Perspectives and Editorials: Letter to the Editor

Abstract

Chung et al (2011) had explored the possible increased risk of benign prostatic enlargement or hyperplasia (BPH) in patients with liver cirrhosis in Taiwan. However, several points deserve further discussion concerning their database and a reference. First, an incorrectly cited reference was noted in the ‘‘Discussion’’ about the denervated rat prostate. The correct reference was supposed to be an article from Wang et al (1991), which showed loss of functional and structural integrity in the long-term denervation of rat prostate. Second, based on clinical experience, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may bother many patients who have cirrhosis but not BPH. LUTS and BPH may share some similar complaints, but they are not the same. Of note, 600.0 is not the only code in the ICD-9 for BPH. Another code is 600.9, which is not taken into account by Chung et al. When a postmortem population-based comparison was done in Italy, patients with cirrhosis had significant delayed incidence (41.2%) of BPH than individuals without cirrhosis (76.2%) between ages 60 and 69 years (Frea et al, 1987). My comment is that before applying their conclusions into daily practice or medical education, more consideration is encouraged.