Effects of hexanic extract of serenoa repens (permixon® 160 mg) on inflammation biomarkers in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia Serenoa repens + selenium + lycopene vs tadalafil 5 mg for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic obstruction: a Phase IV, non‐inferiority, open‐label, clinical study (SPRITE study) Multicentre study on the efficacy and tolerability of an extract of Serenoa repens in patients with chronic benign prostate conditions associated with inflammation. Serenoa repens, lycopene and selenium versus tamsulosin for the treatment of LUTS/BPH. An Italian multicenter double-blinded randomized study between single or combination therapy (PROCOMB trial). [Associating Serenoa repens, Urtica dioica and Pinus pinaster. Safety and efficacy in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms. Prospective study on 320 patients]. A comparison of the efficacy of naftopidil and tamsulosin hydrochloride in medical treatment of benign prostatic enlargement Combination therapy with doxazosin and tenoxicam for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms. Photoselective vaporization of prostate vs. transurethral resection of prostate: A prospective, randomized study with one year follow-up Evaluation of the clinical benefit of permixon and tamsulosin in severe BPH patients-PERMAL study subset analysis. A prospective study of the efficacy of Serenoa repens, Tamsulosin, and Serenoa repens plus Tamsulosin treatment for patients with benign prostate hyperplasia Update on AUA guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Efficacy of alfuzosin and sildenafil combination in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms Analysis of the results obtained with a new phytotherapeutic association for LUTS versus control. [corrected]. Continued improvement in pressure-flow parameters in men receiving finasteride for 2 years. Finasteride Urodynamics Study Group. Efficacy and safety of tadalafil 5 mg once daily for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia: subgroup analyses of pooled data from 4 multinational, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies. Does the addition of Serenoa repens to tamsulosin improve its therapeutical efficacy in benign prostatic hyperplasia? Tolterodine extended release attenuates lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Tolterodine extended release attenuates lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Effects of tadalafil on lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia and on erectile dysfunction in sexually active men with both conditions: analyses of pooled data from four randomized, placebo-controlled tadalafil clinical studies. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: effects on urodynamic parameters and voiding symptoms. A randomized, placebo-controlled study to assess safety and efficacy of vardenafil 10 mg and tamsulosin 0.4 mg vs. tamsulosin 0.4 mg alone in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. [Comparison of a phytotherapeutic agent (Permixon) with an alpha-blocker (Tamsulosin) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a 1-year randomized international study]. Solifenacin plus tamsulosin combination treatment in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and bladder outlet obstruction: a randomized controlled trial.
Background Chronic prostatic inflammation ( CPI ) could be a cause of symptomatic or complicated benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) . In previous in vitro and in vivo studies , Hexanic Extract of Serenoa repens ( HESr ) namely Permixon ® has demonstrated potent anti‐inflammatory properties . With the aim to provide new insight onto HESr anti‐inflammatory properties in human we explore its effect on CPI biomarkers in men with lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) related to BPH using a non‐invasive method and investigate links between biomarkers and clinical symptoms . Methods An international , r and omized , double‐blind , parallel‐group , tamsulosin‐controlled study was carried out in 206 men with BPH‐related LUTS . Patients received oral daily HESr 320 mg or tamsulosin 0.4 mg during 3 months . The first urine stream after digital rectal examination ( DRE ) was collected at Day 1 and Day 90 and mRNA was extracted from prostatic epithelial cells desquaming in the lumen of the gl and s and seminal plasma fluid after DRE . mRNA quantification of the 29 most significant published inflammation markers in BPH and protein detection in urine was performed . Results At D90 , a decrease in mean gene expression was observed for 65.4 % of the markers detected in the HESr group versus 46.2 % in the tamsulosin group . In the 15 most frequently expressed genes , this difference was higher ( 80 % vs. 33 % respectively ) . Three proteins ( MCP‐1/CCL2 , IP‐10/CXCL10 , and MIF ) were detected . At D90 , a decrease in the number of patients who expressed MCP‐1/CCL2 and IP‐10/CXCL10 was observed only in the HESr group . Moreover , MIF expression was significantly reduced by HESr compared with tamsulosin ( P = 0.007 ) . Finally , in contrast to tamsulosin , the subgroup of patients treated by HESr and who over expressed MIF at baseline , had a higher response to the International Prostate Symptom Score ( I‐PSS ) than those who did not over express this protein ( mean I‐PSS change : −6.4 vs. −4.5 respectively ) . As the study is exploratory , results should be confirmed in a powered clinical study . Conclusions These results showed for the first time at clinical level the anti‐inflammatory properties of HESr , already indicated in BPH‐related LUTS . Thus , HESr could be of interest to prevent unfavourable evolution in patients