[Impact of overactive bladder treatment on associated comorbidities]

To analyze the management of patients newly diagnosed with overactive bladder (OAB) and to assess the impact of treatment on associated comorbidities.

1,434 patients over 60 years with newly diagnosed OAB and at least one associated comorbidity (urinary tract infections, genital skin infections, sleep disturbances, depression, and hypertension) were recruited in 300 urology/gynecology surgeries in Spain. In the first visit sociodemographic and clinic data were recorded, and treatment for OAB following usual practice was prescribed. 4-6 months later symptoms were reevaluated. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, variables were compared by gender (Chi(2)/Mann-Whitney) and between visits (McNemar).

Data for 1,274 valid patients in visit 1 and 1,153 in visit 2 are presented. Mean age in the sample was 68.17(6.19) years, 71.51% were women. 66.41% presented urgency, with or without urge urinary incontinence, and 33.59% presented urgency related to stress urinary incontinence. The most frequent associated pathologies were sleep disturbances (56.44%) and urinary tract infections (53.14%). Urinary tract infections and genital skin infections and treatment for depression were more frequent in women; sleep disturbances and hypertension in men. Treatments more frequently prescribed were anticholinergics (95.45%) and guidance for lifestyle changes (85.32%). Statistically significant improvement in symptoms of associated comorbidities was detected in visit 2.

Detection and treatment of OAB symptoms is relevant to reduce both the impact of the affection and of associated pathologies.