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The synthetic antibacterial drug clofoctol (CFT) has long been used to treat respiratory tract infections in Europe. In recent years, the drug was found to target two biologically important proteins, the Cdc7/Dbf4 protein kinase complex and the mRNA-binding protein cold shock domain containing E1 (CSDE1), also known as upstream-of-N-Ras protein (UNR). These interactions are at the origin of the antitumor activity of CFT, recently evidenced in prostate cancer and neuroglioma. Drug-protein binding models provide a structural basis to guide the design of more potent anticancer compounds. A renewed interest in CFT can be anticipated for the treatment of cancers, and possibly Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Protein-bound uremic toxins (Indoxyl sulfate [IS] and p-cresyl sulfate [PCS]) are both associated with cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality in subjects with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Possible mechanisms have not been elucidated. In hemodialysis patients, we investigated the relationship between the free form of IS and PCS and 181 CV-related proteins. First, IS or PCS concentrations were checked, and high levels were associated with an increased risk of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in 333 stable HD patients. CV proteins were further quantified by a proximity extension assay. We examined associations between the free form protein-bound uremic toxins and the quantified proteins with correction for multiple testing in the discovery process. In the second step, the independent association was evaluated by multivariable-adjusted models. We rank the CV proteins related to protein-bound uremic toxins by bootstrapped confidence intervals and ascending p-value. Six proteins (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 5, complement component C1q receptor, C-C motif chemokine 15 [CCL15], bleomycin hydrolase, perlecan, and cluster of differentiation 166 antigen) were negatively associated with IS. Fibroblast growth factor 23 [FGF23] was the only CV protein positively associated with IS. Three proteins (complement component C1q receptor, CCL15, and interleukin-1 receptor-like 2) were negatively associated with PCS. Similar findings were obtained after adjusting for classical CV risk factors. However, only higher levels of FGF23 was related to increased risk of ACS. In conclusion, IS and PCS were associated with several CV-related proteins involved in endothelial barrier function, complement system, cell adhesion, phosphate homeostasis, and inflammation. Multiplex proteomics seems to be a promising way to discover novel pathophysiology of the uremic toxin.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to the loss of kidney function, as well as the dysfunction of several other organs due to the release of uremic toxins into the system. In a murine CKD model, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress are increased in the hippocampus. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the candidates for cell-based therapy for CKD; however severe pathophysiological conditions can decrease their therapeutic potential. To address these issues, we established tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)-treated MSCs using MSCs isolated from patients with CKD (CKD-hMSCs) and assessed the survival and ROS generation of neural cell line SH-SY5Y cells by co-culturing with TUDCA-treated CKD-hMSCs. In the presence of the uremic toxin P -cresol, the death of SH-SY5Y cells was induced by ROS-mediated ER stress. Co-culture with TUDCA-treated CKD-hMSCs increased anti-oxidant enzyme activities in SH-SY5Y cells through the upregulation of the cellular prion protein (PrP C ) expression. Upregulated PrP C expression in SH-SY5Y cells protected against CKD-mediated ER stress and apoptosis. In an adenine-induced murine CKD model, injection with TUDCA-treated CKD-hMSCs suppressed ROS generation and ER stress in the hippocampus. These results indicate that TUDCA-treated CKD-hMSCs prevent the CKD-mediated cell death of SH-SY5Y cells by inhibiting ER stress. Our study suggests that treatment with TUDCA could be a powerful strategy for developing autologous MSC-based therapeutics for patients with CKD, and that PrP C might be a pivotal target for protecting neural cells from CKD-mediated ER stress.

