Treatment Of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Research Articles

UroLift to preserve seminal parameters in young male with LUTS from BPH.

Prostatic urethral lift has been an effective ejaculation sparing treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on male semen parameters. Between July 2014 and January 2022, 20 young men with urinary symptoms of BPH, unresponsive to drug treatment and motivated to preserve ejaculation for eventual paternity, underwent UroLift. Semen analysis was performed before and 6month after surgery with evaluation of pH, volume, sperm concentration, total motility, vitality and morphology according to WHO 2011. All underwent digital rectal examination, transrectal prostate ultrasound to measure prostate volume, PSA, uroflowmetry, cystoscopy and urodynamics test if necessary. Objective and subjective urinary function was scheduled at 1, 3, 6, 12month than yearly with UFM, IPSS, IIEF-5, and MSHQ-EjD-SF. At a mean follow-up of 36month (range 12 to 63), no retroejaculation or changes in seminal parameters occurred. Mean age was 44.5 (range 36.5 to 48) years. Mean operative time was 15 (range 10 to 20)min and 2.5 (range 2 to 4) implants per patients were used. At 6month there were no difference in terms of total sperm count, volume, pH, motility, vitality, morphology, liquefaction, leucocytes (p = 0.9; p = 0.8; p = 0.7; p = 1; p = 1; p = 1; p = 0,2; p = 0.5). At last, Q-max increased by 64.4% (p = 0.001), post-void residual volume decreased by 66.6% (p = 0.016), and IPSS decreased by 60% (p < 0.001). IIEF and MSHQ-EjD-SF were preserved (p = 0.14, p = 0.4). UroLift appears safe technique to correct LUTS from BPH in young men desirous to preserve seminal analysis.

Laser Technology Advancements in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

Lasers have had a significant impact on the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. This article attempts to distill the advancements in laser technology for the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) into key and understandable points to help make this topic more accessible to urologists. The holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser, one of the most significant lasers in the field of urology, has recently been improved with pulse modulating technology (Moses™ technology). New thulium:YAG technology allows both pulsed and continuous wave modes. The thulium fiber laser is one of the newer lasers to come to market and has been shown to have effective and safe outcomes. GreenLight™ lasers are predominantly used in photovaporization procedures and have also been studied extensively, although less in recent years. The modern urologist is fortunate to have many high-quality lasers and a wide variety of surgical techniques to choose from when treating BPH. Understanding the basic laser principles and applications will help urologists to select the best treatment options for their patients with BPH.

Perioperative Venous Air Embolism during Transurethral Resection of Prostate

Abstract Understanding various complications associated with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is extremely important. There have been rare reports of venous air embolism during TURP. We present a report of one such case in an 87-year-old male who suffered venous air embolism due to Ellik evacuator. TURP is the standard treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy and is among the most common procedures in the geriatric male population. Venous air embolism during TURP is extremely uncommon, and there are very few case reports of the same.

The impact of alpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonists on the progression of Parkinson disease

BackgroundAlpha-1-adrenergic receptor antagonists (AARAs) are used in the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. Some AARAs, such as terazosin, stimulate glycolysis and increase cellular adenosine triphosphate levels through activation of phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1), which has been suggested to be of therapeutic benefit in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine whether exposure to PGK1-activating AARAs was associated with slower PD progression. MethodsNational Veterans Affairs administrative data were used to identify patients who initiated PD-related pharmacotherapy during 2000 to 2019 and were concurrently prescribed an AARA. Using a retrospective cohort design, the count of incident PD-related outcome events within 1 year of follow-up was contrasted between patients prescribed a PGK1-activating AARA versus tamsulosin (an AARA without PKG1 stimulation), using multivariable negative binomial regression. PD-related outcome events were identified using ICD codes indicating motor symptoms, nonmotor symptoms, and other potential complications as clinical markers for the progression of PD. ResultsA total of 127,142 patients initiated drug therapy for PD during the observation period, of whom 24,539 concurrently received an AARA. Incident PD-related events were observed significantly less often in patients receiving a PGK1 AARA (n = 14,571) than tamsulosin (n = 9968) (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.80 [95% CI 0.77–0.83]). These results remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors (IRR 0.85 [95% CI 0.81–0.88]) and in sensitivity analyses. ConclusionPatients prescribed a PGK1-activating AARA experienced fewer PD-related outcome events than patients prescribed tamsulosin. These results may indicate a role for terazosin and other PGK1 activators in slowing disease progression of PD; however, randomized controlled trials are needed.

