Efficacy and safety of solifenacin succinate tablets versus solifenacin succinate tablets with local estrogen for the treatment of overactive bladder in postmenopausal women—a multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled comparison study

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of solifenacin succinate tablets alone or combined with local estrogen for overactive bladder treatment in postmenopausal women. This multicenter, randomized, open, parallel-controlled clinical trial enrolled 104 women between January 2012 and August 2013. Participants meeting the inclusion criteria were randomized 1:1 to 12 weeks of treatment with group A (solifenacin 5 mg qd + promestriene vaginal capsules intravaginally) or group B (solifenacin 5 mg qd). Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, symptoms (urinary urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence) were analyzed. Our primary outcome was the change from baseline to the end of treatment in the mean number of voids in 24 hours. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using International Prostate Symptom Score and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score questionnaires and safety according to the incidence of adverse events. The t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables, and the χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables. The median decreases in the mean number of voids in 24 hours in groups A and B were 5.2. and 4.3, respectively, which were not significantly different. The median decreases in urgency episodes in groups A and B were 2.0 and 2.5, respectively. In addition, the QoL scores significantly changed in both groups (both P < 0.05). The most common adverse event was dry mouth (19.2% in both groups). Solifenacin with or without local estrogen was effective and safe for overactive bladder treatment in postmenopausal women. The addition of local estrogen improved subjective feelings and QoL.