The cohort entry period was November 2012 to September 2019, and the overall study period was 1 January 2011 to 30 September 2019. Comparisons of patient profiles at dispensing were made between time periods with and before mirabegron use in the same patient. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the number of exposure episodes, total duration of exposure, and median duration of exposure of CYP2D6 substrate dispensing with and before mirabegron.

RESULTS

CYP2D6 substrate exposure periods totaling ≥ 9000 person-months were available before overlapping exposure to mirabegron for all ten CYP2D6 substrate cohorts. Median codispensing duration for chronically administered CYP2D6 substrates was 62 (interquartile range [IQR] 91) days for citalopram/escitalopram, 71 (105) days for duloxetine/venlafaxine, and 75 (115) days for metoprolol/carvedilol; median codispensing duration for acutely administered CYP2D6 substrates was 15 (33) days for tramadol and 9 (18) days for hydrocodone.

CONCLUSIONS

In this claims database analysis, the dispensing patterns of CYP2D6 substrates with mirabegron displayed frequent overlapping of exposure. Thus, a need exists to better understand the outcomes experienced by patients with OAB who are at increased risk for drug‒drug interactions when taking multiple CYP2D6 substrates concurrently with a CYP2D6 inhibitor.

Potential side effects of currently available pharmacotherapies in male lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION

The drug classes of α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are guideline-recommended treatments of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia; muscarinic receptor antagonists and β3-adrenoceptor agonists are also recommended if storage symptoms are insufficiently addressed with one of the other three drug classes.

AREAS COVERED

We provide a narrative review (no formalized literature searches performed) of the tolerability of these drug classes with emphasis on the more recently introduced medications, on combination treatment, and on more lately emerging risks.

EXPERT OPINION/COMMENTARY

The tolerability profiles are distinct between drug classes but, with few exceptions, similar within a drug class. Within a drug, formulations with longer duration of action tend to have better tolerability. Efficacy gains using combination treatment at least partly come at a cost of lesser tolerability. Greater susceptibility to experience adverse events based on age, comorbidities, and comedications appears conceptually important but remains under-investigated in this therapeutic area.

Anticholinergic exposure and its association with dementia/Alzheimer's disease and mortality in older adults

BACKGROUND

Use of anticholinergic (ACH) medications is associated with increased risk of cognitive decline in the elderly. However, little is known about this association from a health plan perspective.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used the Humana Research Database to identify individuals with at least one ACH medication dispensed in 2015. Patients were followed until incidence of dementia/Alzheimer's disease, death, disenrollment or end of December 2019. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the association between ACH exposure and study outcomes, adjusting for demographics and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 12,209 individuals with no prior ACH use or dementia/Alzheimer's disease diagnosis were included. As ACH polypharmacy increased (i.e., from no ACH exposure, to one, two, three, and four or more ACH medications), there was a stair-step increase in the incidence rate of dementia/Alzheimer's disease (15, 30, 46, 56 and 77 per 1,000 person-years of follow-up) and in the incidence of mortality (19, 37, 80, 115 and 159 per 1,000 person-years of follow-up). After adjusting for confounders, ACH exposure to one, two, three and four or more ACH medications was associated with a 1.6 (95% CI 1.4-1.9), 2.1 (95% CI 1.7-2.8), 2.6 (95% CI 1.5-4.4), and 2.6 (95% CI 1.1-6.3) times, respectively, increased risk of a dementia/Alzheimer's disease diagnosis compared to periods of no ACH exposure. ACH exposure to one, two, three and four or more medications was associated with a 1.4 (95% CI 1.2-1.6), 2.6 (95% CI 2.1-3.3), 3.8 (95% CI 2.6-5.4), and 3.4 (95% CI 1.8-6.4) times, respectively, increased risk of mortality compared to periods of no ACH exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Reducing ACH exposure may potentially minimize long-term adverse effects in older adults. Results suggest populations which may benefit from targeted interventions to reduce ACH polypharmacy.

Cognitive effects of individual anticholinergic drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Anticholinergics (ACs) are among the most prescribed drugs. Investigating the impaired cognitive domains due to individual ACs usage is associated with controversial findings.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of individual ACs on different aspects of cognitive function based on clinical trial studies.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA statement. A systematic search was performed in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed by the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists and the meta-analysis was performed using the CMA software.

Results

Out of 3,026 results of searching, 138 studies were included. A total of 38 studies that assess the cognitive impacts of scopolamine were included in the meta-analysis. Included studies reported cognitive effects of scopolamine, mecamylamine, atropine, biperiden, oxybutynin, trihexyphenidyl, benzhexol, and dicyclomine; however, glycopyrrolate, trospium, tolterodine, darifenacin, fesoterodine, tiotropium, and ipratropium were not associated with cognitive decline. Based on the meta-analyses, scopolamine was associated with reduced recognition (SDM -1.84; 95%CI -2.48 to -1.21; p<0.01), immediate recall (SDM -1.82; 95%CI -2.35 to -1.30; p<0.01), matching to sample (SDM -1.76; 95%CI -2.57 to -0.96; p<0.01), delayed recall (SDM -1.54; 95%CI -1.97 to -1.10; p<0.01), complex memory tasks (SDM -1.31; 95%CI -1.78 to -0.84; p<0.01), free recall (SDM -1.18; 95%CI -1.63 to -0.73; p<0.01), cognitive function (SDM -0.95; 95%CI -1.46 to -0.44; p<0.01), attention (SDM -0.85; 95%CI -1.38 to -0.33; p<0.01), and digit span (SDM -0.65; 95%CI -1.21 to -0.10; p=0.02). There was a high RoB in our included study, especially in terms of dealing with possible cofounders.

