A Prospective, Multicenter, Open-Label Study of Dose Escalation Therapy in Male Patients With Nocturia Refractory to 0.2-mg Tamsulosin Monotherapy / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of 0.4 mg of tamsulosin in patients with nocturia not responding to 0.2 mg.METHODS: Patients with intractable nocturia after treatment with 0.2 mg of tamsulosin for>1 month were included in a multicenter, prospective, observational, single-arm study. Patients were prescribed 0.4 mg of tamsulosin and followed up for 2 months to assess nocturnal voiding and nocturia-related bother. Changes in the mean number of nocturnal voids, the proportion of 50% responders, 3-day frequency-volume chart parameters, and questionnaire scores were assessed.RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were prescribed 0.2 mg of tamsulosin, of whom 56 were prescribed 0.4 mg of tamsulosin. Ten patients dropped out. A single case of orthostatic hypotension was reported. The mean age was 68 years. After 1 and 2 months of taking 0.4 mg of tamsulosin, 23.9% and 22.7% of patients demonstrated a>50% reduction of nocturia, and 16.1% and 19.4% of patients rated the treatment as “very effective,” respectively. Dose escalation to 0.4 mg of tamsulosin, compared to 0.2 mg, did not show an additional effect on reducing nocturnal urine volume. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that lower serum sodium levels (odds ratio [OR], 0.41, P=0.037) and the presence of urge incontinence (OR, 7.08, P=0.036) were predictors of a significant improvement of nocturia in response to 0.4 mg of tamsulosin.CONCLUSIONS: Dose escalation may yield a significant improvement of nocturia in>20% of patients, and may be especially helpful in patients with lower sodium levels and urge incontinence.

Therapeutic effects of α-adrenergic receptor antagonists on benign prostatic hyperplasia: A network meta-analysis / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>Objective</b>To investigate the therapeutic effects of commonly used selective α-adrenergic receptor antagonists (α-ARA) on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>PubMed, Embase and CNKI databases were searched for the literature about selective α-ARAs for the treatment of BPH and the information was extracted on the common adverse reactions in the course of treatment. Multivariate meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the therapeutic effects of different α-ARAs.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total rates of adverse effects of silodosin and tamsulosin were the highest, 51.9% and 34.0% respectively, with the highest incidences of headache (38.3%), weakness (23.6%) and dizziness (17.5%). Besides, tamsulosin ranked the first in inducing sexual dysfunction of the male patients with BPH (70.4%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Doxazosin is preferable as the first-choice treatment of BPH for its therapeutic effect and improvement of the patient's quality of life. Silodosin and tamsulosin, however, can be selectively used according to the patient's specific tolerance to different adverse effects.</p>

Efficacy of an Alpha-Blocker for the Treatment of Nonneurogenic Voiding Dysfunction in Women: An 8-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor (α1-AR) blocker for the treatment of female voiding dysfunction (FVD) through a pressure-flow study. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Women aged ≥18 years with voiding symptoms, as defined by an American Urological Association symptom score (AUA-SS) ≥15 and a maximum flow rate (Qmax) 100 mL and/or a postvoid residual (PVR) volume >150 mL, were randomly allocated to either the alfuzosin or placebo group. After 8 weeks of treatment, changes in the AUA-SS, Bristol female lower urinary tract symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire, Qmax/PVR, and voiding diary were compared between groups. Patients’ satisfaction with the treatment was compared. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the Blaivas-Groutz bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) nomogram: none, mild, and moderate to severe. Subgroup comparisons were also made. RESULTS: Of a total of 187 women, 154 (79 alfuzosin, 75 placebo) were included in the analysis. After 8 weeks of treatment, the AUA-SS decreased by 7.0 in the alfuzosin group and by 8.0 in the placebo group. Changes in AUA-SS subscores, BFLUTS (except the I-sum), the voiding diary, and Qmax/PVR were not significantly different between groups. Approximately 54% of the alfuzosin group and 62% of the placebo group were satisfied with the treatment. No significant difference was observed between groups according to the presence or grade of BOO. CONCLUSIONS: Alfuzosin might not be more effective than placebo for treating FVD. The presence or the grade of BOO did not affect the results. A further study with sufficient power is needed to determine the efficacy of α1-AR blockers for the treatment of FVD.

