Long-term urodynamic effects of finasteride in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes bladder outflow obstruction.
• 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors are a treatment option for BPH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of finasteride in treating BPH.
• To assess the long-term effects of finasteride on urodynamics and prostate parameters.

Main Methods:

• Double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 69 men with BPH.
• Treatment with finasteride (5 mg or 10 mg/day) or placebo for 3 months.
• Open extension study and 3-year follow-up with urodynamic reevaluation.

Main Results:

• Finasteride significantly reduced dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by over 60%.
• Improved maximum urinary flow rate and reduced symptom scores observed.
• Mean prostate volume decreased by 14% and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) by 28% after 1 year.
• Long-term (3-year) treatment showed sustained improvement in flow rate and voiding pressure.

Conclusions:

• Finasteride is an effective treatment for BPH, improving urodynamic parameters and reducing prostate size.
• Long-term therapy with finasteride demonstrates sustained efficacy and safety.
• Minimal and reversible side effects were reported.