Conclusion

The limitations of this study suggest a need for more well-designed studies with a longer duration of follow-up on this topic to reach more reliable evidence.

Despite Recommendations, Anticholinergics Account for the Majority of Prescriptions to Treat Overactive Bladder in the United States

IMPORTANCE

There are significant associations between anticholinergic medication use and an increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Many experts now advocate minimizing the use of anticholinergic medications to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in elderly women.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe temporal and geographic trends in the pharmacologic treatment of OAB for patients 65 years or older across the United States.

STUDY DESIGN

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services publishes annual Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data. The data set includes the number of unique Part D beneficiaries 65 years or older with at least 1 claim for a drug and the number of 30-day fills dispensed. The database also includes the U.S. state and rural-urban commuting area designation of the prescriber.

RESULTS

From 2013 to 2019, Medicare Part D beneficiaries 65 years or older received 47.7 million 30-day fills for the treatment of OAB. In 2013, anticholinergics represented 98% of the total 30-day fills (5.6 million) for OAB. The use of β3 agonists was nearly 24 times greater in 2019 than in 2013. Geographic variation in prescribing practices was evident.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of anticholinergics dispensed for the treatment of OAB remained relatively stable, and there was a substantial increase in the use of β3 agonists. Percentages of anticholinergics dispensed varied among states. More patients are being treated for OAB; however, anticholinergics comprised the majority of prescriptions for treatment in 2019.

Comment on: Pharmacist-driven interventions to de-escalate urinary antimuscarinics in the Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

See the Reply by David Bankes and Jacques Turgeon.

Patient perceived improvement and medication resumption rates after intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxina for idiopathic urgency urinary incontinence

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A) is a third-line therapy for overactive bladder (OAB), however several gaps exist in periprocedural care. Prior studies have demonstrated BTX-A efficacy at 2-3 weeks, but there are limited data documenting when patients should begin to note symptom improvement. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate patient-reported temporal improvement in symptoms, with secondary aim to evaluate medication resumption rates, following initial BTX-A injection.

METHODS

A prospective, single-arm cohort study of patients with non-neurogenic urgency incontinence undergoing initial BTX-A injection was performed. Intradetrusor 100 units BTX-A was administered in standard 20-site template. Patients discontinued OAB medication(s) at BTX-A injection and completed a daily Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) diary for 3 weeks. Data were collected at 1 month, including final satisfaction score, medication resumption rates, and adverse outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were included, with 25 patients (49%) actively taking an OAB medication. Median time to first improvement was 3 days, at least "much better" (PGI-I <2) was 5 days, and maximal improvement was 7 days. Twenty of 25 patients (80%) opted to remain off OAB medications at 1 month based on symptomatic improvement following injection. Adverse outcomes included urinary tract infection in three patients (6%) and symptomatic incomplete emptying requiring temporary intermittent catheterization in two patients (4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Median time to first and maximal improvement was 3 and 7 days, respectively, following initial 100 units BTX-A. Eighty percent of patients on medications opted to remain off at 1 month. These data may help further counsel patient expectations following initial BTX-A therapy.

Cognitive impairment does not impact sacral neuromodulation implant rates for overactive bladder

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of cognitive impairment (CI) diagnoses on sacral neuromodulation (SNM) outcomes in older patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We completed a retrospective review of all patients aged ≥55 years who underwent test-phase SNM (peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) or stage 1) for overactive bladder (OAB) between 2014 and 2021 within a large multi-regional health system. Patient demographics, relevant comorbidities, CI diagnoses (dementia or mild CI), and SNM procedures were recorded. Logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate the impact of CI on SNM implantation rates.

RESULTS

Five-hundred and ten patients underwent SNM test phase (161 PNE, 349 Stage 1) during the study period. The mean age was 71.0(8.5) years, and most (80.6%) were female. Overall, 52(10.1%) patients had a CI diagnosis at the time of SNM, and 30 (5.8%) were diagnosed at a median of 18.5 [9.25, 39.5] months after SNM. Patients with CI diagnoses were older, with more comorbidities, and were more likely to undergo PNE. Univariable comparison found no difference in implantation rate based on pre-SNM CI (85.4% vs. 76.9%, p = 0.16). Multivariable analysis identified PNE (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.26-0.71), age (OR 0.96, 95%CI 0.93-0.98), and prior beta-3 agonist use (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37-0.99) but not CI or dementia as independent negative predictors of implantation. Implanted patients had a median follow-up of 25 [12.0, 55.0] months. Explant and revision rates did not differ according to CI.

CONCLUSION

Patients with OAB and CI diagnoses proceed to SNM implant at rates similar to patients without CI diagnoses. A diagnosis of CI should not necessarily exclude patients from SNM therapy for refractory OAB.

[Guidelines on the urological management of the adult patient with spinal dysraphism (spina bifida)]

INTRODUCTION

Improved life expectancy and prenatal screening have changed the demographics of spina bifida (spinal dysraphism) which has presently become a disease of adulthood. Urinary disorders affect almost all patients with spinal dysraphism and are still the leading cause of mortality in these patients. The aim of this work was to establish recommendations for urological management that take into account the specificities of the spina bifida population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

National Diagnosis and Management Guidelines (PNDS) were drafted within the framework of the French Rare Diseases Plan at the initiative of the Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Spina Bifida - Dysraphismes of Rennes University Hospital. It is a collaborative work involving experts from different specialties, mainly urologists and rehabilitation physicians. We conducted a systematic search of the literature in French and English in the various fields covered by these recommendations in the MEDLINE database. In accordance with the methodology recommended by the authorities (Guide_methodologique_pnds.pdf, 2006), proposed recommendations were drafted on the basis of this literature review and then submitted to a review group until a consensus was reached.