Feocromocitoma quístico gigante: reporte de un caso / Pheochromocytoma giant cystic: a case report

El feocromocitoma quístico gigante es tumor adrenal raro en el que predomina el curso asintomático; por lo que muchos de los casos no son diagnosticados hasta el momento de la cirugía. La simple movilización del tumor se asocia con el paso a la sangre de grandes cantidades de catecolaminas y a una elevada morbimortalidad.; por esta razón la cirugía per se y su manejo perioperatorio constituyen un enorme desafío. En este artículo se presenta el caso de un feocromocitoma gigante maligno (35 cm) que ocupaba todo el hemiabdomen derecho. Aun con el diagnóstico preoperatorio de feocromocitoma, el bloqueo farmacológico preoperatorio y las medidas intraoperatorias, el paciente falleció poco antes de que finalizara la cirugía.

The giant cystic pheochromocytoma is a rare adrenal tumor in the predominantly asymptomatic course; so many cases are not diagnosed until the time of surgery. The simple mobilization of the tumor is associated with the passage to the blood of large amounts of catecholamines and high morbidity and mortality. So the surgery itself and perioperative management are a huge challenge. This article describes the case of a malignant giant pheochromocytoma (35 cm) which occupied the entire right abdomen. Even with the preoperative diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, pharmacological blockade preoperative and intraoperative measures, the patient died shortly before the end of surgery.

Preliminary assessment of neck circumference in benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT Objectives To investigate the impact of neck circumference (NC) in the treatment of bening prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients with metabolic syndrome (MtS). Additionally, we determined dose response to alpha-blockers and cut-off values for NC and waist circumference (WC), in these patients. Materials and Methods Non-randomized, open-labelled, and multi-centre study was conducted between March 2014 and September 2015. The BPH patients were enrolled and were divided into 2 groups: with MtS (Group 1; n=94) and without MtS (Group 2; n=103). Demographic data, anthropometric measurements, blood analyses, uroflowmetric parameters, post voiding residual urine (PVR), prostate volume, quality of life (QoL) index, NC and WC were recorded. Both groups were administered oral alpha-blockers and response to treatment was evaluated. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were obtained and significant p was p<0.05 . Results In total, 197 patients were enrolled with mean age of 60.5±8.1 years. Mean NC and WC were higher in MtS patients (p<0.001). Uroflowmetry parameters and QoL indexes were comparable between groups before treatment. International prostate symptom score, uroflowmetry parameters, and QoL significant improved in Group 2 than Group 1, at 1 st and 6 th months of treatment with alpha-blockers. Success rate of treatment was significant higher in Group 2 than Group 1 (p<0.001). Cut-off values were 42.5cm and 113.5cm for NC and WC respectively, for response to alpha-blockers in BPH patients with MtS. Conclusions MtS can be related with BPH and can negatively affect the response to alpha-blocker treatment. NC can be used for predicting response to alpha-blocker treatment in BPH patients with MtS.

Seasonal Changes in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Japanese Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treated With α₁-Blockers / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate whether seasonal changes occurred in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Patients aged 50 years and older with BPH treated with α1-blockers were enrolled. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum and average flow rate, voided volume, and postvoid residual volume were measured in summer and winter. RESULTS: A total of 164 patients were enrolled. The total IPSS and QoL index did not show a significant difference between the 2 seasons. When the IPSS was divided into storage symptoms and voiding symptoms, storage symptoms in winter were substantially but nonsignificantly higher than those in summer (P=0.056). Of the 7 individual symptoms in the IPSS, a significant seasonal difference was observed only for nocturia, with a higher score in winter. Moreover, none of the uroflowmetric parameters showed a seasonal change. Voided volume had significant correlations with each symptom (urgency and nocturia) and overall subjective scores (storage, total IPSS, and QoL) exclusively in summer, while this correlation remained only for nocturia in winter. CONCLUSIONS: As it has generally been assumed that LUTS deteriorate in winter, the present study corroborated that the severity of storage symptoms was higher in winter than in summer, even in patients treated with α₁-blockers. In contrast, a seasonal difference was not observed in the uroflowmetric parameters, which may be partly due to the loss of the correlation between subjective and objective measurements of storage symptoms in winter.

Can the success of structured therapy for giggle incontinence be predicted?