with CPI . Prostate 75:1857–1867 , 2015 . © 2015 The Authors . The Prostate Published by Wiley Periodicals , To compare in a r and omised , open‐label , non‐inferiority clinical study , the efficacy and tolerability  of Serenoa repens ( SeR ) + selenium ( Se ) + lycopene ( Ly ) ( SeR‐Se‐Ly ) therapy vs tadalafil 5 mg in men with lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) INTRODUCTION Chronic benign prostate diseases are very common and certainly feature significantly in urological practice .The treatment of chronic benign prostate diseases is a common problem in clinical practice : few studies have been conducted in routine clinical practice to evaluate the efficacy of the treatments for this clinical condition . The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an extract of Serenoa repens ( Permixon ) in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) in patients with chronic benign prostate diseases with associated inflammation , also taking into consideration the influence of treatment on sexual function and , therefore , on patients ' quality of life . MATERIAL S AND METHODS All the 591 eligible subjects were evaluated on entering the study ; after a screening visit , including medical history , physical examination , physical examination and digital rectal examination ( DRE ) and laboratory tests , the patients underwent uroflowmetry . The subjects under investigation were also asked to complete the IPSS , NIH-CPSI and IIEF-5 question naires , for the purpose of evaluating urinary symptoms and erectile function in relation to sexual activity in the previous 6 months . RESULTS The analysis of the uroflowmetry results showed that treatment with extract of Serenoa repens distinctly improves bladder voiding and lower urinary tract symptoms , as highlighted also by the improvement in the scores for the IPSS and NIH-CPSI question naires which serve as a basis for evaluating the urinary symptoms of patients with prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis respectively . The results also suggest that using an extract of Serenoa repens for 6 months in patients with chronic benign prostate diseases gives rise to an improvement in erectile function , as demonstrated by the increase in the scores for the IIEF-5 question naire after 6 months of treatment . CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate how treatment for 6 months with an extract of Serenoa repens in routine clinical practice gives rise to a statistically significant improvement in Qmax values and in the IPSS , NHI-CPSI and IIEF-5 question naire scores , result ing not only in an improvement in urinary symptoms but also in an overall improvement in patients ' quality of life BACKGROUND Phytotherapy has been used to treat patients with lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) . We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of combination therapy between Serenoa Repens ( SeR ) , Lycopene ( Ly ) , and Selenium ( Se ) + tamsulosin versus single therapies . METHODS PROCOMB trial ( IS RCT N78639965 ) was a r and omized double-blinded , double-dummy multicenter study of 225 patients between 55 and 80 years old , PSA ≤ 4 ng/ml , IPSS ≥12 , prostate volume ≤60 cc , Qmax ≤15 ml/sec , postvoid residual urine ( PVR ) < 150 ml . Participants were r and omized group A ( SeR-Se-Ly ) , group B ( tamsulosin 0.4 mg ) , group C ( SeR-Se-Ly + tamsulosin 0.4 mg ) . The primary endpoints of the study were the reduction of IPSS , PVR , and increase of Qmax in group C versus monotherapy groups . RESULTS The decrease for combination therapy was significantly greater versus group A ( P < 0.05 ) and group B ( P < 0.01 ) for IPSS and versus group A ( P < 0.01 ) for PVR from baseline to 6 months . A greater decrease in IPSS was observed for Group C versus group A ( P < 0.01 ) and increase in Qmax versus group B ( P < 0.01 ) , from 6 months to 12 months . At one year , the changes of IPSS and Qmax were greater for Group C versus monotherapies ( each comparison < 0.05 ) . The proportions of men with a decrease of at least three points ( each comparison P < 0.05 ) and decrease of 25 % for IPSS ( each comparison P < 0.01 ) were greater for Group C. CONCLUSION SeR-Se-Ly + tamsulosin therapy is more effective than single therapies in improving IPSS and increasing Qmax in patients with LUTS INTRODUCTION Serenoa repens ( saw palmetto ) has been employed for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) for several years . Its mechanism of action is believed to be due to anti and rogenic , antiproliferative and antinflammatory properties . An association of Serenoa with the nettle " Urtica dioica " showing antiproliferative activity and the pine " Pinus pinaster " derivative , showing antinflammatory action , has been proposed in recent years . Such an action is hoped to act not only by reducing LUTS but also by preventing the development of prostate cancer . MATERIAL AND METHODS During the years 2007 and 2008 , 320 patients suffering from LUTS were treated with an association of Serenoa repens 320 mg , Urtica dioica 120 mg and Pinus pinaster 5 mg , named IPBTRE . This treatment was administered to all patients for a minimal duration of 30 days to a maximum of a year , either alone or in association with antibiotics or alpha-blockers , if needed . Outcome analysis was based on evaluation of symptoms , prostate volume and maximum flow rate ( Qmax ) . RESULTS From a careful analysis of the data collected in our data base , the following observations can be made : ages varied between 19 and 78 years . The patients were affected by BPH in 46 % of cases , chronic prostatitis syndrome in 43 % , chronic genital-pelvic pain in 7 % and other conditions in 4 % , the absolute numbers being 147 , 138 , 22 and 7 patients , respectively . No untoward side effect was reported in any case . Variations in symptom score could be fully evaluated only in 80 of 320 patients ( 25 % ) , of whom 68 ( 85 % ) reported a significant benefit , with special reference to an improvement of pain , urgency , strangury and nocturia . Data on variations in prostate volume , as measured by digital rectal examination , were available in 84 ( 26.5 % ) patients . No significant change was observed . Qmax after treatment was measured in 83 ( 26 % ) patients . It did not show significant changes from the initial values . DISCUSSION The association tested in our study appeared to be safe and well tolerated . No changes in flow rate and prostate volume were observed , but a marked reduction of LUTS was observed in 85 % of evaluable cases , especially with regard to pain and irritative symptoms . Whether or not such an association may display a prevention of prostate cancer , may be investigated in additional studies Introduction : Lower urinary tract symptoms in men , over age of 50 years is suggestive of benign prostatic enlargement ( BPE ) . Different alpha-blockers have been evaluated for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia for over last 30 years . This study was conducted in a tertiary care institution during the period of year between June 2011 and August 2013 to compare the effect of naftopidil and tamsulosin in reducing the obstructive and irritable symptoms of BPE . Subjects and Methods : A prospect i ve r and omized comparative study was carried on 60 patients of BPE by assigning half of them to treatment with tamsulosin and rest with naftopidil .  Pre- and post-treatment uroflowmetry ( UFM ) , post-void residue ( PVR ) , International Prostate Symptoms Score ( IPSS ) , were obtained at 15 and 30 days after starting treatment . Results : The age of patients ranged from 51 to 78 . At base line there was no statistical difference between UFM parameter , PVR and IPSS in the two groups . UFM and PVR showed significantly better response at both intervals with naftopidil . Comparison of IPSS showed better improvement in Group A both at 15 and 30 days . It was seen that the obstructive symptoms showed a significantly better response with tamsulosin and symptoms of irritability was seen better response with naftopidil . Conclusion : It was seen that during the period of follow-up of 30 days naftopidil had a better effect on UFM , PVR , IPSS compared with tamsulosin . In general , obstructive symptoms showed better improvement in tamsulosin and irritative symptoms showed better improvement in naftopidil OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of a combination therapy , doxazosin plus tenoxicam , and doxazosin alone for lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) , as various combination therapies increase the efficacy of medical therapy . Alpha blocker agents have been widely used for the treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH . METHOD Fifty-seven patients complaining of LUTS secondary to BPH were enrolled in this clinical trial . Patients were r and omly assigned to receive doxazosin 4 mg or doxazosin 4 mg plus tenoxicam 20 mg treatment . Patients were evaluated for BPH according to the European Association of Urology and American Urological Association clinical guidelines . In addition , patients were assessed with Overactive Bladder Symptom Score ( OABSS ) and International Index of Erectile Function ( IIEF ) . Patients were reevaluated after a 6-week treatment course . The International Prostatic Symptom Score ( IPSS ) , IPSS- Quality of Life ( IPSS-QoL ) , maximal urinary flow rates ( Q(max ) ) , and average urinary flow rates ( AFR ) were determined at baseline and again at 6 weeks as efficacy parameters . RESULTS The total IPSS , IPSS-QoL , and OABSS decreased significantly in both tenoxicam plus doxazosin group and doxazosin alone group compared with baseline ( P < .01 ) . Also , Q(max ) and AFR significantly improved in both groups ( P < .01 ) . The improvements in IPSS , IPSS-QoL , and OABSS were significantly better in patients treated with combination therapy ( P < .05 ) . CONCLUSIONS COX-2 inhibitors in combination with an alpha blocker may increase the effectiveness of the therapy for LUTS secondary to BPH without significant effects on side effect profile Objectives : To evaluate in a prospect i ve , r and omized study , the efficacy and safety profile of photoselective vaporization of prostate ( PVP ) using a 80W potassium titanyl phosphate ( KTP ) laser when compared to st and ard transurethral resection of prostate ( TURP ) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) due to benign prostatic enlargement ( BPE ) . Material s and Methods : Between February 2009 and August 2009 , 117 patients satisfying the eligibility criteria underwent surgery [ 60 PVP{Group A } ; 57 TURP{Group B } ] . The groups were compared for functional outcome ( both subjective and objective parameters ) , perioperative parameters and complications , with a follow up of one year . P value<0.05 was considered statistically significant . Results : The baseline characteristics of the two groups were comparable . Mean age was 66.68 years and 65.74 years , mean IPSS score was 19.98 and 20.88 , mean prostate volume was 44.77 cc and 49.02 cc in Group A and B , respectively . Improvements in IPSS , QOL , prostate volume , Q max and PVRU at 12 months were similar in both groups . PVP patients had longer operating time , lesser perioperative blood loss , shorter catheterization time and a higher dysuria rate when compared to TURP patients . The overall complication rate was similar in the