RESULTS

Bladder dysfunctions induced by spinal dysraphism are multiple and varied and evolve over time. Management must be individually adapted and take into account all the patient's problems, and is therefore necessarily multi-disciplinary. Self-catheterisation is the appropriate micturition method for more than half of the patients and must sometimes be combined with treatments aimed at suppressing any neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) or compliance alteration (anticholinergics, intra-detrusor botulinum toxin). Resort to surgery is sometimes necessary either after failure of non-invasive treatments (e.g. bladder augmentation in case of NDO resistant to pharmacological treatment), or as a first line treatment in the absence of other non-invasive alternatives (e.g. aponeurotic suburethral tape or artificial urinary sphincter for sphincter insufficiency; urinary diversion by ileal conduit if self-catheterisation is impossible).

CONCLUSION

Spinal dysraphism is a complex pathology with multiple neurological, orthopedic, gastrointestinal and urological involvement. The management of bladder and bowel dysfunctions must continue throughout the life of these patients and must be integrated into a multidisciplinary context.

Sleep Disorders, Comorbidities, Actions, Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction, and Medications ("Sleep C.A.L.M.") in the evaluation and management of nocturia: A simple approach to a complex diagnosis

INTRODUCTION

Nocturia arises from a fundamental mismatch between nocturnal urine production, storage capacity, and sleep architecture, which may be driven by abnormalities of the genitourinary tract, but also by sleep disorders, medical diseases, patient actions/lifestyle factors, or medications. This article introduces a novel system for organizing the complex differential diagnosis for nocturia, as proposed by an international collective of practicing urologists, physician specialists, and sleep experts: "Sleep CALM"-Sleep Disorders, Comorbidities, Actions, Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction, and Medications.

METHODS

Narrative review of current evidence regarding the relevance of each "Sleep CALM" factor to nocturia pathogenesis, evaluation, and management.

RESULTS

Nocturia and sleep disorders are highly intertwined and often bidirectional, such that nocturnal awakenings for reasons other than a sensation of bladder fullness should not be used as grounds for exclusion from nocturia treatment, but rather leveraged to broaden therapeutic options for nocturia. Nocturia is an important potential harbinger of several serious medical conditions beyond the genitourinary tract. Urologists should have a low threshold for primary care and medical specialty referral for medical optimization, which carries the potential to significantly improve nocturnal voiding frequency in addition to overall health status. Adverse patient actions/lifestyle factors, lower urinary tract dysfunction, and medication use commonly coexist with disordered sleep and comorbid medical conditions, and may be the primary mediators of nocturia severity and treatment response, or further exacerbate nocturia severity and complicate treatment.

CONCLUSION

"Sleep CALM" provides a memorable and clinically relevant means by which to structure the initial patient history, physical exam, and clinical testing in accordance with current best-practice guidelines for nocturia. Although not intended as an all-encompassing diagnostic tool, the "Sleep CALM" schema may also be useful in guiding individualized ancillary testing, identifying the need for specialty referral and multidisciplinary care, and uncovering first-line treatment targets.

Mixed urinary incontinence: Are there effective treatments?

The aim of this debate article is to discuss whether effective treatments are available for mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). Because patients with MUI have both stress and urgency urinary incontinence (SUI and UUI) episodes and current treatment guidelines currently recommend treating the predominant symptom first, this article presents standard and emerging treatments for both SUI and UUI before discussing how well these treatments meet the medical needs of patients with MUI. Standard treatments presented include noninvasive options such as lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises, pharmacological agents, and surgery. Treatment of all three types of urinary incontinence (UI) is usually initiated with noninvasive options, after which treatment options diverge based on UI subtype. Multiple pharmacological agents have been developed for the treatment of UUI and overactive bladder, whereas surgery remains the standard option for SUI and stress-predominant MUI. The divide between UUI and SUI options seems to be propagated in emerging treatments, with most novel pharmacological agents still targeting UUI and even having SUI and stress-predominant MUI as exclusion criteria for participation in clinical trials. Considering that current treatment options focus almost exclusively on treating the predominant symptom of MUI and that emerging pharmacological treatments exclude patients with stress-predominant MUI during the development phase, effective treatments for MUI are lacking both in standard and emerging practice. Ideally, agents with dual mechanisms of action could provide symptom benefit for both the stress and urgency components of MUI.

Vaginal Hormone Therapy for Conditions of the Lower Urinary Tract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Up to half of postmenopausal women experience genitourinary symptoms secondary to hormone deficiency, and there is little consensus on the use of vaginal hormone therapy (VHT) for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in these patients. This is a review of the scientific literature in the last decade evaluating the use of VHT for disorders of the lower urinary tract including overactive bladder (OAB), stress urinary incontinence (SUI), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), and interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (ICS/BPS).

RECENT FINDINGS

Vaginal estrogen therapy improves OAB symptoms in postmenopausal women, but results are mixed when VHT is used in combination with other treatments. There is inconclusive or limited data for the use of VHT to treat SUI and IC/BPS. Vaginal estrogen and prasterone (DHEA) therapies have demonstrated efficacy as treatment modalities for patients who experience recurrent UTIs. VHT preparations show efficacy for the treatment of certain LUTS and can be considered in carefully selected patients when clinically indicated.

Efficacy and Safety of Vibegron for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Women: A Subgroup Analysis From the Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled EMPOWUR Trial

IMPORTANCE

The international phase 3 EMPOWUR trial demonstrated efficacy and safety of vibegron, a newer β 3 -adrenergic receptor agonist, in adults with overactive bladder (OAB). Women are disproportionately affected by OAB, especially those with bothersome symptoms, such as urge urinary incontinence (UUI).

OBJECTIVE

This subgroup analysis from EMPOWUR assessed efficacy and safety of vibegron in women.