ABSTRACT Introduction: To evaluate possible factors that can guide the clinician to predict potential cases refractoriness to medical treatment for giggle incontinence (GI) and to examine the effectiveness of different treatment modalities. Material and methods: The data of 48 children referred to pediatric urology outpatient clinic between 2000 and 2013 diagnosed as GI were reviewed. Mean age, follow-up, GI frequency, associated symptoms, medical and family history were noted. Incontinence frequency differed between several per day to less than once weekly. Children were evaluated with uroflowmetry-electromyography and post-void residual urine. Clinical success was characterized as a full or partial response, or nonresponse as defined by the International Children's Continence Society. Univariate analysis was used to find potential factors including age, sex, familial history, GI frequency, treatment modality and dysfunctional voiding to predict children who would possibly not respond to treatment. Results: Mean age of the patients was 8.4 years (range 5 to 16). Mean follow-up time and mean duration of asymptomatic period were noted as 6.7±1.4 years and 14.2±2.3 months respectively. While 12 patients were treated with only behavioral urotherapy (Group-1), 11 patients were treated with alpha-adrenergic blockers and behavioral urotherapy (Group-2) and 18 patients with methylphenidate and behavioral urotherapy (Group-3). Giggle incontinence was refractory to eight children in-group 1; six children in-group 2 and eight children in-group 3. Daily GI frequency and dysfunctional voiding diagnosed on uroflowmetry-EMG were found as outstanding predictive factors for resistance to treatment modalities. Conclusions: A variety of therapies for GI have more than 50% failure rate and a standard treatment for GI has not been established. The use of medications to treat these patients would not be recommended, as they appear to add no benefit to symptoms and may introduce severe adverse effects.

Frecuencia y factores pronósticos del síndrome de iris laxo intraoperatorio / Frequency and prognostic factors of the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome

Objetivo: evaluar la frecuencia, los factores pronósticos y el impacto del síndrome de iris laxo intraoperatorio en operaciones de catarata. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de cohorte prospectivo y longitudinal, donde se evaluaron 139 operaciones de catarata realizadas por un solo cirujano, de los cuales 49 ojos (35,3 por ciento) presentaron síndrome de iris laxo intraoperatorio. Se realizó un análisis univariado y multivariado con variables demográficas, antecedentes patológicos personales, uso de medicamentos, características anatómicas del iris, parámetros biométricos y complicaciones intra y posoperatorias. Resultados: en el análisis univariado las variables significativas pronósticas para la aparición de síndrome de iris laxo intraoperatorio fueron: el consumo de psicofármacos (p= 0,001), la cámara anterior estrecha (p= 0,001) y la dilatación pupilar preoperatoria regular o mala (p= 0,001). En el análisis multivariado la cámara estrecha fue, de todas las variables independientes, la que mayor influencia tuvo en la aparición de síndrome de iris laxo intraoperatoriocon una alta significación (p= 0,001). El síndrome de iris laxo intraoperatorio aumentó el riesgo de complicaciones intra y posoperatorias. Conclusiones: con una correcta anamnesis y un examen oftalmológico podemos predecir la ocurrencia de síndrome de iris laxo intraoperatorio durante la cirugía de catarata. El consumo de psicofármacos, la cámara anterior estrecha y la dilatación pupilar preoperatoria regular o mala se pueden considerar factores pronósticos de síndrome de iris laxo intraoperatoriodesde el preoperatorio(AU)

Objective: to evaluate the frequency, the prognostic factors and the impact of the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome in cataract surgery. Method: a prospective and longitudinal cohort study of 139 cataract surgeries performed by the same surgeon, of which 49 eyes (35,3 pércent) presented with intraoperative floppy iris syndrome. An univariate/multivariate analysis was made taking on account demographic, personal history of pathologies, use of medications, anatomical characteristics of the iris, biometric parameters and complications during and after the surgery. Results: in the univariate analysis, the significant prognostic variables for the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome were consumption of antipsychotics (p= 0,001), narrow anterior chamber (p= 0,001) and regular or bad dilated pupil (p= 0,001) before surgery. In the multivariate analysis, the narrow anterior chamber was, among all the independent variables, the most influential for the onset of the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome, with a highly significant association (p= 0,001). The intraoperative floppy iris syndrome increased the intra and postoperative risk for complications. Conclusions: correct interrogation and an eye exam can predict the occurrence of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome during the cataract surgery. The use of antipsychotics, the narrow anterior chamber and regular or bad pupil dilation before the surgery can be considered as prognostic factors for the intraoperative floppy iris syndrome(AU)

