Efficacy and Safety of Doxazosin GITS over 4 weeks for the Treatment of Non-neurogenic Voiding Dysfunction in Females: Short-term Outcomes

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We administered doxazosin gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS) to women with non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction to evaluate its therapeutic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women who had voiding dysfunctions for at least 3 mo were included. Inclusion criteria were age > or =18yr, an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) > or =15, and a maximum flow rate (Qmax) or =150mL. Patients with neurogenic voiding dysfunction or anatomical bladder outlet obstruction were excluded. All patients were classified according to the Blaivas-Groutz nomogram. After 4 weeks, treatment outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were evaluated of mean age 53.8 (32-78)yr. According to the Blaivas-Groutz nomogram, 24 patients had no or mild obstruction (group A) and 38 had moderate or severe obstruction (group B). After treatment, mean IPSS decreased significantly and by more than 5 points in 42 (67.7%). Mean bother scores, Qmax, and PVR also changed significantly. Thirty-seven (59.7%) showed Qmax increases of more than 50%. No significant difference were observed between the groups in terms of IPSS, bother score, Qmax, PVR, micturition frequencies, or functional bladder capacity changes. Adverse effects related to medication were de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI) (1 case) and underlying SUI aggravation (1 case). By satisfaction assessments, 16 patients (25.8%) were 'mainly satisfied', 31 (50%) were 'slightly satisfied', and 15 (24.2%) were 'dissatisfied'. CONCLUSION: Doxazosin GITS was found to be effective in female patients with voiding dysfunction regardless of obstruction grade. The alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists should be viewed as initial treatment option for women with a non-neurogenic voiding dysfunction.