MRI of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Important Pre- and Posttherapeutic Considerations

New minimally invasive techniques that reduce morbidity while improving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) have become attractive alternatives for patients, in comparison to traditional techniques such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and simple prostatectomy. Pre- and postprocedural MRI is not routinely performed for LUTS due to BPH treatments. However, because of the combination of rapidly evolving treatments available for LUTS due to BPH and increasing demand for prebiopsy prostate MRI for detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (PCa), an understanding of procedural techniques and expected changes are important for accurate interpretation of prostate MRI performed after treatment of BPH. The authors discuss the imaging evaluation of LUTS due to BPH and emerging predictors of treatment success. The posttreatment appearance and underlying anatomic changes in the prostate after medical, surgical, and minimally invasive treatments including TURP, simple prostatectomy, laser enucleations and ablations, prostatic urethral lift, water vapor thermal therapy, and prostate artery embolization are detailed. Most procedures reduce prostate volume, notably in the periurethral prostatic tissue. Ablations create areas of necrosis and can distort the normal zonal anatomy between the transition zone and the peripheral zone, and prostate artery embolization creates infarcts in the transition zone. Mechanical prostatic urethral lift devices open the anterior channel at the bladder base but create susceptibility artifacts that can obscure and prevent detection of a lesion in the transition zone. Also discussed are the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer in the postprocedural prostate and imaging of BPH procedure complications such as urethral strictures, abscesses, and hematuria. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material. See the invited commentary by Purysko in this issue.

Smoking and lower urinary tract symptoms in Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer EventsTrial.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is common in older men, with many developing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that impair quality of life. Smoking has many well-established adverse effects, but its effects on benign prostatic hypertrophy(BPH) and associated LUTS are unclear. We sought to determine if smoking is a risk factor for the incidence of LUTS in asymptomatic men and for the progression of LUTS in symptomatic men. We performed a post-hoc analysis of Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events in 3060 "asymptomatic" men with baseline International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) < 8 and in 2198 symptomatic men with baseline IPSS ≥ 8 not taking 5α-reductase inhibitors or α-blockers. We used multivariable Cox regression models to assess associations between smoking status at baseline and LUTS incidence and progression. Among asymptomatic men, incident LUTS was defined as the first report of medical or surgical treatment for BPH, or sustained clinically significant LUTS (two reports of IPSS > 14). Among symptomatic men, LUTS progression was defined as IPSS increase of ≥4 points from baseline, surgical intervention for BPH, or starting a new BPH drug. Of 3060 asymptomatic men, 15% (n = 467) were current, 40% (n = 1231) former, and 45% (n = 1362) never-smokers. Of 2198 symptomatic men, 14% (n = 320) were current, 39% (n = 850) former, and 47% (n = 1028) never-smokers. In asymptomatic men, compared with never-smokers, current and former smoking at baseline were not associated with LUTS incidence (adjusted hazard ratio [adj-HR] = 1.08; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.78-1.48 and adj-HR = 1.01; 95% CI: 0.80-1.30). In symptomatic men, compared with never-smokers, current and former smoking at baseline were not associated with the progression of LUTS (adj-HR = 1.11; 95% CI: 0.92-1.33 and adj-HR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.90-1.18). In REDUCE, smoking status was not associated with either incident LUTS in asymptomatic men or progression of LUTS in symptomatic men.

Short-term clinical and paraclinical evaluation of the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy by phytotherapy with Plantago major and Solanum aculeastrum

Short-term clinical and paraclinical evaluation of the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy by phytotherapy with Plantago major and Solanum aculeastrum