Efeito da associação da tadalafila com a tansulosina no trato urinário inferior de ratos e de humanos

Recentemente, foi observado que pacientes com DE tratados com inibidores da fosfodiesterase tipo 5 ( I PDE5) melhoram não somente a ereção, mas também os sintomas do trato urinário inferior (STUI). A fisiopatologia dos STUI é desconhecida e há um número crescente de estudos que objetiva compreender suas bases fisiopatológicas. Entretanto, a despeito do conhecimento que existe sobre a melhora dos STUI, não se sabe se IPDE - 5 atua durante o armazenamento, esvaziamento ou ambos. Não se tem conhecimento se a associação do IPDE - 5 com alfabloqueador é melhor que o uso isolado e se esta associação é segura. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a segurança da associação da tansulosina com tadalafila tomados diariamente, bem como seu efeito no trato urinário inferior de humanos e de ratos por meio de estudo urodinâmico METODO: f oi realizado um estudo experimental utilizando ratos com obstrução infra - vesical crônica, induzida por L - NAME e um estudo clínico randomizado, duplo - cego e placebo - controlado durante o período de outubro de 2010 a janeiro de 2012. No estudo experimental, os animais foram distribuídos em 05 grupos; Grupo 1: seis ratos foram tratados sem medicação; Grupo 2: seis ratos foram tratados com L - NAME, na dose oral de 60 mg/Kg/dia; Grupo 3: seis ratos foram tratados com L - NAME e tansulosina (1mg/kg); Grupo 4: se te ratos fo ram tratados com L - NAME e tadalafila (5mg/kg); Grupo 5 : seis ratos foram tratados com L - NAME, tadala fila e tansulosina. Após trinta dias de tratamento, os animais foram submetidos a estudou rodinâmico. As seguintes variáveis urodinâmicos foram avaliadas. Na fase de enchimento: freqüência de contrações não - miccionais (hiperatividade detrusora), limiar de volume (LV), limiar de pressão (LP) e na fase miccional: pressão de pico (PP), freqüência dos ciclos de micção por minuto (FM), pressão basal (PB) e volume residual...

Recently, it has been observed an association between BPH and ED. It was reported that patients wi th ED treated with inhibitory phosphodiesterase type 5 ( I PDE5) improves erection and LUTS. The pathophysiology of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is not completely known, so it is necessary that clinical and experimental studies are made to clarify the mechanisms involved in its origin. However, despite the knowledge that there is improvement in LUTS, it is not known whether I PDE5 works during storage, emptying, or both. It is not yet known if the association I PDE5 with alpha blocker is better than its use alone or whether this association is safe. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of the combination of tamsulosin with daily tadalafil as well as its effect on lower urinary tract in human and rats by urodynamic study. METHODS : it was an ex perimental study using rats with chronic bladder outlet obstruction induced by L - NAME and a randomized clinical trial, double - blind, placebo - controlled study. In the experimental study, the animals were divided into 05 groups. Group 1: six rats were treate d without medication; Group 2: six rats were treated with L - NAME (60 mg/Kg/dia); Group 3: six rats were treated with L - NAME and t ansulosin (1mg/kg); Group 4: seven rats were treated with L - NAME and tadalafil (5mg/kg); grupo 5: six rats were treated with L - NAME, tadalafil and Tansulosina. After thirty days of oral treatment, the animals underwent urodynamic study. The urodynamic variables were evaluated. In the filling phase: non - void contractions (NVC) , volume threshold (VT), pressure threshold (TP) and in the voiding phase: peak pressure (PP), micturition frequency (FM), basal pressure (PB) and residual volume...

