[Effects of calcium channel blockers on nocturnal polyuria in the elderly]

Factors reducing the quality of life (QOL) related to micturition and their treatment were studied based on frequency volume chart for 52 consecutive patients with hypertension (the administration of calcium channel blockers) and 28 controls without hypertension, aged 50 years and over (mean age 68.6, range 50-85) without lower urinary tract dysfunction. The micturition records for two days and the QOL index related to urinary symptoms were reviewed. The factors reducing the QOL were increase of the voided volume and frequency during the night and the ratio of night-time voided volume to 24-hour urine output, which significantly increased in the controls (p < 0.05, respectively). Especially, the voiding frequency during the night and the ratio of night-time voided volume increased significantly in the controls aged 70 years and over (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively). Overall, it was suggested that the administration of calcium channel blockers for control of blood pressure might be effective to reduce the nocturnal polyuria in the elderly.