STUDY DESIGN

In EMPOWUR, patients with OAB were randomized 5:5:4 to 12 weeks of treatment with once-daily vibegron 75 mg, placebo, or tolterodine 4-mg extended release. Efficacy end points included change from baseline at week 12 in mean daily number of micturitions, UUI episodes, and urgency episodes. Safety was assessed through adverse events (AEs).

RESULTS

Of the patients included in the analysis, 1286 (84.9%) were women (vibegron, n = 463; placebo, n = 459; tolterodine, n = 364). At week 12, women receiving vibegron showed significant reductions (95% confidence intervals of least squares mean differences does not include 0) from baseline versus placebo in mean daily micturitions, UUI episodes, and urgency episodes, with least squares mean differences (95% confidence intervals) of -0.5 (-0.8 to -0.2), -0.7 (-1.0 to -0.4), and -0.8 (-1.3 to -0.4), respectively. Treatment-emergent AE incidence was similar with vibegron (39%) and placebo (35%); the most common AE with incidence higher with vibegron (4.3%) than placebo (2.6%) was headache.

CONCLUSIONS

In this subgroup analysis, women receiving vibegron showed significant reductions in key efficacy end points versus placebo and favorable safety profile, consistent with the overall results from EMPOWUR, suggesting that vibegron is efficacious and safe for the treatment of OAB in this patient population.

Evidence-Informed, Interdisciplinary, Multidimensional Action Plan to Advance Overactive Bladder Research and Treatment Initiatives: Directives From State-of-the-Science Conference on Overactive Bladder and Cognitive Impairment

ABSTRACT

This article outlines an evidence-informed, interdisciplinary, multidimensional, comprehensive action plan for the American Urogynecologic Society to improve care of women with overactive bladder (OAB) while minimizing treatment-related adverse events, including cognitive impairment. It is a "call to action" to advance basic, translational, and clinical research and summarizes initiatives developed at the State-of-the-Science Conference on OAB and Cognitive Impairment to (1) develop framework for a new OAB treatment approach in women, (2) define research gaps and future research priorities, (3) champion health equity and diversity considerations in OAB treatment, (4) foster community and promote education to remove stigma surrounding OAB and urinary incontinence, and (5) elevate visibility and impact of OAB, by creating partnerships through education and engagement with health care professionals, industry, private and public payers, funding agencies, and policymakers.

Long-Term Surveillance and Management of Urological Complications in Chronic Spinal Cord-Injured Patients

Bladder dysfunction is a common complication after chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Patients may experience renal function loss, urinary tract infection (UTI), urolithiasis, bladder cancer, and even life-threatening events such as severe sepsis or renal failure. Suitable patient care may prevent UTI and urinary incontinence, decrease medication use, and preserve renal function. As the primary goal is to preserve renal function, management should be focused on facilitating bladder drainage, the avoidance of UTI, and the maintenance of a low intravesical pressure for continence and complete bladder emptying. Currently, several bladder management options are available to SCI patients: (1) reflex voiding; (2) clean intermittent catheterization; (3) indwelling catheterization. The target organ may be the bladder or the bladder outlet. The purposes of intervention include the following: (1) increasing bladder capacity and/or decreasing intravesical pressure; (2) increasing bladder outlet resistance; (3) decreasing bladder outlet resistance; (4) producing detrusor contractility; (5) urinary diversion. Different bladder management methods and interventions may have different results depending on the patient's lower urinary tract dysfunction. This review aims to report the current management options for long-term bladder dysfunction in chronic SCI patients. Furthermore, we summarize the most suitable care plans for improving the clinical outcome of SCI patients.

CYP2D6 Substrate Dispensing Among Patients Dispensed Mirabegron: An Administrative Claims Analysis

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) is characterized by the presence of bothersome urinary symptoms. Pharmacologic treatment options for OAB include anticholinergics and β₃-adrenergic agonists. Use of β₃-adrenergic agonists may result in similar treatment efficacy with a decreased side effect profile compared with anticholinergics because high anticholinergic burden is associated with cardiovascular and neurologic side effects. However, the β₃-adrenergic agonist mirabegron, one of two approved drugs within this class, is a moderate cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 inhibitor, and coadministration of drugs that are CYP2D6 substrates with mirabegron may lead to adverse drug effects.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to quantify how often CYP2D6 substrates were dispensed in patients receiving mirabegron among adults of any age and among those ≥ 65 years of age.

METHODS

In this retrospective descriptive analysis, a deidentified administrative claims database in the United States, IQVIA PharMetrics^® Plus, was used to identify dispensing claims for CYP2D6 substrates and mirabegron from November 2012 to September 2019. Prevalence of CYP2D6 substrate dispensing was assessed in patients dispensed mirabegron among all adults ≥ 18 years old and additionally among a cohort of those ≥ 65 years old. Patient baseline profiles at the time of mirabegron and CYP2D6 substrate codispensing and at the time of mirabegron dispensing were compared. CYP2D6 substrates were categorized as those with the potential for increased risk of QT prolongation, with anticholinergic properties, with narrow therapeutic index (NTI), contraindicated or having a black box warning when used with CYP2D6 inhibitors, or used for depression or other psychiatric disease. Dispensing data and patient profiles were summarized descriptively.

RESULTS

Overall, 68.5% of adults ≥ 18 years old dispensed mirabegron had overlapping dispensings for one or more CYP2D6 substrate; 60.6% and 53.6% had overlapping dispensings for CYP2D6 substrates with anticholinergic properties or risk of QT prolongation, respectively. CYP2D6 substrates with NTI, contraindicated with CYP2D6 inhibitors, or for psychiatric use were codispensed in 17.7%, 16.6%, and 38.0% of adult mirabegron users, respectively. Mirabegron users receiving one or more concurrent CYP2D6 substrate were more likely to be older, have more comorbidities and baseline polypharmacy, and have increased healthcare resource utilization compared with those without concurrent CYP2D6 substrates. Commonly codispensed CYP2D6 substrates included hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol, metoprolol, and tamsulosin. Findings were similar for patients in the older cohort (≥ 65 years old), with 72.1% receiving overlapping CYP2D6 substrates.