MP51-03 COMBINATION PROSTATIC ARTERY EMBOLIZATION PRIOR TO AQUABLATION® FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY: A PROPENSITY SCORE ANALYSIS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP51-03 COMBINATION PROSTATIC ARTERY EMBOLIZATION PRIOR TO AQUABLATION® FOR BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERTROPHY: A PROPENSITY SCORE ANALYSIS Sandeep Bagla, Anthony Sare, Abin Sajan, Pratik Desai, and Inderjit Singh Sandeep BaglaSandeep Bagla More articles by this author , Anthony SareAnthony Sare More articles by this author , Abin SajanAbin Sajan More articles by this author , Pratik DesaiPratik Desai More articles by this author , and Inderjit SinghInderjit Singh More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003299.03AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Aquablation has been previously reported with a 10% bleeding risk and a 6% requiring transfusion rate. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) before Aquablation® in patients with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH). METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified 148 patients treated with Aquablation® for BPH from May 2018 to June 2021. Patients were divided into two groups: Aquablation® alone (n=56) vs. combination PAE and Aquablation® (n=89). Patient demographics, pertinent laboratory values, operative reports, and the hospital courses between the two groups were reviewed. After propensity score matching for age and prostate gland size, outcomes were compared between Aquablation alone vs combination therapy. RESULTS: PAE was technically successful in 89/89(100%) combination patients and all 89 patients underwent successful Aquablation® within a median time of 2 days. Compared to Aquablation® alone, PAE prior resulted in significant reduction in hospital length of stay (34.4±23.5 vs 13.8±26.1 hours, p<0.001). Additionally, PAE before Aquablation® resulted in 16 times (p=0.001) less likely use of perioperative hemostatic measures (balloon traction, cautery). Patients without prior PAE were 7.8 times more likely (p<0.001) to require >2 hours of post-operative continuous bladder irrigation. Patients with Aquablation® alone were also more likely to return to the operating room within 30 days of the procedure (p<0.001). Lastly, the incidence of persistent hematuria at 2 or 4 week followup was 3.2 times higher in the Aquablation® alone group (p<0.001) compared to the combination group. There were no major PAE related adverse events reported in the combination arm. CONCLUSIONS: Combination PAE and Aquablation® resulted in a reduction in length of hospital stay, intraprocedural hemostastatic maneuvers, and less post-operative bleeding complications than patients undergoing Aquablation® monotherapy for treatment of BPH. Source of Funding: NA © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e692 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Sandeep Bagla More articles by this author Anthony Sare More articles by this author Abin Sajan More articles by this author Pratik Desai More articles by this author Inderjit Singh More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Urology: what's new in 2022

Over the last year, urologic progress remains driven by evolutions in oncological and functionnal urology. Prostate cancer imaging modalities are improving, as well as treatment options for advanced stages. Kidney and bladder cancer are benefiting from new treatment modalities including immunotherapy, whose role in the peri-operative setting is still unclear. Surveillance startegies for testicular cancer has been greatly simplified, for the benefit of the patients. In functional urology, a new therapeutic class in now available for the treatment of overactive bladder. Mutliples alternatives to transurethral resection are emerging in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, whose expected benefits will need to be validated by long-term studies.

The State of Evidence in Prostate Artery Embolization.

Prostate artery embolization (PAE) has emerged over the past two decades as a minimally invasive, nonsurgical treatment for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). While the majority of evidence for PAE stems from retrospective cohort studies, several seminal randomized controlled trials have been performed comparing short-term outcomes of PAE to transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and against a sham procedure. Across clinical trials, PAE demonstrates consistent improvement in urological symptoms and quality of life in patients with BPH with low complication rates. When compared to TURP, the results are comparable, but there is a trend for better outcomes in certain clinical parameters with TURP. PAE is a suitable option for patients who are not surgical candidates, prefer nonsurgical treatment with an earlier return to routine activities, and wish to better preserve sexual function.

Ejaculation Sparing Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: An Observational Prospective Study.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a condition that appears with advancing age and affects 1/3 of men over 50 years, resulting in filling and emptying symptoms. One of the main limitations of endoscopic techniques for BPH is the occurrence of retrograde ejaculation. The purpose of this prospective observational study is to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of ejaculation-sparing thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ES-ThuLEP) in the treatment of BPH-related LUTS and the preservation of ejaculation. Sexually active patients with BPH were enrolled and followed up with at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Personal and pharmacological histories were collected, while three standardized questionnaires-the International Index of Erectile Function short form (IIEF-5), the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire for Male Sexual Matters Associated with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Module (ICIQ-MLUTSsex), and the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS)-were administered. In addition, all patients underwent uroflowmetry and an assessment of post-void residual volume (PVR). A total of 53 patients were enrolled. A statistically significant improvement in the IPSS score, maximum flow (Qmax), and post-void volume (PVR) at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery was found (p &lt; 0.05), while no statistically significant differences were reported between IIEF-5 scores before and after surgery. A total of 48 patients (88.6%) had preserved ejaculation at 3 months, while 92.4% and 94.3% of patients reported preserved ejaculation at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Nevertheless, some degree of hypoposia was referred, at 3, 6, and 12 months, by 43.7%, 30.6%, and 13.2% of patients, respectively. The ES-ThuLEP technique successfully preserved ejaculation in over 90% of patients, representing an ejaculation-sparing alternative in the treatment of BPH.

