Comparison of the Role of Anticholinergics and α-1 Adrenergic Blockers in Bladder Management in Posterior Urethral Valves: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Posterior urethral valve (PUV) is a major cause of congenital bladder dysfunction, often persisting despite treatment. Emerging therapies, including anticholinergics and α-1 blockers, offer potential but lack clear guidelines. This study evaluates their effectiveness in improving bladder function after valve fulguration. Methods: Twenty PUV patients, aged ≥3 years, were randomized into anticholinergic (group A, n = 11) and α-1 adrenergic blocker (group B, n = 9) groups post-fulguration. Follow-up included clinical, radiological, and urodynamic assessments 6 months posttreatment initiation. Results: In group A, the mean maximum detrusor pressure (Pdet) decreased from 30.17 to 23.45 cm H2O (p = 0.033). Two patients normalized from high detrusor pressure (>40 cm H2O). In group B, 1 patient retained high detrusor pressure posttreatment. Group B improved in average urinary flow (Q avg) and maximum flow rate (Q max), with all patients having initially low Q avg (<10 mL/s). Two group B patients showed improved average flow rates posttreatment (p = 0.016); three in group A showed improvement but were not statistically significant (p = 0.197). Q max/flow time ratio was abnormal in all group B patients pretreatment. Two of the nine improved posttreatment, while only one in group A did. Conclusions: Anticholinergic medications positively impact cystometric parameters and are effective for detrusor instability and low compliance bladder. α-Adrenergic blockers influence uroflow parameters and can help treat bladder outflow obstruction. Consideration for a larger study with extended follow-up is warranted.