CONCLUSIONS

Codispensing of CYP2D6 substrates, especially those with anticholinergic properties or risk of QT prolongation, was common among adults and older adults receiving mirabegron. Results highlight the need for improved awareness of CYP2D6 substrate prescribing among patients receiving pharmacologic treatment for OAB that inhibits the CYP2D6 pathway.

Healthcare and economic burden of anticholinergic use in adults with overactive bladder: a systematic literature review

Aim: To determine the economic burden associated with anticholinergic medication use in adults with overactive bladder (OAB) in the USA. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify articles assessing healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) and costs associated with anticholinergic use in adults with OAB. Results: From the 34 articles identified, increased anticholinergic burden, switching anticholinergic treatments and potentially inappropriate anticholinergic use were associated with increased HCRU and/or costs. However, studies comparing patients with OAB receiving anticholinergics to individuals with untreated OAB or without OAB reported a mix of increases and decreases in HCRU and costs. Conclusion: Additional controlled studies assessing the economic impact of anticholinergics in OAB are needed and may enable optimization of economic and potentially patient outcomes.

Third-line therapy for overactive bladder in the elderly: Nuances and considerations

INTRODUCTION

Overactive bladder (OAB) disproportionally affects older adults in both incidence and severity. OAB pharmacotherapy is often problematic in the elderly due to polypharmacy, adverse side effect profiles and contraindications in the setting of multiple comorbidities, and concerns regarding the risk of incident dementia with anticholinergic use. The burden of OAB in older patients coupled with concerns surrounding pharmacotherapy options should motivate optimization of nonpharmacologic therapies in this population. At the same time, several aspects of aging may impact treatment efficacy and decision-making. This narrative review critically summarizes current evidence regarding third-line OAB therapy use in the elderly and discusses nuances and treatment considerations specific to the population.

METHODS

We performed an extensive, nonsystematic evidence assessment of available literature via PubMed on onabotulinumtoxinA (BTX-A), sacral neuromodulation, and percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) for OAB, with a focus on study in elderly and frail populations.

RESULTS

While limited, available studies show all three third-line therapies are efficacious in older populations and there is no data to support one option over another. BTX-A likely has a higher risk of urinary tract infection and retention in older compared to younger populations, especially in the frail elderly. PTNS incurs the lowest risk, although adherence is poor, largely due to logistical burdens.

CONCLUSION

Advanced age and frailty should not preclude third-line therapy for refractory OAB, as available data support their efficacy and safety in these populations. Ultimately, treatment choices should be individualized and involve shared decision-making.

Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Vibegron 75 mg Administered as an Intact or Crushed Tablet in Healthy Adults

Oral pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder, a condition that increases with age, includes anticholinergics and β₃ -adrenergic receptor agonists. Older adults, including those with dysphagia, may have difficulty swallowing tablets. In this phase 1 study in healthy adults, we assessed the pharmacokinetic profile of the β₃ -adrenergic receptor agonist vibegron administered as a single 75-mg dose as an intact tablet versus crushed and mixed with applesauce. Additional end points included safety (assessed by adverse events), perception of taste (assessed via questionnaire), and stability over 4 hours after crushing and mixing in applesauce (assessed by chromatography). Overall, 30 participants were randomized, and 29 were included in the pharmacokinetic analysis. Crushing a vibegron tablet and mixing with applesauce decreased vibegron maximum observed plasma concentration and area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity by ≈30% and ≈10%, respectively; however, these decreases were not considered clinically significant. Treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in 16 (53.3%) participants. Approximately half of participants reported the vibegron and applesauce mixture tasted as expected; of those reporting the taste was different than expected, 50% reported the taste as bitter. The mixture was stable for 4 hours in applesauce. The results of this study showed that crushing and administering vibegron with applesauce may be an appropriate option for patients with overactive bladder and swallowing difficulties.

Long-term efficacy and safety of vibegron versus mirabegron and anticholinergics for overactive bladder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

Few randomized controlled trials evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of pharmacotherapy for overactive bladder (OAB). This network meta- analysis compares the long-term (52-week) efficacy and safety of vibegron, mirabegron and anticholinergics for the treatment of OAB.

Methods

A systematic literature review and network meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines using MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and terms related to OAB. Efficacy outcomes included change from baseline to week 48–52 in mean daily total urinary incontinence (UI) episodes, mean daily number of micturitions and volume voided/micturition. Efficacy outcomes were analysed using Bayesian models. Commonly reported adverse events (AEs) are described.

Results

Of 2098 hits retrieved, 5 publications and 1 study report describing 5 unique randomized controlled trials were included in the analyses. Mean (95% credible interval) change from baseline in total UI episodes for vibegron 75 mg (−2.2; −2.9 to −1.5) showed a significantly greater reduction than mirabegron 50 mg (−1.3; −1.9 to −0.8) and tolterodine 4 mg extended release (−1.6; −2.1 to −1.1). No significant differences were observed between vibegron and comparators for daily micturitions or volume voided/micturition. Within the manuscripts, the 4 most common AEs (range) for anticholinergics included dry mouth (5.2–90.0%), constipation (7.7–65.0%), blurred vision (3.8–35.0%) and hypertension (8.6–9.6%); the 4 most commonly reported AEs for β₃-adrenergic agonists included hypertension (8.8–9.2%), urinary tract infection (5.9–6.6%), headache (5.5%) and nasopharyngitis (4.8–5.2%).