One of the mechanisms proposed for chronic kidney disease (CKD)-related cognitive impairment is the accumulation of uremic toxins due to the deterioration of the renal clearance function. Cognition can be categorized into five major domains according to its information processing functions: memory, attention, language, visual-spatial, and executive. We performed a review using the terms 'uric acid', 'indoxyl sulfate', 'p-cresyl sulfate', 'homocysteine', 'interleukins' and 'parathyroid hormone'. These are the compounds that were found to be strongly associated with cognitive impairment in CKD in the literature. The 26 selected articles point towards an association between higher levels of uric acid, homocysteine, and interleukin 6 with lower cognitive performance in executive, attentional, and memory domains. We also reviewed the hemodialysis effects on cognition. Hemodialysis seems to contribute to an amelioration of CKD-related encephalopathic dysfunction, although this improvement occurs more in some cognitive domains than in others.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) could be a candidate for cell-based therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, the uremic toxin in patients with CKD restricts the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs. To address this problem, we explored the effect of pioglitazone as a measure against exposure to the uremic toxin P -cresol (PC) in MSCs. Under PC exposure conditions, apoptosis of MSCs was induced, as well as PC-induced dysfunction of mitochondria by augmentation of mitofusion, reduction of mitophagy, and inactivation of mitochondrial complexes I and IV. Treatment of MSCs with pioglitazone significantly inhibited PC-induced apoptosis. Pioglitazone also prevented PC-induced mitofusion and increased mitophagy against PC exposure through up-regulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK-1). Furthermore, pioglitazone protected against PC-induced mitochondrial dysfunction by increasing the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 (COX4) level and activating complexes I and IV, resulting in enhancement of proliferation. In particular, activation of nuclear factor κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) regulated the pioglitazone-mediated up-regulation of PINK-1. These results indicate that pioglitazone protects MSCs against PC-induced accumulated mitochondrial dysfunction via the NF-κB⁻PINK-1 axis under P -cresol exposure conditions. Our study suggests that pioglitazone-treated MSCs could be a candidate for MSC-based therapy in patients with CKD.

Eastern Estonia has large oil shale mines and industrial facilities mainly focused on electricity generation from oil shale and shale oil extraction, which produce high air pollution emissions. The "Study of the health impact of the oil shale sector-SOHOS" was aimed at identifying the impacts on residents' health and annoyance due to the industrial processing. First, a population-wide survey about health effects and annoyance was carried out. Second, the total and oil shale sectors' emitted concentrations of benzene, phenol, and PM 2.5 were modelled. Third, the differences between groups were tested and relationships between health effects and environmental pollution studied using multiple regression analysis. Compared to the control groups from non-industrial areas in Tartu or Lääne-Viru, residents of Ida-Viru more frequently ( p < 0.05) reported wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, asthma attacks, a long-term cough, hypertension, heart diseases, myocardial infarction, stroke, and diabetes. All health effects except asthma were reported more frequently among non-Estonians. People living in regions with higher levels of PM 2.5 , had significantly higher odds ( p < 0.05) of experiencing chest tightness (OR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.02-1.26), shortness of breath (1.16, 1.03-1.31) or an asthma attack (1.22, 1.04-1.42) during the previous year. People living in regions with higher levels of benzene had higher odds of experiencing myocardial infarction (1.98, 1.11-3.53) and with higher levels of phenol chest tightness (1.44, 1.03-2.00), long-term cough (1.48, 1.06-2.07) and myocardial infarction (2.17, 1.23-3.83). The prevalence of adverse health effects was also higher among those who had been working in the oil shale sector. Next to direct health effects, up to a quarter of the residents of Ida-Viru County were highly annoyed about air pollution. Perceived health risk from air pollution increased the odds of being annoyed. Annoyed people in Ida-Viru had significantly higher odds of experiencing respiratory symptoms during the last 12 months, e.g., wheezing (2.30, 1.31-4.04), chest tightness (2.88, 1.91-4.33 or attack of coughing (1.99, 1.34-2.95)., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

If chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an impairment of kidney function, several uremic solutes are retained. Some of these exert toxic effects, which are called uremic toxins. p -Cresyl sulfate (pCS) is a prototype protein-bound uremic toxin to which many biological and biochemical (toxic) effects have been attributed. In addition, increased levels of pCS have been associated with worsening outcomes in CKD patients. pCS finds its origin in the intestine where gut bacteria metabolize aromatic amino acids, such as tyrosine and phenylalanine, leading to phenolic end products, of which pCS is one of the components. In this review we summarize the biological effects of pCS and its metabolic origin in the intestine. It appears that, according to in vitro studies, the intestinal bacteria generating phenolic compounds mainly belong to the families Bacteroidaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Clostridiaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Eubacteriaceae, Fusobacteriaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Porphyromonadaceae, Staphylococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae , and Veillonellaceae . Since pCS remains difficult to remove by dialysis, the gut microbiota could be a future target to decrease pCS levels and its toxicity, even at earlier stages of CKD, aiming at slowing down the progression of the disease and decreasing the cardiovascular burden.

