E-Posters-Patient Characteristics Predictive of Successful Medication Treatment for Overactive Bladder Symptoms

Patient Characteristics Predictive of Successful Medication Treatment for Overactive Bladder Symptoms - Joseph B. Pincus, MD

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A retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate patient characteristics that may predict a successful response to medication treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome. The study included women who presented to a urogynecology clinic with urinary frequency and urgency and were started on OAB medication between September 2012 and December 2018. The data obtained from electronic medical records included patient self-reported voiding intervals, nocturia episodes, daily pad usage, and demographics.<br /><br />The analysis of symptom improvement associated with OAB medication suggested that these medications overall perform poorly. Only 35% of women who received medication for OAB symptoms treatment reported more than 50% improvement in at least one symptom. More severe symptoms at baseline and younger age were associated with a greater likelihood of symptom improvement.<br /><br />The study included 590 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Factors independently predictive of more than 50% improvement in one symptom category included younger age, longer duration of OAB medication treatment, and more severe initial symptoms. A greater number of OAB medications and younger age significantly predicted more than 50% improvement in two symptoms.<br /><br />The ability to predict which patients will be successfully treated with medication is crucial due to high discontinuation rates and the success of third-line therapies for OAB. Large studies have reported discontinuation rates of 58.8% at 6 months and 86.5% at 3 years. Therefore, it is important to identify patients who will respond positively to medication and those who will require other forms of therapy.<br /><br />In summary, the study suggests that OAB medications perform poorly in terms of symptom improvement. Younger age, longer duration of treatment, and more severe initial symptoms are predictive of better outcomes with medication. However, further research is needed to identify more effective treatment strategies for OAB.

Keywords

retrospective cohort study

patient characteristics

successful response

medication treatment

overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome

OAB medication

symptom improvement

baseline symptoms

age

predictive factors