Evaluation of flurbiprofen in detrusor instability

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Detrusor instability is a common condition causing urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.
• Idiopathic detrusor instability accounts for the majority of cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of flurbiprofen, a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, in treating detrusor instability.
• To compare flurbiprofen with placebo in a double-blind, cross-over trial.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, cross-over study involving 30 women with detrusor instability.
• Participants received either flurbiprofen or placebo, with outcomes assessed via questionnaire and cystometry.

Main Results:

• Flurbiprofen significantly reduced frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence (P < 0.001 to P < 0.025).
• A significant reduction in detrusor-pressure rise during bladder filling was observed with flurbiprofen (P < 0.01).
• Side effects were more frequent with flurbiprofen (13 patients) compared to placebo (5 patients), but 19 patients wished to continue flurbiprofen post-trial.

Conclusions:

• Flurbiprofen is an effective treatment for idiopathic detrusor instability.
• The medication is generally well-tolerated and preferred by most patients despite potential side effects.