Do predictive parameters exist for therapy with duloxetine in women with stress urinary incontinence?

To determine whether predictive parameters exist for successful duloxetine therapy in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI).

Secondary analysis was performed of 1,714 women who received duloxetine in the Stress Urinary Incontinence Treatment (SUIT) study, a 12-month longitudinal observational study to evaluate the results and direct costs of SUI treatment. Data of 1,087 women were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses (stepwise forward logistic regression) were performed to investigate factors for discontinuation of treatment.

Parameters that significantly reduced the probability of treatment termination were smoking and a body mass index (BMI) <20, while obesity (BMI >30) increased the probability in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis significantly reduced likelihoods of duloxetine treatment discontinuation were found for an age >65 years, country, and 7 to 13 incontinence episodes per week. Co-medication, particularly anti-cholinergics, was significantly associated with therapy termination. Previous SUI surgery had no effect.

Identification of predictive parameters for successful therapy with duloxetine in women with SUI is desirable, and co-medications should be critically considered.