Fluids affecting bladder urgency and lower urinary symptoms (FABULUS): methods and protocol for a randomized...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Clinical Trials
• Behavioral Medicine

Background:

• Overactive bladder (OAB) significantly impacts quality of life.
• Current OAB treatments have associated costs and side effects.
• Lifestyle modifications may offer a safer alternative for OAB management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of reducing potentially irritating beverages (PIBs) in managing overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.
• To compare the impact of PIB reduction versus diet/exercise recommendations on urinary void frequency.
• To assess changes in urgency symptoms and voided volume as secondary outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Design of the Fluids Affecting Bladder Urgency and Lower Urinary Symptoms (FABULUS) randomized controlled trial.
• Use of standardized automated tutorials to enhance participant compliance with study protocols.
• Intervention group focused on eliminating PIBs while maintaining consistent fluid intake; control group received diet/exercise advice.

Main Results:

• Study results are anticipated to inform the efficacy of a tutorial-based approach for PIB reduction in OAB treatment.
• Findings will provide insights into the effectiveness of specific PIB elimination strategies for managing OAB symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Effective lifestyle interventions for OAB could lead to significant public health benefits.
• Simple dietary changes, like reducing PIBs, may improve or prevent bladder symptoms, reducing reliance on medication.