Efficacy and Safety of Medium-to-long-term Use of Tolterodine Extended Release with or without Tamsulosin in Patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Larger Prostate Size: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The medium-to-long-term use of antimuscarinics alone or in combination with an α-blocker in men with an enlarged prostate is still controversial. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of medium-to-long-term use of tolterodine extended release (ER) with or without tamsulosin in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and larger prostate size.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally, 152 patients (age ≥50 years) with BPH, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥12, quality-of-life (QoL) score ≥3, and total prostate volume ≥25 ml were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomized into four groups (n = 38 in each) to receive tolterodine ER placebo plus tamsulosin placebo, 0.2 mg tamsulosin plus tolterodine ER placebo, 4 mg tolterodine ER plus tamsulosin placebo, or tolterodine ER plus tamsulosin once daily for 24 weeks. IPSS (total, storage, and voiding subscales), QoL, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual volume (PVR) were collected at baseline, and at weeks 4, 12, and 24.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with placebo, tolterodine ER plus tamsulosin significantly improved total IPSS (-7.15, -12.20, and -14.66 vs. -3.51, -5.78, and -7.23), storage IPSS (-3.56, -5.63, and -6.66 vs. -1.52, -1.21, and -2.43), voiding IPSS (-2.88, -5.10, and -6.48 vs. -1.52, -3.03, and -2.97), QoL (-1.21, -2.40, and -3.21 vs. -0.39, -1.41, and -1.60), Qmax (2.21, 7.97, and 9.72 ml/s vs. 2.15, 2.44, and 2.73 ml/s), and PVR (-17.88, -26.97, and -27.89 ml vs. -12.03, -11.16, and -16.73 ml) at weeks 4, 12, and 24, respectively; the differences were all statistically significant (P < 0.05). Adverse events (AEs) were not increased with treatment progression. Tolterodine ER alone did not improve total IPSS (-4.61, -6.79, and -5.70), voiding IPSS (-0.64, -1.83, and -1.45), QoL (-0.69, -1.21, and -1.41), or Qmax(-0.79, 2.83, and 1.11 ml/s), compared with placebo (all P > 0.05). However, a gradual increase in PVR (10.03, 10.41, and 12.89 ml) and more urinary AEs suggestive of urinary retention (11/38 vs. 4/38) were observed.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Medium-to-long-term use of tolterodine ER plus tamsulosin should be recommended in patients with BPH and an enlarged prostate volume.</p><p><b>TRIAL REGISTRATION</b>www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR-TRC-09000596; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=8939.</p>

Is Tamsulosin 0.2 mg Effective and Safe as a First-Line Treatment Compared with Other Alpha Blockers?: A Meta-Analysis and a Moderator Focused Study

PURPOSE: Tamsulosin 0.2 mg is used widely in Asian people, but the low dose has been studied less than tamsulosin 0.4 mg or other alpha blockers of standard dose. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of tamsulosin 0.2 mg by a meta-analysis and meta-regression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis of efficacy of tamsulosin 0.2 mg using International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), post-voided residual volume (PVR), and quality of life (QoL). Safety was analyzed using adverse events. Relevant studies were searched using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane library from January 1980 to June 2013. RESULTS: Ten studies were included with a total sample size of 1418 subjects [722 tamsulosin 0.2 mg group and 696 other alpha-blockers (terazosin, doxazosin, naftopidil, silodosin) group]. Study duration ranged from 4 to 24 weeks. The pooled overall standardized mean differences (SMD) in the mean change of IPSS from baseline for the tamsulosin group versus the control group was 0.02 [95% confidence interval (CI); -0.20, 0.25]. The pooled overall SMD in the mean change of QoL from baseline for the tamsulosin group versus the control group was 0.16 (95% CI; -0.16, 0.48). The regression analysis with the continuous variables (number of patients, study duration) revealed no significance in all outcomes as IPSS, QoL, and Qmax. CONCLUSION: This study clarifies that tamsulosin 0.2 mg has similar efficacy and fewer adverse events compared with other alpha-blockers as an initial treatment strategy for men with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Significance of intraprostatic architecture and regrowth velocity for considering discontinuation of dutasteride after combination therapy with an alpha blocker: A prospective, pilot study

PURPOSE: We conducted a prospective single-center study to evaluate the possibility of discontinuation of dutasteride after combination therapy with an alpha blocker for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively treated BPH patients with an alpha blocker and dutasteride (0.5 mg/d). Patients who had been treated with alpha blockers against BPH for more than 2 months were eligible, and 20 patients were included in the study. After 6 months of combination therapy, dutasteride was discontinued. Patients were followed for 12 months after cessation. Prostate volume, intraprostatic architecture determined by transrectal ultrasound, peak urinary flow rate, postvoid residual urine volume, and the serum prostate-specific antigen level were evaluated every 6 months, and the International Prostate Symptom Score and overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) every 3 months. Patients were allowed to restart dutasteride during the follow-up period according to their desire. RESULTS: Twelve patients (12/20, 60%) restarted the combination therapy from 6 to 12 months into the follow-up period. For patients who restarted dutasteride, the prostate volume and OABSS had increased and worsened after discontinuation, respectively. A visible transition zone with a clear border on transrectal ultrasound at baseline and regrowth of the prostate after discontinuation of dutasteride were risk factors for restarting the therapy (Mann-Whitney U test: p=0.008, p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Prostatic enlargement after discontinuation of dutasteride differs among patients. Rapid regrowth of the prostate leads to deterioration of storage symptoms and a tendency to restart dutasteride. Baseline intraprostatic architecture may be a predictive factor for whether the patient is a good candidate for discontinuation.

