Treatment compliance of working persons to high-dose antimuscarinic therapies: a randomized trial

Regular and Irregular Use and Reasons for Discontinuation of Solifenacin Therapy in Patients with Overactive Bladder Managed by Urologists

Solifenacin, a selective muscarinic receptor antagonist, is one of the best-tolerated and most effective medicines that relieve storage symptoms in patients with an overactive bladder (OAB). However, the persistence of solifenacin in daily clinical practice remains far below that reported in clinical trials. This study aimed to analyze the adherence of patients to the therapy and the reasons for solifenacin discontinuation and non-regular use in OAB patients managed by urologists. Data concerning non-compliance and the discontinuation of solifenacin, along with the reasons, were collected during two consecutive visits for 64,049 OAB outpatients. Over the two visits, 81.6% of the patients continued therapy, and 88.6% were taking solifenacin regularly. An age ≥ 75 yrs., the male sex, a rural or small-city dwelling, and a prescription of ≥10 mg predicted therapy continuation. The female sex, a higher education, a short or long duration of an OAB, and a non-idiopathic OAB predicted regular use. The persistence of nycturia and urinary incontinence during therapy predicted both discontinuation and non-regular use. Dissatisfaction with therapy was the most frequent reason for discontinuation. In conclusion, an initial prescription of solifenacin at a low dose reduces the chance of OAB symptom improvement and results in more frequent discontinuation. A high rate of discontinuation related to dissatisfaction suggests unrealistic expectations for OAB patients and insufficient education by urologists.

Efficacy of a combination of dutasteride, tadalafil, and solifenacin in the treatment of previously unsuccessful patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of simultaneous administration of dutasteride, tadalafil and solifenacin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with overactive bladder symptoms and lower urinary tract obstruction in previously unsuccessfully treated men.

METHODS

Patients in Group A (n=97) received dutasteride 0.5 mg/day, tadalafil 2.5 mg/day, and solifenacin 2.5 mg/day; Group B (n=95) received dutasteride 0.5 mg/day, tadalafil 5 mg/day, and solifenacin 5 mg/day; Group C (n=103) received dutasteride 0.5 mg/day, tadalafil 20 mg/day, and solifenacin 10 mg/day. The functional status of the lower urinary tract was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OABq), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD) as well as uroflowmetry.

RESULTS

The total score of the sexual function remained unchanged in Group B of patients 81.3 points vs. 80.2 points (p>0.05) according to MSHQ-EjD, 61.4 points vs. 51.2 points (p>0.05) according to IIEF data. The total assessment of symptoms of hyperactivity significantly decreased in Group C according to OABq data after the 4th week of the study (17.5 points vs. 26.1 points, p<0.05) and remained below the baseline until the end of the study (15.2 points).

CONCLUSIONS

The simultaneous administration of standard doses of dutasteride, solifenacin, and tadalafil for 3 months is safe, effective, and can be recommended for patients with BPH to reduce symptoms of obstruction and hyperactivity of the bladder and maintain sexual function.

Influence of current state of executive function and working memory on adherence to antimuscarinic therapy in older women with OAB

Aim

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

The Analysis of the Effects of Executive Functions, Working Memory and Other Factors on Medication Adherence in Elderly Men with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Overactive Bladder Symptoms

AIM

Evaluation of the executive function and working memory influence, as well as the general state of memory, on adherence to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and overactive bladder symptoms treatment in elderly men.

BACKGROUND

The influence of the executive function and working memory on treatment adherence in older men with BPH has not been studied enough.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the level of influence of various factors on the treatment adherence in older men with BPH.

METHODS

The executive function and working memory evaluation, as well as a general memory assessment, were carried out using the Wisconsin Test, the Wechsler Memory Scale, and the California Verbal Test. Hierarchical and simultaneous regressions were calculated to study the effect of executive function and working memory.

RESULTS

After the end of the study, the symptoms of hyperactive bladder significantly decreased, the symptoms of evacuation did not change significantly, and the cognitive status of the patients remained unchanged. The predictor variables significantly influencing adherence of elderly men to BPH and overactive bladder (OAB) treatment are executive function and working memory composite (β = .33, p < .05), severe symptoms of lower urinary tract (-.34, p < .05), and age (-.27, p < .05).

CONCLUSION

The status of executive function and working memory, as well as the age and severity of the pathological symptoms of the lower urinary tract, should be taken into account when predicting the risks of rejecting BPH and OAB treatment in elderly patients.

Nonbiologic factors that impact management in women with urinary incontinence: review of the literature and findings from a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases workshop

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Urinary incontinence (UI)-defined as a complaint of involuntary loss of urine-is common in women, with major public health, financial, and quality of life (QoL) implications. Despite the high toll of UI and the availability of effective conservative treatments, many women with UI do not seek care. Those who do often continue to experience symptoms. Improving UI treatment may require a comprehensive approach to urology research, including a broad set of potentially influential factors beyond biologic.

METHODS

To explore the effects of nonbiologic factors (NBF) on UI management and treatment response, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases convened a workshop for clinical and psychosocial researchers. Participants proposed a UI treatment pathway: recognizing the problem, willingness to seek treatment, access to care, receiving quality treatment, engaging in self-management, and adhering to chosen treatments; discussed potential NBFs that may affect the pathway; and identified areas for future research. After the meeting, a rapid literature review was conducted to assess the current state of research on NBFs in women with UI.

RESULTS

Participants identified several patient-level NBFs that may influence the UI management pathway, including QoL and perceived bother; stigma, shame, and embarrassment; knowledge and perceptions; social determinants of health; cultural and language characteristics; personal characteristics and skills; and physical abilities. Additionally, participants acknowledged that provider- and system-level factors also play a role and likely interact with patient-level factors.

CONCLUSIONS

NBFs that potentially affect the UI management pathway are not well understood, and a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to research is needed to understand and appropriately support effective UI treatment.