The aim of this study is to compare the re-treatment probabilities after a 3-month versus a 6-month course of antimuscarinic treatment for women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).

A prospective randomized controlled study.

Between-group differences in the probability of re-treatment for OAB between the 3-month and 6-month groups.

Women with OAB were randomly allocated to receive solifenacin (5 mg per day) for a treatment interval of either 3 or 6 months.

Ninety-one patients were treated in each group. The probability of re-treatment did not differ between the 3-month and 6-month groups (P = 0.11). Parity (hazard ratio = 1.81, P = 0.001), number of incontinence episodes (hazard ratio = 1.09, P = 0.008) and suboptimal response (hazard ratio = 3.56, P = 0.006) were independent predictors of re-treatment of OAB. Physical limitation, as indicated on the King’s Health Questionnaire, was the only independent factor predicting completion of the scheduled treatment period (odds ratio = 1.01, P = 0.008).

Prolonged antimuscarinic treatment does not decrease the need for re-treatment of OAB. Nonetheless, female patients with increased parity, more severe incontinence and a suboptimal response to antimuscarinic treatment are more likely to seek re-treatment of OAB due to recurrence of symptoms. In addition, patients with more serious physical limitation related to OAB are more likely to complete the scheduled treatment period. These findings could serve as a guide in clinical consultations regarding antimuscarinic treatment and if taken into consideration in future studies could lower the dropout rate.

Maturitas. 2019 Apr 16 [Epub]

Sheng-Mou Hsiao, Ting-Chen Chang, Ho-Hsiung Lin

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Banqiao, New Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate School of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Yuan Ze University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Banqiao, New Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University College of Medicine and National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Electronic address: .

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