Management of New Complications from Prostatic Urethral Lift

ABSTRACT Introduction Prostatic urethral lift (PUL) is a minimally invasive treatment for men with benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). This entails placing non-absorbable sutures with a nitinol prostate capsular anchor and a stainless-steel urethral end piece to mechanically open the intraurethral prostate for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). There is a 12% incidence of complications from PUL. Here we present a single center experience with PUL along with management of the first known complication of PUL injuring the penile prosthesis reservoir and also a patient presenting with prostatic urethral adhesion following PUL. Objective To present the data of a single center experience with PUL and to document the first known injury of penile prosthesis reservoir from PUL and to discuss techniques and management of prostatic urethral adhesions from PUL. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed from the last two years of a single physician andrologic practice. Images and video was taken of the various rare complications encountered. Results A total of 63 PUL were performed. 1 patient had sepsis after the procedure. 2 patients had urinary retention that resolved after 7 days of catheterization. Ages ranged from 43-88 years, and prostate size ranges from 22- 90grams with a mean of 44 grams. IPSS score improved by 8 points. One patient was found to have a non-working penile implant 2 weeks after PUL. He underwent penile prosthesis revision and was found to have the PUL in the reservoir. 0 patients had retrograde or anejaculation after PUL. Three patients needed re-treatment after PUL, one opting for PUL the other opting for another modality. One patient who had PUL at another facility underwent intra-urethral prostatic stricture ligation for refractory (LUTS). Conclusions PUL is both safe and effective in the treatment of BPH. Caution should be taken in men with penile prosthesis and space of retzius reservoir placement as here we document the first PUL injury of the penile implant reservoir. Prostatic urethral stricture while rare can also occur and is best handled using an athermal technique to open the prostatic fossa. Disclosure No

Trends in Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) testing and prostate cancer incidence and mortality in Australia: A critical analysis

BackgroundPopulation trends in PSA testing and prostate cancer incidence do not perfectly correspond. We aimed to better understand relationships between trends in PSA testing, prostate cancer incidence and mortality in Australia and factors that influence them. MethodsWe calculated and described standardised time trends in PSA tests, prostate biopsies, treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and prostate cancer incidence and mortality in Australia in men aged 45–74, 75–84, and 85 + years. ResultsPSA testing increased from its introduction in 1989 to a peak in 2008 before declining in men aged 45–84 years. Prostate biopsies and cancer incidence fell from 1995 to 2000 in parallel with decrease in trans-urethral resections of the prostate (TURP) and, latterly, changes in pharmaceutical management of BPH. After 2000, changes in biopsies and incidence paralleled changes in PSA screening in men 45–84 years, while in men ≥85 years biopsy rates stabilised, and incidence fell. Prostate cancer mortality in men aged 45–74 years remained low throughout. Mortality in men 75–84 years gradually increased until mid 1990s, then gradually decreased. Mortality in men ≥ 85 years increased until mid 1990s, then stabilised. ConclusionAge specific prostate cancer incidence largely mirrors PSA testing rates. Most deviation from this pattern may be explained by less use of TURP in management of BPH and consequent less incidental cancer detection in TURP tissue specimens. Mortality from prostate cancer initially rose and then fell below what it was when PSA testing began. Its initial rise and fall may be explained by a possible initial tendency to over-attribute deaths of uncertain cause in older men with a diagnosis of prostate cancer to prostate cancer. Decreases in mortality rates were many fold smaller than the increases in incidence, suggesting substantial overdiagnosis of prostate cancer after introduction of PSA testing.