Coronary atherosclerosis is a major complication of chronic kidney disease. This condition contributes to the increased mortality in dialysis patients. p-Cresyl sulfate (PCS) is a prototype of protein-bound uremic toxins that cannot be efficiently removed through routine dialysis procedures. In the present study, ApoE(-/-) mice that underwent 5/6 nephrectomy were randomly divided into two groups, namely, vehicle-treated group (n = 20) and PCS-treated group (n = 20). Mice were sacrificed for en face and immunohistological analyses after 8 or 24 weeks of high-fat diet. Rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were treated with phosphate buffer solution or 500 μmol/L PCS for in vitro evaluation. PCS-treated mice were observed to suffer increased atherosclerotic lesions after eight weeks of PCS administration. Moreover, 24 weeks of PCS administration also markedly increased the vulnerability index of aortic plaques. PCS was also observed to facilitate the migration and proliferation of VSMCs during the progression of the disease. Moreover, PCS disturbed the balance between matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases within the plaques. Thus, PCS played a vital role in promoting atherogenesis and disturbing the stability of formed plaques probably by targeting VSMCs.

The protective effect of proanthocyanidin-containing polyphenol extracts from apples, avocados, cranberries, grapes, or proanthocyanidin microbial metabolites was evaluated in colonic epithelial cells exposed to p-cresol, a deleterious compound produced by the colonic microbiota from l-tyrosine. In HT29 Glc(-/+) cells, p-cresol significantly increased LDH leakage and decreased ATP contents, whereas in Caco-2 cell monolayers, it significantly decreased the transepithelial electrical resistance and increased the paracellular transport of FITC-dextran. The alterations induced by p-cresol in HT29 Glc(-/+) cells were prevented by the extracts from cranberries and avocados, whereas they became worse by extracts from apples and grapes. The proanthocyanidin bacterial metabolites decreased LDH leakage, ameliorating cell viability without improving intracellular ATP. All of the polyphenol extracts and proanthocyanidin bacterial metabolites prevented the p-cresol-induced alterations of barrier function. These results suggest that proanthocyanidin-containing polyphenol extracts and proanthocyanidin metabolites likely contribute to the protection of the colonic mucosa against the deleterious effects of p-cresol.

To evaluate Overactive bladder (OAB) with detrusor overactivity (DOA) following oxybutynin or tolterodine treatment in recommended doses at a four-week course. A total of 100 Iranian women 45 years or older with urgency that also showed idiopathic detrusor overactivity (IDO) in the filling phase of their cystometry were included in the current study. In this double-blinded trial two parallel groups were randomized by using two kinds of the antimuscarinic drugs for a four- week course [oxybutinin 5mg, t.d.s. or Tolterodin 2mg, b.i.d.] in the same  packages. Data were collected from three-day frequency volume chart (FVC) one month before and after the treatment course. The effectiveness of each drug was compared using the paired, samples t-test. Patients' improvement regarding urinary urgency, frequency and urge incontinence after treatment in both groups was seen, but mean improvements in the terms of urgency and urge incontinence were larger in patients who were treated by oxybutynin. Night-time frequency was shown to be improved by a significantly larger score by tolterodine. Discontinuation of treatment due to adverse events had no significant difference in two groups. Four-week treatment with oxybutynin was better than tolterodine IR in improving urgency and urge incontinence, but there were not statistically significant difference between them. In planning a course of treatment especially in the elderly, the difference in the group of symptoms that reduce patients' quality of life should be considered. Physicians should consider the patient's prominent symptom in selection of anti-muscarinic drugs for the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome especially in elderly patients.

Objectives: Incidences of overactive bladder (OAB) and cognitive dysfunction increase with aging. Treatment of OAB with antimuscarinic agents may result in cognitive decline, especially in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of antimuscarinic treatment on cognitive functions, depression, and quality of life (QOL) of patients with OAB., Methods: This non-interventional prospective observational study was conducted in a geriatric medicine outpatient clinic. Overall, 168 OAB patients were enrolled. Patients were followed up in five groups: oxybutynin, darifenacin, tolterodine, trospium, and control groups. Follow-up visits were done at second, third, and sixth months. Comprehensive geriatric assessment, cognitive and mood assessment, QOL scales (IIQ-7, UDI-6) were performed., Results: Mean age of the patients was 73.5 ± 6.1. Of the 168 patients, 92.3% were female, 83.3% benefited from the treatment, and 37.1% discontinued the medication. Discontinuation rate and frequency of side effects were more frequent in the oxybutynin group. Mini Mental State Examination scores did not decline after treatment, even in AD patients. Geriatric Depression Scale scores, Activities of Daily Living scores, and QOL scores significantly improved after treatment., Conclusion: Antimuscarinic agents are effective in OAB treatment. They have a positive impact on daily life activities, depression, and QOL indices. Furthermore, they do not have a negative effect on cognitive function in older adults with or without AD.

