Effects of Prostatic Inflammation on Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

Abstract

Background: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, prevalently impacts the aging male population, often disrupting the quality of life with its accompanying urinary symptoms. The intersection between BPH and prostatic inflammation has emerged as a focal point in urological research, with inflammation speculated to exacerbate BPH progression and symptoms. Understanding this relationship is pivotal in refining therapeutic approaches and improving patient outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the effects of prostatic inflammation on the clinical outcomes of patients with BPH, focusing on symptom progression, treatment efficacy, and long-term complications. Methods: This Study Conducted at Gajju Khan Medical College Swabi, KPK, Pakistan, in the duration from January, 2023 to June, 2023. This prospective cohort study involved 126 men with BPH, categorized into two groups based on the presence (n=63) or absence (n=63) of prostatic inflammation. Data were collected over three years, with assessments including demographic information, clinical histories, and prostate examinations. Primary outcomes measured were the progression of BPH symptoms, urinary function, and prostate size. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, acute urinary retention, the need for surgical intervention, medication efficacy, and long-term complications. Statistical analyses employed included Chi-square tests, t-tests, and ANOVA, with SPSS software. Results: The group with prostatic inflammation showed significantly more severe symptom progression (p < 0.01), impaired urinary function (p < 0.01), and increased prostate size (p < 0.01) compared to the non-inflamed group. Secondary outcomes also favored the non-inflamed group with better quality of life scores (75.2 ± 5.2 vs. 78.8 ± 4.8, p < 0.01), lower rates of acute urinary retention (20.3% vs. 15.5%, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Prostatic inflammation significantly worsens the clinical outcomes of BPH, affecting symptom progression, treatment response, and the likelihood of long-term complications. These findings suggest the need for integrated therapeutic strategies that address both BPH and prostatic inflammation to optimize patient care.