Comparative Efficacy of Tamsulosin Versus Tamsulosin Plus Finasteride in Patients with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Secondary to Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, a Randomized Open Label Parallel Group Study

Background: Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is a common entity among elderly men and is responsible for significant disability. Medical treatment for BPH has played a major role in improving the symptoms associated with bladder outlet obstruction. Recent guidelines recommend the combination of an alpha-1 blocker and a 5-ARI as first-line treatment of men with moderate-to-severe LUTS. There is limited study data to support which is the effective therapy for BPH/LUTS in a tertiary care hospital in India. Methods: A randomized, open labelled, double blind, active control parallel group study comparing the safety and efficacy of tamsulosin versus tamsulosin+finasteride in subjects with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hypertrophy. The subjects were randomized after obtaining written informed consent. The subjects were recruited from the patient population that was attending the Out-Patient department of Urology, Sri Ramachandra Medical College &amp; Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University. Results: A total sample of 60 subjects, 30 into each group was enrolled. In the tamsulosin group, according to IPSS score, 11 patients who had moderate symptoms (36.7%) became mild, and among 19 patients who had severe symptoms (63.3%), 12 patients became mild (40%) and 7 patients became moderate (23.3%) with a p value of 0.021 which is statistically significant. In the tamsulosin+ finasteride group, according to IPSS score, 10 patients who had moderate symptoms (33.3%) became mild, and among 20 patients who had severe symptoms (66.7%), 12 patients became mild (40%) and 8 patients became moderate (26.7%) with a p value of 0.020 which is statistically significant. When comparing between the two groups, 76.7% attained mild symptoms in group 1 and 73.3% patients attained mild symptoms in group 2 with a p value of 0.766 which is statistically not significant. Conclusion: To conclude tamsulosin 0.4mg is as effective as the combination therapy of tamsulosin 0.4mg and finasteride 5mg in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to Benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Inhibitory Activities of Dimeric Ellagitannins Isolated from Cornus alba on Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is an intractable chronic inflammatory disease. We studied the efficacy of two ellagitannins, namely camptothin B (1) and cornusiin A (2) that were isolated from Cornus alba (CA) for the treatment of BPH, which is a common health issue in older men. The ellagitannins (1 and 2) were evaluated on its inhibitory activities of the enzyme 5α-reductase and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, its interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 production, and its anti-proliferation and apoptosis induction in prostate cells that show hypertrophy (RWPE-1 cell). In inhibition of 5α-reductase, the ellagitannins (1 and 2) showed potential effects, compared to the positive control, finasteride. In the case of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α, 1 and 2 showed good inhibitory effects as compared to the control group treated with LPS. The ellagitannins (1 and 2) were also shown to inhibit proliferation of, and induce apoptosis in, the RWPE-1 cell. These results suggest that the ellagitannins (1 and 2) may be good candidates for the treatment of BPH.

Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports Thulium Laser Prostatectomy

The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on safety and efficacy of minimally invasive thulium laser procedures for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Recent studies have confirmed long-term safety and efficacy of thulium laser prostatectomy. There has been recent literature published from around the world confirming safety and efficacy in treatment of large prostates, obese patients, and in patients taking oral anticoagulation. Newer thulium laser systems use a wavelength of 1.9μm instead of 2 μm. Thus far, no clinical differences have been seen in outcomes of thulium laser procedures done with this wavelength. The high-power thulium laser was first introduced in 2005 for treatment of BPH [1]. Thulium vapoenucleation (ThuVEP), thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP), thulium laser enucleation (ThuLEP), and thulium vaporization (ThuVP) are techniques for thulium laser prostatectomy that have been described. Studies using the 70W to 200W thulium laser systems demonstrated good efficacy of these procedures with low morbidity and few complications in prostates of small to medium sizes [2]. Comparative studies have been published comparing thulium laser prostatectomy to monopolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), bipolar TURP, and holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) [1]. In general, thulium laser prostatectomy appears to have longer operative times, shorter catheterization times, shorter hospital stay, and lower transfusion rates compared to standard and bipolar TURP. Outcomes of HoLEP and thulium enucleation techniques appear to be similar. Overall, thulium laser prostatectomy appears to be very safe and effective with low morbidity [3].