Purpose of Study: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of uroflowmetry in predicting the possibility of abnormal voiding symptoms following antimuscarinic treatment for overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in Taiwanese women., Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on women with OAB. Forty-five women with abnormal voiding patterns shown by urodynamic study comprised the main group and 38 women with normal voiding patterns comprised the control group. All patients were prescribed two mg tolterodine once daily for one week. Follow-up on complaints of abnormal voiding symptoms was done one week later., Results: One woman in control group and 12 women in main group complained of abnormal voiding symptoms. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of abnormal voiding symptoms after antimuscarinic administration between main study group and control group (26.7 % vs 2.6 %, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIOn: Uroflowmetry is a non-invasive and simple tool to predict the occurrence of abnormal voiding symptoms after antimuscarinic use.

Background: Overactive bladder (OAB)/ storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) have a high prevalence affecting up to 90% of men over 80 years. The role of sufficient therapies appears crucial. In the present review, we analyzed the mechanism of action of tolterodine extended-release (ER) with the aim to clarify its efficacy and safety profile, as compared to other active treatments of OAB/storage LUTS., Methods: A wide Medline search was performed including the combination of following words: "LUTS", "BPH", "OAB", "antimuscarinic", "tolterodine", "tolterodine ER". IPSS, IPSS storage sub-score and IPSS QoL (International Prostate Symptom Score) were the validated efficacy outcomes. In addition, the numbers of urgency episodes/24 h, urgency incontinence episodes/24 h, incontinence episodes/24 h and pad use were considered. We also evaluated the most common adverse events (AEs) reported for tolterodine ER., Results: Of 128 retrieved articles, 109 were excluded. The efficacy and tolerability of tolterodine ER Vs. tolterodine IR have been evaluated in a multicenter, double-blind, randomized placebo controlled study in 1529 patients with OAB. A 71% mean reduction in urgency incontinence episodes was found in the tolterodine ER group compared to a 60% reduction in the tolterodine IR (p < 0.05). Few studies evaluated the clinical efficacy of α-blocker/tolterodine combination therapy. In patients with large prostates (prostate volume >29 cc) only the combination therapy significantly reduced 24-h voiding frequency (2.8 vs. 1.7 with tamsulosin, 1.4 with tolterodine, or 1.6 with placebo). A recent meta-analysis evaluating tolterodine in comparison with other antimuscarinic drugs demonstrated that tolterodine ER was significantly more effective than placebo in reducing micturition/24 h, urinary leakage episodes/24 h, urgency episodes/24 h, and urgency incontinence episodes/24 h. With regard to adverse events, tolterodine ER was associated with a good adverse event profile resulting in the third most favorable antimuscarinic. Antimuscarinic drugs are the mainstay of pharmacological therapy for OAB / storage LUTS; several studies have demonstrated that tolterodine ER is an effective and well tolerated formulation of this class of treatment., Conclusion: Tolterodine ER resulted effective in reducing frequency urgency and nocturia and urinary leakage in male patients with OAB/storage LUTS. Dry mouth and constipation are the most frequently reported adverse events.

Overactive bladder and urgency incontinence are common and distressing conditions in older people, for which the first-line pharmacological treatment is a bladder antimuscarinic agent. Of these, oxybutynin is often recommended in guidelines, but is associated with a higher incidence of adverse drug effects, and in particular has been suggested to have deleterious cognitive effects. Despite this, guidelines often suggest oxybutynin as first-line treatment, and insurance based healthcare systems often require oxybutynin to be used as a first-line therapy and fail before reimbursement for the cost of newer anticholinergics is authorised. We reviewed the literature of bladder antimuscarinics in older adults, using the headings overactive bladder, urinary frequency, urgency, urge, oxybutynin, antimuscarinic, older, older people, and frail. In general, oxybutynin had a similar efficacy to other anticholinergic drugs, but a higher incidence of adverse drug events, in particular significant yet unnoticed cognitive impairment. We conclude that oxybutynin should not be used in frail older people.