Comparative analysis of benign prostatic hyperplasia management by urologists and nonurologists: A Korean nationwide health insurance database study

PURPOSE: To compare the current management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by urologists and nonurologists by use of Korean nationwide health insurance data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained patient data from the national health insurance system. New patients diagnosed with BPH in 2009 were divided into two groups depending on whether they were diagnosed by a urologist (U group) or by a nonurologist (NU group). RESULTS: A total of 390,767 individuals were newly diagnosed with BPH in 2009. Of these, 240,907 patients (61.7%) were in the U group and 149,860 patients (38.3%) were in the NU group. The rate of all initial evaluation tests, except serum creatinine, was significantly lower in the NU group. The initial prescription rate was higher in the U group, whereas the prescription period was longer in the NU group. Regarding the initial drugs prescribed, the use of alpha-blockers was common in both groups. However, the U group was prescribed combination therapy of an alpha-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as the second choice, whereas the NU group received monotherapy with a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. During the 1-year follow-up, the incidence of surgery was significantly different between the U group and the NU group. CONCLUSIONS: There are distinct differences in the diagnosis and treatment of BPH by urologists and nonurologists in Korea. These differences may have adverse consequences for BPH patients. Urological societies should take a leadership role in the management of BPH and play an educational role for nonurologists as well as urologists.

Effect of weight reduction on the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms in obese male patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE: We assessed whether weight reduction is an effective intervention for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and investigated the relationship between obesity and LUTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective randomized controlled trial that enrolled obese men older than 50 years with LUTS. The study period was 52 weeks. All patients received standardized alpha-adrenergic blocker therapy for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) during the run-in period. Patients were randomized to receive either a standardized prerecorded video program on the general principle of weight reduction or a comprehensive weight reduction program. Patients were assessed at different time points with symptom assessment, uroflowmetry, transrectal ultrasound, and metabolic assessment. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were allocated to each study arm. After the study period, no significant difference in weight reduction was found between the two arms. When the pre- and postintervention parameters were compared, none were statistically different between the 2 arms, namely nocturia, International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life assessment, and uroflowmetry parameters. When the whole study population was taken as a single cohort, these parameters were also not significantly different between the group with a body mass index of 25 to <30 kg/m2 and the group with a BMI of 30 to 35 kg/m2. CONCLUSIONS: We found no association between obesity and LUTS. This could have been due to the less marked weight difference in our cohort. Whereas weight reduction may be an effective measure to improve LUTS, the implementation of a successful program remains a challenge.

The Effectiveness of Silodosin for Nocturnal Polyuria in Elderly Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Multicenter Study / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate improvement in nocturia and nocturnal polyuria in nocturnal polyuria patients after silodosin administration by using a 3-day frequency volume chart. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter study. We enrolled nocturnal polyuria patients (nocturnal polyuria index [NPi]>0.33), aged > or =60 years, diagnosed with the 3-day frequency volume charts of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia taking alpha-blockers. Of the 54 patients, 30 (55.6%) completed the study according to the study protocol (per-protocol group), and 24 dropped out (dropout group). RESULTS: Of the 24 patients in the dropout group, 5 withdrew consent due to side effects or lack of efficacy, 7 were lost to follow-up at 4 weeks, 8 were lost to follow-up at 12 weeks, and 4 dropped out due to failure to complete 3-day frequency volume charts at 12 weeks. In the per-protocol group, there was significant improvement in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), especially question numbers 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and the quality of life question (P=0.001, P=0.007, P0.33. Considering the high dropout rate of our study due to no implementation of 3-day frequency volume charts, prospective and large-scale studies are needed to confirm our results.

