COVID-19’s effects on symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia

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PurposeThe objective of this study was to identify the relationship between COVID-19 and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.Materials and methodsData from forty outpatients who had recovered from COVID-19 and had previously been diagnosed with and treated medically for benign prostatic hyperplasia were assessed. Pre- and post-COVID-19 assessments were also conducted for prostate volume, total serum PSA concentration, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Hospitalizations related to COVID-19, the time interval between COVID-19 recovery and urologist referrals, and comorbidities were considered. Independent Student’s t-tests or chi-square tests were used to compare changes in all variables. For the Spearman rank correlation analysis, only variables with a univariate analysis of p < 0.10 were included in the multiple regression models, with the significance threshold set at two-tailed p < 0.05.ResultsAfter COVID-19, there was an increase in IPSS (12.87 ± 3.76), total serum PSA (1.56 ± 0.87), and prostate volume (10.68 ± 11.73). Multiple linear regression analysis of the independent predictors of IPSS increase revealed pre-COVID-19 IPSS with intermittency and straining as leading symptoms and bladder catheterization during COVID-19. Pre-COVID-19 frequency and nocturia status were found to be independent predictors of increased blood volume, hospital treatment for COVID-19, and bladder catheterization. A weak stream, UTI, and hypertension were found to be independent predictors of a PSA increase. The time from COVID-19 recovery to urologist referral was shorter in patients with post-COVID-19 IPSS increase (p < 0.05).ConclusionDetermining the predictors of the effects of COVID-19 on worsening BPH symptoms is essential for continued monitoring and treatment.