I-wave Transcutaneous Thermotherapy for the Treatment of Benign Prostate Hypertrophy and Pelvic Dysfunction in Men

I-wave heat therapy produces microwave-like energy using a high-frequency electromagnetic field to achieve an optimal hyperthermia effect on the targeted organs. One of the advantages of this non-invasive and effective method is that it uses the body’s natural response to the application of heat to produce a desired therapeutic effect. This innovative, non-invasive and very promising method, which also requires no anesthesia, is performed in the practitioner’s office on an outpatient basis. Regarding urological indications, it is Benign Prostate Hypertrophy and inflammatory prostatitis including pelvic dysfunction that will be mainly treated. However, many other indications are applicable and some are under evaluation. In this paper, we present a review of one of these techniques concerning the principle of i-wave external thermotherapy. In a separate article we will present our patient group and the first clinical results in Switzerland.

Effects of dutasteride on prostate cancer incidence: A systematic review and meta-analysis

5-Alpha-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are used in the treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). 5-ARIs, such as finasteride and dutasteride, suppress the biosynthesis of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a precursor of androgen, which is closely related to the incidence of prostate cancer (PCa). A previous meta-analysis demonstrated a relationship between finasteride use and the incidence of PCA. However, there have been no meta-analyses on the relationship between PCa and dutasteride alone. This meta-analysis was performed to examine the prevalence of PCa in adult males taking dutasteride. We searched PubMed for reports regarding PCa risk and dutasteride use. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to weight the studies. Odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and P-values were calculated using fixed- and random-effects models. A total of eight articles were included in the meta-analysis. The overall OR for both the fixed- and random-effects models was 0.669 and the 95% CI for the random-effects model (0.526–0.851; P = 0.006) was wider than that for the fixed effects model (0.548–0.817; P &lt; 0.001). This study confirmed that the incidence of PCa was significantly reduced by taking dutasteride.

Macular Abnormalities Associated With 5α-Reductase Inhibitor

The neuroprotective action of sex hormones has been described. Data on the association between 5α-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI), a male sex hormone antagonist, and macular abnormalities are lacking to date. To assess the association between the use of 5-ARI for treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy and/or androgenic alopecia in men and macular abnormalities on optical coherence tomography imaging. This retrospective case-control, cross-sectional study included electronic health record data from 31 male patients who showed foveal cavitation on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging from January 1, 2016, to June 30, 2019. Receipt of 5-ARI for at least 2 years as treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy and/or androgenic alopecia. Clinical data and multimodal imaging findings and the proportion of 5-ARI users. Among 31 male patients with foveal cavitation, 5-ARI was used for 10 of 14 patients (71.4%) with macular abnormalities of unknown origin and for 2 of 17 patients (11.8%) with macular abnormalities of well-known specific origin (P = .001). The mean age of these 14 patients was 74.7 years (range, 60.1-88.0 years). In the 15 eyes of 10 patients who had received 5-ARI for macular abnormalities of unknown origin, mean (SD) age was 72.8 (7.5) years, mean (SD) length of time receiving 5-ARI was 72.3 (39.2) months, and mean (SD) logMAR visual acuity was 0.08 (0.10) (Snellen equivalents, 20/24 [20/25]). Optical coherence tomography imaging showed a disease spectrum ranging from tiny foveal cavitation to an impending macular hole. Of the total male patients, 80.0% (8 of 10) had no symptoms. The findings suggest that macular abnormalities associated with 5-ARI are characterized by cystoid abnormalities and foveal cavitation in male patients, which may progress to outer foveal defect and macular hole. These macular abnormalities associated with a male sex hormone antagonist suggested by this investigation warrant further corroboration.

Drugs and herbs in two divergent lines of benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy

Prostatic adenoma, or benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), is a natural and common disease in elderly men. Its etiology is multifactorial. BPH is associated with annoying symptoms and morbid complications. The treatment of BPH with drugs, or synthetic chemicals, damages hepatic and renal tissues developing cirrhosis and kidney failure. As an alternative, there has been recourse to the use of medicinal plants or natural health. Pumpkin seeds, nettle leaves and soybeans have been proven to be potent against pain and discomfort in BPH patients. Moreover, plants used at high doses during a long period as treatment, may be toxic and complicate the lifestyle of BPH patients. Both, drugs and plants, used without precaution is a dilemma of prevention and toxicity. The patients simultaneously consume the drug and plants to anticipate healing. Combined drug-plant therapy could have harmful effects on health due to an accumulating antagonistic synergy of chemical and natural.