Longbishu Capsule combined with mesylate doxazosin: an efficacious therapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the clinical effect and safety of the Chinese medicine Longbishu Capsule combined with mesylate doxazosin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) of the kidney deficiency and blood stagnation type.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This was a randomized, double-blind, double-simulation control study. We equally assigned 60 men diagnosed with BPH of the kidney deficiency and blood stagnation type to an experimental and a control group, the former treated with mesylate doxazosin plus Longbishu Capsule and the latter with mesylate doxazosin plus placebo. We compared the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), Chinese symptom score (CSS), maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), and prostate volume between the two groups of patients before and after 6 months of medication.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, there were 5 cured cases, 13 markedly effective cases, 9 effective cases, 1 ineffective case, and 2 eliminated cases in the experimental group, as compared with 2 cured cases, 8 markedly effective cases, 10 effective cases, 7 ineffective cases, and 3 eliminated cases in the control group. The total effectiveness rate was obviously higher in the former (96.4%) than in the latter (74.1%). IPSS, Qmax, and CSS were improved in both of the groups after medication, even more significantly in the experimental than in the control group (IPSS: 15.22 ± 2.98 vs 18.15 ± 5.88, P <0.05; Qmax: [13.56 ± 2.26] ml/s vs [11.78 ± 2.97] ml/s, P <0.05; CSS: 6.18 ± 2.13 vs 9.52 ± 3.15, P <0.05). Because of the difference in the QOL score between the two groups at the baseline (P = 0.038 <0.05), no more comparison was made in this aspect after treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The combination of Longbishu Capsule with mesylate doxazosin is safe and effective for the treatment of BPH.</p>

Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonism by Crassostrea gigas oyster extract inhibits noradrenaline-induced vascular contraction in Wistar rats / 中西医结合学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Crassostrea gigas oyster extract has been reported to have antioxidant, antihypertensive and lipid-lowering properties that may be useful for treating cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of C. gigas oyster extract on cardiovascular function in tissues from healthy rats.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Single-cell microelectrode and isolated thoracic aortic organ bath studies were performed on tissues from 8-week-old healthy Wistar rats, using varying concentrations of C. gigas oyster extract. To elucidate a mechanism of action for the oyster's vasoactive properties, concentration response curves were carried out in the presence of a calcium channel inhibitior (verapamil), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), a potassium channel inhibitor (4-aminopyridine), in addition to the α-adrenoceptor inhibitor prazosin.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Oyster solution at 7 500 mg/mL inhibited noradrenaline-induced contraction in isolated aortic rings. Cardiac electrophysiology results showed that neither concentration of oyster solution was able to significantly reduce action potential duration at all phases of repolarisation in left ventricular papillary muscles from healthy animals.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>When administered to healthy vascular tissue, C. gigas oyster extract inhibits contraction induced by noradrenaline. This effect is likely to be mediated through α-adrenoceptor inhibition, and to a lesser extent, calcium modulating activity.</p>

Shugan Jieyu Capsules combined with conventional therapy for type III B prostatitis complicated by sexual dysfunction / 中华男科学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the clinical effect of Shugan Jieyu Capsules (SJC) on type III B prostatitis complicated by sexual dysfunction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 98 patients with type III B prostatitis complicated by sexual dysfunction were equally randomized to a control and a trial group, the former treated with the combination of biofeedback/electrical stimulation and the α-blocker Tamsulosin Hydrochloride, and the latter with oral SJC in addition, both for 8 weeks. Before and after treatment, the severity of the symptoms was determined with NIH-CPSI, the patients'sexual function evaluated with CIPE-5 and IIEF-5, and their anxiety, depression and other psychological problems assessed with Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale ( HAMD). The results were subjected to statistical analysis and compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Statistically significant differences were found between the control and trial groups in the NIH-CPSI score (26.31 ± 7.91 vs 18.84 ± 6.63, P < 0.01), CIPE-5 premature ejaculation score (10. 41 ± 3.03 vs 14.37 ± 2.35, P < 0.05), IIEF-5 score (10.29 ± 3.97 vs 14.69 ± 4.19, P < 0.05), HAMA score (24.31 ± 1.78 vs 13.41 ± 4.21, P < 0.01), and HAMD score (25.24 ± 2.83 vs 14.49 ± 4.44, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SJC can effectively relieve anxiety, depression and other psychological problems in type III B prostatitis patients with sexual dysfunction and improve their clinical symptoms as well.</p>

