EAU-JUA joint session discusses hypertension as a risk factor for storage symptoms
Wednesday, 18 March, 2007- Hypertension is a risk factor for storage symptoms, but not voiding system in patients with various urological conditions, according to a report presented at the 24th Annual EAU Congress by Dr. O. Yokoyama, of the University of Fukui, Japan.
The presentation encompassed an overview of several clinical and experimental studies, where hypertension, which is associated with and caused by a number non-urological conditions, was reviewed with respect to storage and voiding symptoms in urological patients.
Central obesity, which is often associated with hypertension, was discussed with regard to lower urinary tract symptoms. According to Dr. Yokoyama, this issue has to be addressed as one can now observe “the growing numbers of overweight people in Japan”.
The findings showed that 29.8% of men with LUTS had a history of metabolic syndrome and 40.8% - a history of hypertension. The percentage of men with hypertension or MetS was significantly lower among those who did not complain about lower urinary tract symptoms The study included patients, who were 60 or older.
“The analysis of metabolic syndrome and hypertension markers in relation to LUTS revealed that there appears to be a significant relationship between ANS overactivity and both LUTS and MetS,” reported Dr. Yokoyama.
Further, he indicated that the research established a likely correlation between autonomous nervous system overactivity, associated hypertension and the bladder storage function.
The second part of the research aimed to establish whether the a-blockers could allow for long-term alteration of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with MetS and/or cardiovascular conditions. This stage of the research included 10,744 men, who took part in a large-scale Japan-Tamsulosin IPPS Survey.
A total of 4,915 patients with the mean age 68.5 received a 12-week administration of tamsulosin (0.2 mg per day) were assessed during the study with the help of IPPS and OoL questionairs. The results were then evaluated based on the data gathered before and after the administration of the drug.
For data analysis, symptoms were categorized into voiding symptoms (weak stream and straining as well as intermittence) and storage symptoms (nocturia, urgency and frequency). The findings suggested that patients with HT had more severe storage symptoms, compared to patients who have no history of hypertension. At the same time, there was no significant difference in the severity of voiding symptoms.
“Frequesncy and nocturia appeared to be particularly severe before the administration of the drug in patients who suffer from hypertension,” reported Dr. Yokoyama. “At the same time the results of tamsulosin treatment were noticeably affected by hypertension.”
He also indicated that his research revealed several indications that hypertension may have a significant impact on bladder sensitivity. Further investigation into the promlem is necessary.