Conclusion

Vibegron was associated with significantly greater improvement in daily total UI episodes at 52 weeks than mirabegron and tolterodine. When reported, the most common AE for anticholinergics was dry mouth and for β₃-adrenergic agonists was hypertension. Hypertension incidence was similar between drug classes.

Budget Impact Analysis of Vibegron for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in the USA

BACKGROUND

Overactive bladder (OAB) is associated with considerable clinical and economic burden. Treatment of patients with OAB using anticholinergics is limited by tolerability issues and increased anticholinergic burden, which is associated with increased risk of dementia and falls/fractures. This analysis assessed the budget impact of introducing the β₃-adrenergic agonist vibegron for the treatment of patients with OAB from US commercial payor and Medicare perspectives.

METHODS

A budget impact model (BIM) with a 5-year time horizon was developed using a top-down, prevalence-based approach and projected market shares for 1-million-member US commercial and Medicare plans. The BIM included vibegron, mirabegron, and anticholinergics, incorporating changes in clinical outcomes (efficacy, drug-drug interactions, anticholinergic burden (ACB), OAB-related comorbidities, and adverse events (AEs)). Costs per member per month (PMPM) and per treated member per month (PTMPM) were determined. One-way sensitivity analyses quantified the impact of changes in key variables.

RESULTS

The introduction of vibegron was associated with a modest increase in PMPM cost over 5 years of $0.12 (range for years 1‒5, $0.01‒$0.26) for commercial payors and $0.24 ($0.01‒$0.52) for Medicare (PTMPM cost: $2.70 ($0.17‒$4.85) and $3.15 ($0.19‒$5.82), respectively). Costs were partially offset by savings related to decreased third-line treatment use, yearly decreases in AE and comorbidity incidence, reduced drug-drug interactions, and reduced ACB associated with vibegron introduction. PMPM costs were most sensitive to vibegron market share assumptions, OAB prevalence, and vibegron persistence at 1 month for private payors and Medicare and additionally vibegron persistence at 12 months for Medicare.

CONCLUSIONS

Vibegron may address unmet needs in treating OAB and is a useful addition to health plans while minimizing risks of anticholinergic AEs, ACB, and drug-drug interactions, which may partially offset increased pharmacy costs.

Validating a model for medication-related dental outcomes in older people

OBJECTIVES

To externally validate a model for medication-related dental outcomes in (a) a general older population with dementia and (b) a matched population without dementia.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This validation study used population-based data from seven Swedish national registers (2008-2017). Individuals aged 60+ with dementia were matched to those without dementia on age, gender, and county of residence at the date of diagnosis (index date). The exposure was continuous use of xerogenic medications during the 3-year period before index date. The primary outcome was the number of tooth extraction and restorative procedures within 3 years after index date.

RESULTS

A total of 334,220 individuals were included in the final sample. In the dementia cohort, the use of urological drugs (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.13), respiratory medicines (IRR 1.10, 95% CI 1.04-1.17), and proton-pump inhibitors (IRR 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.13) was associated with the primary outcome. In the non-dementia cohort, respiratory medicines (IRR 1.03, CI 1.00-1.05), proton-pump inhibitors (IRR 1.06, CI 1.04-1.08), opioids (IRR 1.05, CI 1.03-1.07), and antidepressants (IRR 1.06, CI 1.04-1.08) were associated with the primary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Although there were differences in prescription patterns, the model performed similarly in both those with and without dementia.

Impact of Urinary Incontinence Related to Overactive Bladder on Long-Term Care Residents and Facilities: A Perspective From Directors of Nursing

The current study assessed the impact of urinary incontinence (UI) on residents, staff, care processes, and quality measures in long-term care (LTC) settings. A 70-question quantitative online survey was sent to directors of nursing (DONs) who had worked for ≥1 year in a ≥100-bed facility (≥80% LTC beds). Of the 62% of residents with UI, 40% were always incontinent, and 81% used incontinence products for UI. Overall, 59% of DONs reported that UI management contributes to certified nursing assistant turnover. Approximately 36% of resident falls occurred while trying to get to the bathroom. LTC quality measures reported as significantly impacted by UI included urinary tract infection and falls with major injury. Only 14% of residents with UI were treated with medication. Most (75%) DONs were unaware of any link between anticholinergic medications and risk of cognitive side effects. These results highlight the need for improved UI treatment, awareness, and management in this population. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 48(7), 38-46.].

Injectable, Adhesive, and Self-Healing Composite Hydrogels Loaded With Oxybutynin Hydrochloride for the Treatment of Overactive Bladder in Rats

Object: The aim of this study was to prepare injectable, adhesive, and self-healing composite hydrogels loaded with oxybutynin hydrochloride and verify its function in the treatment of overactive bladder.

Method: The ultraviolet (UV) absorption of oxybutynin (Oxy) in the solution was detected using a UV spectrophotometer at 233 nm, and the cumulative drug release was calculated using Origin software. L929 mouse fibroblasts were used to test cell adhesion to OCP50 and OCP100 hydrogels. Both FT-IR and NMR overactive bladder demonstrated that Dex was oxidized to PDA with aldehyde groups. Urodynamic examinations were performed 24 h after intraperitoneal injection in the rat model. The relative expression levels of Orai1 and STIM1 were detected by western blot (WB) and QPCR.

Results: After loading Oxy, the shear adhesion under the wet conditions of OCP50 and OCP100 was higher than CP50 and CP100 (p < 0.05), and both were suitable for intravaginal administration. After 72 h of release, oxybutynin released 82.8% in OCP100 hydrogel and 70% in OCP50. Compared to the model, OCP50, CP100, and OCP100 relieved the overactive bladder and inhibited the expression of Orail and STIM1.