Modulatory effects of taurine on jejunal contractility

Taurine (2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is widely distributed in animal tissues and has diverse pharmacological effects. However, the role of taurine in modulating smooth muscle contractility is still controversial. We propose that taurine (5-80 mM) can exert bidirectional modulation on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments. Different low and high contractile states were induced in isolated jejunal segments of rats to observe the effects of taurine and the associated mechanisms. Taurine induced stimulatory effects on the contractility of isolated rat jejunal segments at 3 different low contractile states, and inhibitory effects at 3 different high contractile states. Bidirectional modulation was not observed in the presence of verapamil or tetrodotoxin, suggesting that taurine-induced bidirectional modulation is Ca2+ dependent and requires the presence of the enteric nervous system. The stimulatory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments was blocked by atropine but not by diphenhydramine or by cimetidine, suggesting that muscarinic-linked activation was involved in the stimulatory effects when isolated jejunal segments were in a low contractile state. The inhibitory effects of taurine on the contractility of isolated jejunal segments were blocked by propranolol and L-NG-nitroarginine but not by phentolamine, suggesting that adrenergic β receptors and a nitric oxide relaxing mechanism were involved when isolated jejunal segments were in high contractile states. No bidirectional effects of taurine on myosin phosphorylation were observed. The contractile states of jejunal segments determine taurine-induced stimulatory or inhibitory effects, which are associated with muscarinic receptors and adrenergic β receptors, and a nitric oxide associated relaxing mechanism.

Importância da proteção cardiovascular durante o tratamento da hipertensão arterial: diferenças entre os agentes inibidores do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona / Importance of cardiovascular protection during arterial hypertension treatment: differences among renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors

A inibição do sistema renina-angiotensina-aldosterona (SRAA) demonstrou ser fundamental não somente no controle da hipertensão arterial, mas também na redução da progressão de doenças cardíacas, renais e vasculares, com impacto positivo na morbimortalidade. Diversas evidências revelam que o SRAA participa ativamente da origem da hipertensão arterial, com relação no desenvolvimento de obesidade, dislipidemia, resistência à insulina e doença crônica renal, além de ser o responsável pela homeostase eletrolítica. A ativação do SRAA se associa com níveis elevados de enzima conversora de angiotensina (ECA) e expressão aumentada de angiotensinogênio, fatores esses que levam ao aumento de angiotensina II, responsável por estresse oxidativo, vasoconstrição, hiperatividade do sistema nervoso simpático e aumento da reabsorção de sódio. O SRAA pode ser inibido em diferentes estágios e por mecanismos diversos, sendo que a forma como é inibido tem influência no prognóstico. E, dentre essas opções, há evidências claras do melhor benefício sobre a redução da mortalidade por todas as causas e da mortalidade cardiovascular com o uso dos inibidores da ECA (IECA) sobre os bloqueadores de receptores AT1 (BRA). Dentre os diferentes IECA, o perindopril, através de suas características específicas e benefícios clínicos comprovados em estudos randomizados de maior impacto, garante uma superioridade na proteção cardiovascular durante o tratamento dos pacientes hipertensos. Cabe destacar que os estudos que deram origem aos IECA tiveram a participação de pesquisadores brasileiros, com destaque para o Professor Sérgio Ferreira (Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto)

Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibition has demonstrated to be crucial not only to control arterial hypertension but also to reduce the progression of cardiac, renal and vascular diseases, with positive impact on morbidity-mortality. There is evidence revealing that RAAS participates actively on arterial hypertension origin, also taking part on obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and chronic renal disease, besides being responsible for electrolytic homeostasis. RAAS activation is associated with elevated levels of angiotensin conversion enzyme (ACE) and angiotensinogen overexpression, factors which increase angiotensin II, that induces oxidative stress, vasoconstriction, sympathy nervous systemhyperactivity and sodium reabsorption increase. RAAS may be inhibited in different stages and through different mechanisms, and the way it is inhibited is linked to prognosis. Among available options, there is clear evidence of a better benefit over all cause and cardiovascular mortality reduction when using ACE inhibitors (ACEI) over AT1 receptor blockers (ARB). Among different ACEI, perindopril, through its specific characteristics and clinical benefits proved on high level randomized trials guarantees a superior cardiovascular protection while treating hypertensive subjects. It's nice to highlight that Brazilian researches, mainly Professor Sérgio Ferreira (Hospital das Clínicas da Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto), took part on the studies that discovered ACEIs.