How to choose first-line treatment for men with predominant storage lower urinary tract symptoms: a prospective...

To compare the therapeutic effects and identify predictors of successful treatment of first-line antimuscarinic and α-blocker monotherapy for men with predominant storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

This prospective randomised comparative study included men aged ≥ 40 years with a total IPSS ≥ 8, IPSS storage subscore (IPSS-S) ≥ voiding subscore (IPSS-V) and PVR ≤ 250 ml. Subjects were randomised to receive tolterodine 4 mg or doxazosin 4 mg daily for 12 weeks. The primary end-point included changes of total IPSS, IPSS subscore and global response assessment (GRA) after treatment. The secondary end-points included comparisons of baseline parameters between patients with a GRA ≥ 1 and GRA < 1. All adverse events were also recorded.

This study was completed by 163 patients. The IPSS-T, IPSS-S and quality of life index decreased significantly in both groups. An improved outcome (GRA ≥ 1) at 4 weeks was reported in 51/74 patients (68.9%) receiving doxazosin and 69/89 patients (77.5%) receiving tolterodine. The rate of improved outcome in patients with a TPV < 40 ml was significantly higher in tolterodine group (73.3% vs. 57.6%, p = 0.040). Patients with tolterodine treatment failure (GRA < 1) had higher baseline IPSS-V and IPSS intermittency domain, whereas patients with doxazosin treatment failure had a higher baseline IPSS urgency domain.

The rate of improved outcome was comparable between first-line tolterodine and doxazosin monotherapy for male storage LUTS. Antimuscarinic monotherapy was suggested for men with smaller prostate volume and higher urgency symptom scores, whereas α-blocker monotherapy was suggested for those with higher voiding symptom scores.