Conclusions: Oxybutynin hydrogel could provide relief to overactive bladder by decreasing the expression of Orail and STIM1 in rats.

[Medical treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms: what's new?]

Decades after the introduction of 5α-reductase inhibitors and α1-adrenoceptor antagonists, new data of practical relevance related to their desired and adverse effects continues to emerge. Some of these novel findings are to be taken seriously but are insufficiently established, for instance associations between drug use and depression or dementia. Multiple combination treatments have been tested. While combination treatment was often statistically superior to monotherapy, the difference was mostly in the range of 1 IPSS point, which raises doubts on the clinical relevance of the findings at the group level. The new evidence enables further personalisation of the treatment of male lower urinary tract dysfunction, but also makes individual risk-benefit considerations more complex.

Barriers and facilitators to overactive bladder therapy adherence

AIMS

To provide an overview of the barriers and facilitators to overactive bladder (OAB) therapy initiation and adherence.

METHODS

A PubMed and Embase literature search was conducted to identify barriers to OAB therapy adherence.

RESULTS

OAB therapy adherence is associated with improvements in urinary symptoms, and quality of life with reductions in annual costs for OAB-related expenditures. However, adherence rates to behavioral therapies are as low as 32% at 1 year, only 15%-40% of treated patients remain on oral medications at 1 year due to several factors (e.g., inadequate efficacy, tolerability, and cost), and 5%-10% of OAB patients progress to advanced therapies. While some common barriers to therapy adherence are often fixed (e.g., costs, lack of efficacy, time, side effects, treatment fatigue), many are modifiable (e.g., lack of knowledge, poor relationships, negative experiences, poor communication with providers). Patient-centered care may help address some modifiable barriers. Emerging data demonstrate that patient-centered care in the form of treatment navigators improves OAB therapy adherence and progression to advanced therapies in the appropriate patient.

CONCLUSIONS

There are numerous modifiable barriers to OAB therapy adherence. A patient-centered lens is needed to elicit patient goals, establish realistic treatment expectations, and tailor therapy to improve therapy adherence, optimize outcomes, and reduce healthcare expenditures. Further research is needed to develop and study low-cost, scalable solutions.

Selectivity and Maximum Response of Vibegron and Mirabegron for β3-Adrenergic Receptors

Background

The β₃-adrenergic agonists vibegron and mirabegron have shown favorable safety profiles and efficacy for the treatment of overactive bladder. However, β-adrenergic receptors are also found outside the bladder, which could lead to off-target activity.

Objective

This study assessed the selectivity of vibegron and mirabegron for β-adrenergic receptors and the maximal effect and potency for β₃-adrenergic receptors.

Methods

Functional cellular assays were performed using Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells expressing β₁-, Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing β₂-, and human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing β₃-adrenergic receptors. Cells were incubated with vibegron, mirabegron, or control (β₁ and β₃, isoproterenol; β₂, procaterol). Responses were quantified using homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence of cyclic adenosine monophosphate and were normalized to the respective control. Half-maximal effective concentration and maximum response values were determined by nonlinear least-squares regression analysis.

Results

Activation of β₃-adrenergic receptors with vibegron or mirabegron resulted in concentration-dependent β₃-adrenergic receptor responses. Mean (SEM) half-maximal effective concentration values at β₃-adrenergic receptors were 2.13 (0.25) nM for vibegron and 10.0 (0.56) nM for mirabegron. At a concentration of 10 µM, β₃-adrenergic activity relative to isoproterenol was 104% for vibegron and 88% for mirabegron. Maximum response at β₃-adrenergic receptors was 99.2% for vibegron and 80.4% for mirabegron. β₁-adrenergic activity was 0% and 3% for vibegron and mirabegron, respectively; β₂-adrenergic activity was 2% and 15%, respectively.

Conclusions

Vibegron showed no measurable β₁ and low β₂ activity compared with mirabegron, which showed low β₁ and some β₂ activity. Both showed considerable selectivity at β₃-adrenergic receptors; however, vibegron demonstrated near-exclusive β₃ activity and a higher maximum β₃ response.

Association between anticholinergic burden and dementia in UK Biobank

Background

Previous studies on the relationship between anticholinergic drugs and dementia have reported heterogeneous results. This variability could be due to different anticholinergic scales and differential effects of distinct classes of drugs.

Methods

Using Cox proportional hazards models, we computed the association between annual anticholinergic burden (AChB) and the risk of dementia in UK Biobank with linked general practitioner prescription records between the years 2000 and 2015 (n = 171,775).

Results

AChB according to most anticholinergic scales (standardized odds ratio range: 1.027-1.125) and the slope of the AChB trajectory (hazard ratio = 1.094; 95% confidence interval: 1.068-1.119) were predictive of dementia. However, the association between AChB and dementia held only for some classes of drugs, especially antidepressants, antiepileptics, and antidiuretics.

Discussion

The heterogeneity in previous findings may partially be due to different effects for different classes of drugs. Future studies should establish differences in more detail and further examine the practicality of a general measure of AChB relating to the risk of dementia.

Mirabegron for overactive bladder in frail patients 80 years or over (HOKUTO study)

BACKGROUND

We assessed the efficacy and safety of mirabegron, a β₃-adrenoceptor agonist, in older adults (≥ 80 years old) with overactive bladder (OAB).