two groups . Conclusions : In patients with LUTS due to BPE , KTP-PVP is an equally efficacious alternative to TURP with durable results at one year follow up with additional benefits of lesser perioperative blood loss , lesser transfusion requirements and a shorter catheterization time . Long term comparative data is awaited to clearly define the role of KTP-PVP in such patients OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of the lipido-sterolic extract of Serenoa repens , Permixon , to that of the alpha-blocker , tamsulosin , in the treatment of severe low urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) of benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) . METHODS In a 12-month , double-blind , r and omized study that showed equivalent efficacy of Permixon 320 mg/day and tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day ( " PERMAL study ") , 685 BPH patients with IPSS > or = 10 had been analyzed for efficacy . Of these , the 124 patients with severe LUTS ( IPSS > 19 ) at r and omization were retained for this subset analysis . After a 4-week run-in period , 59 and 65 patients had been r and omized to tamsulosin and Permixon groups , respectively . Both treatment groups were compared regarding the evolution from baseline of total IPSS and its irritative and obstructive subscores , LUTS-related QoL , prostate volume , Q(max ) and MSF-4 ( sexual activity question naire ) at different time points over 1 year . An analysis of variance of changes from baseline to end point was performed for all the parameters . The over-time evolutions of total , irritative and obstructive IPSS were further compared using a variance analysis for repeated measurements . RESULTS At 12 months , total IPSS decreased by 7.8 with Permixon and 5.8 with tamsulosin ( p=0.051 ) ; the irritative symptoms improved significantly more ( p=0.049 ) with Permixon ( -2.9 versus -1.9 with tamsulosin ) . The superiority of Permixon in reducing irritative symptoms appeared as soon as month 3 and was maintained up to month 12 ( p=0.03 ) . CONCLUSION Permixon 320 mg/day was shown to be slightly superior to tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day in reducing LUTS in severe BPH patients after 3 months and up to 12 months of treatment Introduction Increasing attention has been focused on the use of phytotherapeutic agents to alleviate the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) in recent times . The best described and studied phytotherapeutic agent is Serenoa repens ( SR ) . Material s and methods This prospect i ve study was design ed to have 3 arms including SR 320 mg per day ( N = 20 ) , Tamsulosin ( TAM ) 0.4 mg per day ( N = 20 ) and SR + TAM ( N = 20 ) to reveal the superiority or equivalence between these treatment regimens in BPH . Results The groups were not statistically different with regard to increase in maximal urinary flow rate ( Qmax ) and decrease in International Prostate Symptom Score ( I-PSS ) ( P > 0.05 ) . No adverse effect was detected in SR therapy group . Conclusion Treatment of BPH by both SR and TAM seems to be effective alone . None of them had superiority to another and additionally , combined therapy ( SR + TAM ) does not provide extra benefits . Furthermore SR is a well-tolerated agent that can be used alternatively in the treatment of LUTS due to BPH PURPOSE To revise the 2003 version of the American Urological Association 's ( AUA ) Guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) . MATERIAL S AND METHODS From MEDLINE ® search es of English language publications ( January 1999 through February 2008 ) using relevant MeSH terms , articles concerning the management of the index patient , a male ≥45 years of age who is consulting a healthcare provider for lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) were identified . Qualitative analysis of the evidence was performed . Selected studies were stratified by design , comparator , follow-up interval , and intensity of intervention , and meta-analyses ( quantitative synthesis ) of outcomes of r and omized controlled trials were planned . Guideline statements were drafted by an appointed expert Panel based on the evidence . RESULTS The studies varied as to patient selection ; r and omization ; blinding mechanism ; run-in periods ; patient demographics , comorbidities , prostate characteristics and symptoms ; drug doses ; other intervention characteristics ; comparators ; rigor and intervals of follow-up ; trial duration and timing ; suspected lack of applicability to current US practice ; and techniques of outcomes measurement . These variations affected the quality of the evidence review ed making formal meta- analysis impractical or futile . Instead , the Panel and extractors review ed the data in a systematic fashion and without statistical rigor . Diagnosis and treatment algorithms were adopted from the 2005 International Consultation of Urologic Diseases . Guideline statements concerning pharmacotherapies , watchful waiting , surgical options and minimally invasive procedures were either up date d or newly drafted , peer review ed and approved by AUA Board of Directors . CONCLUSIONS New pharmacotherapies and technologies have emerged which have impacted treatment algorithms . The management of LUTS/BPH continues to evolve Lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) and erectile dysfunction ( ED ) are frequently encountered in ageing males . We compared the efficacy of alfuzosin 10 mg alone or in combination with sildenafil 50 mg in the treatment of LUTS due to benign prostatic hyperplasia . One hundred male patients older than 45 years were r and omized to two groups containing 50 patients each ; one group receiving alfuzosin 