Abstract

Objective: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which are related to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), are the most commonly encountered diseases in urological practice. In our study, we compared responses to doxazosin mesylate extended release tablets (doxazosin XL) (8 mg) treatment between primary patients and patients with moderate and severe LUTS despite use of an alpha blocker treatment other than doxazosin XL (8 mg).

Material and methods: In our study, we included one hundred patients with LUTS who did not receive any medical treatment, and one hundred patients with LUTS who did not respond to alpha-blocker drugs other than doxazosin XL (8 mg). The inclusion criteria for the study were as follows: international prostate symptom score (IPSS) >7, prostate volume >20 cc, Q-max <15 mL/sn, lack of any previous pelvic or prostatic surgery, and /or urethral catheterization.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 62.2±7.9 years. No statistically significant differences were detected between the groups with respect to age, prostate volume, and total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The duration of the follow-up period was calculated as 3-26 (mean 11) months. Significant differences were detected in post-voiding residual urine, IPSS, quality of life and Qmax between pre- and post-treatment values. Similar decreases in the IPSS scores, and increases in Qmax values were detected in both groups.

Conclusion: Doxazosin XL (8 mg) treatment was found to be efficient and reliable in primary patients and also in patients with severe LUTS who did not respond to medical treatment. Trial of doxazosin XL (8 mg) therapy, before surgery in patients who respond inadequately to other alpha-blocker drugs is a rational approach.