METHODS

OAB patients aged ≥ 80 years were enrolled in this prospective, single-arm observational study. OAB was diagnosed based on the OAB symptom score (OABSS); i.e., a total score of ≥ 3 points and an urgency score of ≥ 2 points. Patients who received 50 mg mirabegron once daily were evaluated at the baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The changes from the baseline in the OABSS, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) score, and Vulnerable Elders Survey (VES-13) score were determined. Adverse events, laboratory tests, 12-lead electrocardiography, the QT interval according to Fridericia's formula (QTcF), uroflowmetry, the post-void residual urine volume (PVR), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score were used to assess safety.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients (median age: 84 years, range: 80-96 years) were examined. They had high rates of comorbidities and polypharmacy. Mirabegron significantly improved in total score of the OABSS, including urgency and urge incontinence. The total IPSS, IPSS quality-of-life (QOL) index, and OAB-q scores also significantly improved. Mirabegron improved in the VES-13 score. There were no significant changes in laboratory test values, uroflowmetry findings, PVR, the QTcF, or MMSE score. Two patients (4.7%) withdrew from the study after experiencing adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Mirabegron was well tolerated and significantly improved in OAB symptoms, and QOL in older patients. Trial registration The present clinical study was approved by University of Yamanashi Institutional Review Board prior to study initiation (ID1447) and was retrospectively registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR), Japan (UMIN000045996) on Nov 6, 2021.

An Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Vibegron in the Treatment of Overactive Bladder

Pharmacologic treatment for overactive bladder (OAB), which is characterized by bothersome symptoms such as urgency and urge urinary incontinence (UUI), includes anticholinergics and β₃-adrenergic receptor agonists. Anticholinergics are associated with adverse effects including dry mouth, constipation, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of dementia. Therefore, the drug class of β₃-adrenergic receptor agonists may represent an effective, safe treatment option. Vibegron, a β₃-adrenergic receptor agonist, was approved for use in Japan (2018) and the United States (2020). Over the past 3 years, 2 phase 3 trials (EMPOWUR, EMPOWUR extension) have been conducted with once-daily vibegron 75 mg for the treatment of OAB, and additional secondary and subgroup analyses have detailed the efficacy and safety of vibegron. In the international phase 3 EMPOWUR trial, treatment with vibegron was associated with significant improvements compared with placebo in efficacy outcomes of micturition frequency, UUI episodes, urgency episodes, and volume voided as early as week 2 that were sustained throughout the 12-week trial. The 40-week EMPOWUR extension study, following the 12-week treatment period, demonstrated sustained efficacy in patients receiving vibegron for 52 weeks. Treatment with vibegron was also associated with improvements in patient-reported measures of quality of life. Across studies, vibegron was generally safe and well tolerated. A separate, dedicated ambulatory blood pressure monitoring study showed that treatment with vibegron was not associated with clinically meaningful effects on blood pressure or heart rate. Across all studies, vibegron was efficacious, safe, and well tolerated and thus represents a valuable treatment option for patients with OAB. Here, nearly 1 year after US approval, we review the published data on efficacy and safety of vibegron 75 mg for the treatment of OAB.

Pharmacological Management of Urinary Incontinence: Current and Emerging Treatment

Pharmacological management of urinary incontinence (UI) is currently based on antimuscarinic and beta-3-agonist drugs. Botulinum toxin A detrusor injections represent an effective but more invasive alternative. This review covers the latest developments of the currently available drugs and the emerging compounds for the treatment of UI. Evidence shows that new antimuscarinics and beta-3-agonists with improved safety profiles may offer unique options to patients intolerant to currently available drugs. Combination therapy proved to be a non-invasive alternative for patients refractory to first-line monotherapy. Exciting advances are ongoing in the research to improve the efficacy/tolerability profile of botulinum toxin, through innovative routes of administration. Several new agents emerged from preclinical studies, some of which have now entered the clinical phase of development and could represent, in the coming years, a new way for the treatment of UI. Recent evidence on the existence of different overactive bladder phenotypes could be the key to tailored treatment. Rather than discovering new molecules, reaching the ability to identify the right drug for the right patient could be the real gamechanger of the future.

Efficacy of Vibegron and Mirabegron for Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Literature Review and Indirect Treatment Comparison

Background

In the absence of head-to-head trials, we performed an indirect treatment comparison of the β₃-adrenergic agonists vibegron and mirabegron in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles related to phase 3, double-blind, controlled trials of vibegron 75 mg and mirabegron 25/50 mg in patients with OAB. Efficacy outcomes included change from baseline at weeks 4, 12, and 52 in mean daily number of total urinary incontinence episodes and micturitions and mean volume voided/micturition. Effect size was computed as placebo-subtracted change from baseline (weeks 4, 12) or active control (tolterodine)-subtracted change from baseline (week 52) for each treatment group. Adverse events (AEs) are presented descriptively.

Results

After removal of duplicates, 49 records were identified, and after screening 9 met inclusion criteria for analysis. Vibegron showed significantly greater reduction in mean daily number of total incontinence episodes than mirabegron 25 mg at week 4, mirabegron 50 mg (weeks 4, 52), and tolterodine (weeks 4, 12) (P < 0.05, each) and significantly greater improvement in volume voided versus mirabegron 25 mg (week 12), mirabegron 50 mg (weeks 12, 52), and tolterodine (week 4) (P < 0.05, each). Confidence intervals of point estimates overlapped zero for all other comparisons of vibegron and mirabegron (25 or 50 mg) or tolterodine, indicating no significant differences between treatments for these time/endpoints. Urinary tract infection, hypertension, and dry mouth were the most commonly occurring AEs for vibegron, mirabegron, and tolterodine, respectively, in the short-term trials; hypertension was the most commonly occurring AE with all three treatments in the long-term trials.

Conclusions

Vibegron was associated with significant improvement in total incontinence episodes versus mirabegron at 4 and 52 weeks and volume voided at 12 and 52 weeks. Improvement in micturitions was similar between vibegron and mirabegron or tolterodine. Incidence of AEs was generally comparable between vibegron and mirabegron.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12325-021-01902-8.