10 mg and the other group alfuzosin 10 mg combined with sildenafil 50 mg  . International Prostate Symptom Score ( IPSS ) , quality of life ( QoL ) , maximum flow rate ( Qmax ) , prostate volume and post‐void residual urine were evaluated . The mean age was 60.2 ± 17.8 . Mean data of evaluated parameters in both groups at the end of 3rd month compared with baseline values are given respective order as ; 5.1 ( 26.8 % ) and 5.8 ( 28.2 % ) points decreases in IPSS ; 1.6 ( 41.1 % ) and 1.8 ( 45 % ) points decreases in QoL ; and 3.4 ( 29.6 % ) and 3.4 ( 33 % ) points increases in Qmax . The outcomes of our study can not be interpreted in such a way to report that alpha blocker‐PDE5 inhibitor combination  has a better efficacy than alpha blocker treatment alone in patients with LUTS INTRODUCTION Benign prostatic hypertrophy ( BPH ) is a common disease whose frequency has risen throughout the world in concomitance with the increase in life expectancy . BPH causes voiding disturbances known by the acronym LUTS ( lower urinary tract symptoms ) , which heavily influence the quality of life in the elderly . The treatment for LUTS is mainly divided into medical and surgical , the latter usually represented by prostate ablation . Medical therapy includes synthetic molecules that interfere with the hormonal control of BPH or act on the bladder neck tonus , as well as natural remedies based on plant extracts from Serenoa Repens and /or Urtica Dioica . MATERIAL AND METHODS Two groups of patients who were c and i date s for surgery for BPH-induced LUTS , were r and omly recruited in a six-month trial aim ed at comparing outcome of treatment with a new combination of plants extracts ( Pluvio ® ) , which differs from the previous ones in that it also contains avocado and soya oil , as well as a high dose of Urtica Dioica , with no therapy . Age , IPSS score , maximal uroflow , prostate volume , PSA , free-to-total PSA ratio , post voiding residual urine and number of nocturia episodes were recorded and statistically evaluated using a NCSS 60 ® program . RESULT A marked benefit in terms of quality of life , measured by IPSS score , uroflow , residual urine and nocturia , was observed in the treated group compared to controls . PSA and prostate volume were not significantly affected . No noteworthy adverse events were observed . CONCLUSIONS The new phytotherapeutic combination evaluated in the present study would seem to be highly effective for the treatment of LUTS in BPH patients and does not have negative side effects . Its use could therefore be strongly advocated in this setting OBJECTIVES To assess the long-term effects of finasteride on pressure-flow parameters in men with urodynamically documented bladder outflow obstruction ( BOO ) . METHODS One hundred twenty-one men with benign prostatic enlargement ( BPE ) and lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) underwent a pressure-flow study ( PFS ) at 1 of 11 clinical centers . The PFS technique was st and ardized , and all tracings were read by a single reader unaware of the treatment group . Patients who were obstructed according to a modified Abrams-Griffiths nomogram  were r and omized to 5 mg finasteride ( n = 81 ) or placebo ( n = 40 ) for 12 months ; all patients continuing into an open extension received finasteride during the second 12 months of therapy . Results of the initial 12-month study demonstrated the benefit of finasteride treatment on PFS parameters . To examine the continuing effects over time , an analysis of the data from 54 patients who completed 24 months of treatment with finasteride is provided . RESULTS Detrusor pressure at maximum flow ( PdetQmax ) continued to decrease during the second 12 months of therapy ( decreases of 5.3 and 11.7 cm H2O at months 12 and 24 , respectively ) . The percentage of patients obstructed by Abrams-Griffiths classification decreased from 76.2 % at baseline to 66.7 % at month 12 and 59.6 % at month 24 . An intention-to-treat analysis yielded similar results . CONCLUSIONS Finasteride improves urodynamic measures of obstruction in men with BPE and LUTS , with continued improvement during the second 12 months of therapy OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and safety of tadalafil , a phosphodiesterase 5 ( PDE5 ) inhibitor efficacious for erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia ( LUTS/BPH ) , in population subgroups , using pooled data from 4 international , r and omized , placebo-controlled studies in men with LUTS/BPH . METHODS The safety data base included 1500 men r and omized to tadalafil 5 mg once daily or placebo for 12 weeks . Changes in total International Prostate Symptom Score ( IPSS ) , IPSS- quality of life index , and BPH impact index were examined overall , and changes in IPSS or adverse events ( AEs ) were examined across subgroups of interest . Treatment-group differences were assessed using analysis of covariance . RESULTS Results of pooled data confirmed that tadalafil ( N = 752 ) result ed in significant improvements from baseline vs placebo ( N = 746 ) in IPSS ( mean difference -2.3 ; P < .001 ) , and also in BPH impact index and IPSS- quality of life index ( both P < .001 ) . Subgroup analyses demonstrated that IPSS improvements were significant regardless of baseline LUTS severity ( IPSS < 20/≥20 ) , age ( ≤65/>65 years ) , recent previous use of α-blockers or PDE5 inhibitors , total testosterone level ( < 300/≥300 ng/dL ) , or prostate-specific antigen predicted prostate volume ( < 40/≥40 mL ) . [ corrected ] Rates of treatment emergent AEs were comparable between subgroups of baseline age ( ≤65/>65 years ) , previous PDE5 inhibitor use , and the presence or absence of pre-existing diabetes , hypertension , or cardiovascular disease ( including hypertension ) , but somewhat higher for recent previous α-blocker use . CONCLUSION In these pooled data analyses , tadalafil 5 mg improved LUTS/BPH across subgroups of age , LUTS severity , testosterone levels , and prostate volume . Rates of AEs were similar across the subgroups assessed BACKGROUND / AIM It has been observed that a large number of patients with low urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia ( LUTS/BPH ) ) has been treated with a combination of tamsulosin ( TAM ) + Serenoa repens ( SR ) ( TAM + SR ) . The aim of this study was to compare a combination TAM + SR with TAM and SR alone , to see if there was any difference in efficacy and tolerance of each in patients with LUTS/BPH . METHODS In this prospect i ve study patients had to have prostate volume ( PV ) < 50 mL , International Prostate Symptom Score ( IPSS ) of 7 - 18 , Quality of Life score ( QoLs ) > 3 , a maximal flow rate ( Qmax ) of 5 - 15 mL/s , with post voiding residual volume ( PVR ) < 150 mL and serum prostatic antigen ( PSA ) < 4 ng/mL.  TAM ( 0.4 mg ) was administered once a day , SR ( 320 mg ) daily or SR ( 320 mg ) + TAM ( 0.4 mg ) daily for a median period of 6 months . RESULTS A total of 297 patients were recruited , whereas 265 patients were fully available : 87 into the group TAM , 97 into the group SR and 81 into the group TAM + SR .  There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups in the sense of demographic and other baseline parameters . No difference was found among the 3 treatment groups , neither in the major endpoint of the study in the sense of a change between baseline and final evaluation in total IPSS , obstructive and irritative subscores , improvement of QoLs , increase in Qmax , nor for the second endpoint including diminution of PV , PSA and PVR . During the treatment period 20 ( 23 % ) of the patients managed with TAM and 17 ( 21 % ) with TAM + SR had drug- treated with related adverse reactions . No adverse effect was detected in the group SR . CONCLUSION Treatment of BPH by both SR and TAM seems to be efficacious alone . None of them had superiority over another and , additionally , a combined therapy ( TAM + SR ) does not provide extra benefits . Furthermore , SR is a well-tolerated agent that can be used alternatively in the treatment of LUTS/BPH PURPOSE In this open label , prospect i ve study we determined the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended release ( ER ) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) and lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) in whom previous alpha-blocker therapy had failed . MATERIAL S AND METHODS A total of 43 consecutive men with BPH and LUTS in whom a mean of 5.7 months of alpha-blocker therapy had failed due to adverse events ( 11 ) or a lack of efficacy ( 32 ) received tolterodine ER ( 4 mg daily ) for 6 months . Primary efficacy end points were American Urological Association symptom score , and mean daytime and nighttime micturition frequency . Secondary end points were the peak urinary flow rate , post-void residual volume , the incidence of urinary retention , total score on the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function and adverse events . RESULTS A total of 39 men ( 91 % ) with a mean age of 61 years completed the 6-month trial .  Mean 24-hour micturition frequency decreased from 9.8 to 6.3 voids and nocturia decreased from 4.1 to 2.9 episodes nightly . Significant changes in mean American Urological Association symptom scores ( -6.1 ) , the peak urinary flow rate ( 1.9 ml per second ) and post-void residual volume ( -22 ml ) were also observed . Of the men 27 ( 63 % ) were potent at baseline and 29 ( 67 % ) were potent after 6 months of tolterodine ER treatment . Mean International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain scores increased ( 6.9 ) . Four men ( 9 % ) discontinued therapy because of intolerable dry mouth . There were no reports of urinary retention . CONCLUSIONS Treatment with tolterodine ER in men with BPH and LUTS may be a reasonable therapeutic option as initial therapy or after failed treatment with alpha-blockers PURPOSE In this open label , prospect i ve study we determined the efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine extended release ( ER ) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) and lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) in whom previous alpha-blocker therapy had failed . MATERIAL S AND METHODS A total of 43 consecutive men with BPH and LUTS in whom a mean of 5.7 months of alpha-blocker therapy had failed due to adverse events ( 11 ) or a lack of efficacy ( 32 ) received tolterodine ER ( 4 mg daily ) for 6 months . Primary efficacy end points were American Urological Association symptom score , and mean daytime and nighttime micturition frequency . Secondary end points were the peak urinary flow rate , post-void residual volume , the incidence of urinary retention , total score on the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function and adverse events . RESULTS A total of 39 men ( 91 % ) with a mean age of 61 years completed the 6-month trial .  Mean 24-hour micturition frequency decreased from 9.8 to 6.3 voids and nocturia decreased from 4.1 to 2.9 episodes nightly . Significant changes in mean American Urological Association symptom scores ( -6.1 ) , the peak urinary flow rate ( 1.9 ml per second ) and post-void residual volume ( -22 ml ) were also observed . Of the men 27 ( 63 % ) were potent at baseline and 29 ( 67 % ) were potent after 6 months of tolterodine ER treatment . Mean International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain scores increased ( 6.9 ) . Four men ( 9 % ) discontinued therapy because of intolerable dry mouth . There were no reports of urinary retention . CONCLUSIONS Treatment with tolterodine ER in men with BPH and LUTS may be a reasonable therapeutic option as initial therapy or after failed treatment with alpha-blockers INTRODUCTION Erectile dysfunction ( ED ) and lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia ( LUTS/BPH ) are common in aging males and frequently occur together . Tadalafil has demonstrated efficacy in treating both conditions . AIM The study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tadalafil 5 mg once daily vs. placebo over 12 weeks in treating both LUTS/BPH and ED in sexually active men . We also assessed relationships of baseline disease severity and prostate specific antigen ( PSA ) to outcomes . METHODS Data were pooled from four multinational , r and omized studies of men ≥45 years with LUTS/BPH , with analyses restricted to sexually active men with ED . R and omization ( baseline ) followed a 4-week placebo run-in ; changes from baseline were assessed vs. placebo using analysis of covariance . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES International Prostate Symptom Score ( IPSS ) , IPSS subscores , Quality -of-Life Index ( IPSS-QoL ) , BPH Impact Index ( BII ) , and International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function ( IIEF-EF ) Domain score were used in this study . RESULTS Tadalafil ( N = 505 ) significantly improved total IPSS vs. placebo ( N = 521 ) ; mean changes from baseline were -6.0 and -3.6 , respectively ( P < 0.001 ) . Improvements in IIEF-EF Domain score  ( tadalafil , 6.4 ; placebo , 1.4 ) were also significant vs. placebo , as were the IPSS storage and voiding subscores , IPSS-QoL , and BII ( all P < 0.001 ) . No significant impact of baseline ED severity or PSA category on IPSS response was observed ( interaction P values , 0.463 and 0.149 , respectively ) . Similarly , improvement in IIEF-EF Domain score was not significantly impacted by baseline LUTS/BPH severity or PSA category ( interaction P values , 0.926 and 0.230 , respectively ) . Improvements in IPSS and IIEF-EF Domain score during treatment were weakly correlated ( r = -0.229 ) . Treatment-emergent adverse events were consistent with previous reports . CONCLUSIONS Tadalafil was efficacious and well tolerated in treating ED and LUTS/BPH in sexually active men with both conditions . Improvements in both conditions were significant regardless of baseline severity . Improvements in the total IPSS and the IIEF-EF Domain score were weakly correlated OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of saw palmetto on voiding symptoms and urodynamic parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) presumed secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) . METHODS Fifty men with previously untreated LUTS and a minimum International Prostate Symptom Score ( IPSS ) of 10 or greater were treated with a commercially available form of saw palmetto ( 160 mg twice per day ) for 6 months . The initial evaluation included measurement of peak urinary flow rate , postvoid residual urine volume , pressure-flow study , and serum prostate-specific antigen ( PSA ) level . Patients completed an IPSS , serum PSA was determined , and flow rate was measured every 2 months during the course of the study . A urodynamic evaluation was repeated at the completion of the 6-month trial . RESULTS The mean IPSS ( + /-SD ) improved from 19.5+/-5.5 to 12.5+/-7.0 ( P < 0.001 ) among the 46 men who completed the study . Significant improvement in the symptom score was noted after treatment with saw palmetto for 2 months . An improvement in symptom score of 50 % or greater after treatment with saw palmetto for 2 , 4 , and 6 months was noted in 21 % ( 10 of 48 ) , 30 % ( 14 of 47 ) , and 46 % ( 21 of 46 ) of patients , respectively . There was no significant change in peak urinary flow rate , postvoid residual urine volume , or detrusor pressure at peak flow among patients completing the study . No significant change in mean serum PSA level was noted . CONCLUSIONS Saw palmetto is a well-tolerated agent that may significantly improve lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH . However , we were unable to demonstrate any significant improvement in objective measures of bladder outlet obstruction . Placebo-controlled trials of saw palmetto are needed to evaluate the true effectiveness of this compound INTRODUCTION Safety and efficacy of tamsulosin and vardenafil are well established : however , there is no report regarding combined therapy with these drugs for  lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTSs ) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) . AIM To compare the safety and efficacy of tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day vs. tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day plus vardenafil 10 mg/day in patients with LUTS/BPH in a r and omized trial with 12-week follow-up . METHODS We conducted a r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study on 60 men with persistent storage LUTS after 2-week run-in with tamsulosin .  MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES International Prostate Symptom Score ( IPSS ) , IPSS-bother , International Index of Erectile Function , Version 5 ( IIEF-5 ) and Over Active Bladder question naire ( OAB-q ) scores , uroflowmetry data ( Qmax , Qave ) , and postvoiding residual urine were recorded after run-in ( baseline ) , and 2 and 12 weeks after treatment . Differences between vardenafil and placebo at different times were calculated with unpaired sample s t-test . Between-group differences in change from baseline to 2 and 12 weeks were evaluated with analysis of variance . RESULTS We found a between-group significant difference from baseline to 12 weeks in the following : ( i ) Qmax ( placebo : + 0.07 , vardenafil : + 2.56 , P = 0.034 ) ; ( ii ) Qave  ( placebo : -0.15 , vardenafil : + 1.02 , P = 0.031 ) ; ( iii ) irritative-IPSS subscores ( placebo : -1.67 , vardenafil : -3.11 , P = 0.039 ) ; and ( iv ) IIEF ( placebo : + 0.06 , vardenafil : + 2.61 , P = 0.030 ) . No patient reported any serious ( grade ≥ 2 ) adverse event ( AE ) . There were no differences in the incidence of common , treatment-related AEs between men undergoing combined therapy or tamsulosin alone . CONCLUSIONS The combination of tamsulosin and vardenafil for 12 weeks was well tolerated and more effective to improve both LUTS and erectile function , as compared with tamsulosin alone . Further studies are needed to assess the role of combined therapy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and alpha blockers in treating LUTS/BPH OBJECTIVE While the lipidosterolic extract ( LSESr ) of Serenoa repens -- Permixon -- has been shown to have an equivalent efficacy to finasteride in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) , to date , there has been no valid comparison of phytotherapy with alpha-blockers . The aim of this study was to assess the equivalent efficacy of Permixon and tamsulosin . METHODS Eight hundred and eleven men with symptomatic BPH ( international prost date symptom score , I-PSS > or = 10 ) were recruited in 11 European countries for a 12-month , double-blind r and omized trial . After a 4-week run-in period , 704 patients were r and omly assigned to either tamsulosin 0.4 mg per day ( N = 354 ) or Permixon 320 mg per day ( N = 350 ) . I-PSS , QoL and maximum urinary flow rate ( Qmax ) were evaluated at baseline and periodically for 1 year . Prostate volume and serum prostate-specific antigen ( PSA ) were measured at selection and at endpoint . The endpoint analysis was performed on the per- protocol ( PP ) population of 542 patients ( tamsulosin : N = 273 ; Permixon : N = 269 ) . RESULTS At 12 months , I-PSS decreased by 4.4 in each group and no differences were observed in either irritative or obstructive symptom improvements . The increase in Qmax was similar in both treatment groups ( 1.8 ml/s Permixon , 1.9 ml/s tamsulosin ) . PSA remained stable while prostate volume decreased slightly in the Permixon-treated patients . The two compounds were well tolerated , however , ejaculation disorders occurred more frequently in the tamsulosin group . CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that Permiwon and tamsulosin are equivalent in the medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in men with BPH , during and up to 12 months of therapy BACKGROUND Alpha blockers are prescribed to manage lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ) .  Antimuscarinics are prescribed to treat overactive bladder ( OAB ) . OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety of a combination of solifenacin ( SOLI ) and tamsulosin oral controlled absorption system ( TOCAS ) in men with LUTS and bladder outlet obstruction ( BOO ) . DESIGN , SETTING , AND PARTICIPANTS R and omized , double-blind , parallel-group , placebo-controlled study in men aged > 45 yr with LUTS and BOO for ≥3 mo , total International Prostate Symptom Score ( IPSS ) ≥8 , BOO index ≥20 , maximum urinary flow rate ( Q(max ) ) ≤12 ml/s , and voided volume ≥120 ml . INTERVENTIONS Once-daily coadministration of TOCAS 0.4 mg plus SOLI 6 mg , TOCAS 0.4 mg plus SOLI 9 mg , or placebo for 12 wk . OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Primary ( safety ) measurements : Q(max ) and detrusor pressure at Q(max ) ( P(det)Q(max ) ) . Other safety assessment s included postvoid residual ( PVR ) volume . Secondary end points included bladder contractile index ( BCI ) score and percent bladder voiding efficiency ( BVE ) . An analysis of covariance model compared each TOCAS plus SOLI combination with placebo . RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS Both active treatment groups were noninferior to placebo at end of treatment ( EOT ) for P(det)Q(max ) and Q(max ) . Mean change from baseline PVR was significantly higher at all time points for TOCAS 0.4 mg plus SOLI 6 mg , and at weeks 2 , 12 , and EOT for TOCAS 0.4 mg plus SOLI 9 mg versus placebo . Both treatment groups were similar to  placebo for BCI and BVE . Urinary retention was seen in only one patient receiving TOCAS 0.4 mg plus SOLI 6 mg . Limitations of the study were that prostate size and prostate-specific antigen level were not measured . CONCLUSIONS TOCAS 0.4 mg plus SOLI 6 mg or 9 mg was noninferior to placebo at EOT for P(det)Q(max ) and Q(max ) in men with LUTS and BOO , and there was no clinical or statistical evidence of increased risk of urinary retention
In this network meta- analysis , we demonstrated that SeR did not show clinical ly meaningful improvement in LUTS and PF .
PATIENT SUMMARY In the present study , we found no clinical ly meaningful improvement of Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic enlargement .
CONTEXT International guidelines do not make any specific recommendations on Serenoa repens ( SeR ) for the treatment of male lower urinary tract symptoms ( LUTS ) secondary to benign prostatic enlargement ( BPE ) , due to product heterogeneity and method ological limitations of the published trials and meta-analyses .
OBJECTIVE We aim ed to compare the clinical efficacy of hexanic extract of SeR ( HESr ) versus non-HESr ( nHESr ) versus placebo versus alpha-blockers ( ABs ) in patients affected by LUTS secondary to BPE through a network meta- analysis method .