Introduction: Participatory patient-centered, web-based methods could streamline and improve the convenience of clinical trial participation. We used an entirely web-based approach to conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled, Phase 4 (REMOTE) trial under an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to evaluate tolterodine extended release (ER) 4 mg for overactive bladder., Methods: The trial was designed to replicate previous clinic-based trials of tolterodine ER but was conducted via the web from one clinical site overseen by physicians. Participants were recruited via the web, screened for eligibility using web-based questionnaires, had laboratory testing in their community, and entered a run-in phase requiring bladder e-diaries. Informed consent was obtained using an interactive web-based method with physician countersignature. Study medication was shipped directly to participants., Results: With a goal of 283 randomized participants, 5157 registered on the trial website. Of 456 who passed initial screening, identification verification, and signed consent, 237 passed additional medical screening and were countersigned by the investigator. After laboratory testing, 118 entered the placebo run-in; only 18 passed e-diary assessments and were randomized to treatment. At week 12, the mean change from the baseline in micturitions/24 hours (primary endpoint) was -2.4 for tolterodine ER versus -0.8 for placebo [treatment difference (95% CI): -1.6 (-3.9, 0.6)]., Conclusion: The REMOTE trial is the first entirely web-based trial conducted under an IND application. The efficacy observed was consistent with results from conventional trials. With simplification of multi-step screening and testing, web-based trials or their component parts should provide a participant-friendly approach to many clinical trials., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To explore in the daily clinical practice setting that antimuscarinic, Fesoterodine or Solifenacin, provides a greater clinical benefit after changing their prior Overactive Bladder (OAB) therapy with tolterodine extended-release (ER) to other novel antimuscarinic agents., Material and Methods: A post-hoc analysis of data from an observational multicenter, cross-sectional, retrospective study. Adult patients of both sexes, with OAB and OAB-V8 score≥8, who switched to fesoterodine or solifenacin within the 3-4 months before study visit from their prior tolterodine-ER-based therapy due to poor response were included. 92 patients were selected for each treatment group, matched (1:1) according to conditioned probability using the propensity score. Benefit of treatment change perceived by the physician and patient was evaluated by means of the Clinical Global Impression of Improvement subscale (CGI-I) and Treatment Benefit Scale (TBS), respectively. Degree of worry, bother and interference with daily living activities due to urinary symptoms, level of satisfaction, and preference for current treatment were also assessed., Results: Fesoterodine provided a significantly greater improvement than solifenacina in terms of therapeutic benefit perceived by the physician according to ICG-I. 96.7% of the patients on fesoterodine treatment vs. 81.6% of the solifenacin group showed a score of improvement in TBS (P<.05). Fesoterodine was also better rated than solifenacin with regard to satisfaction and preference for the new treatment (93.4 vs. 78.2% P<.05)., Conclusions: In daily clinical practice the switch from tolterodine LP to fesoterodine seems to provide greater benefits both from the physician's and the patient's point of view compared with those provided by solifenacin., (Copyright © 2013 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To investigate patient satisfaction with antimuscarinic treatment of overactive bladder syndrome, and to identify factors having a significant influence on satisfaction., Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out to assess treatment satisfaction among male and female patients with overactive bladder (age ≥20 years) in the Hokuriku district of Japan. The overactive bladder symptom scores, treatment efficacies, adverse events (dry mouth and constipation), and patient satisfaction scores were investigated and compared among patients using different antimuscarinic therapeutics., Results: In total, 977 survey respondents (52.6% men; mean age 73.6 years) received antimuscarinic treatment. The mean overactive bladder symptom score of these patients was 6.17; in addition, 32.3% patients were satisfied with their treatment, but 33.1% were dissatisfied. Factors having a significant influence on treatment satisfaction were sex (men were less satisfied), efficacy, adverse events and the overactive bladder symptom score. Constipation negatively influenced patient satisfaction to a greater extent than did dry mouth. Patient satisfaction varied according to the drug used. Constipation was less severe with the immediate-release-type agents (imidafenacin and oxybutynin) than with the extended-release-type (propiverine, solifenacin or tolterodine)., Conclusions: Just one-third of Japanese Hokuriku patients with overactive bladder seem to be satisfied with their antimuscarinic treatment. Patient satisfaction is impaired by poor efficacy and the presence of adverse events; furthermore, constipation should be recognized as an adverse event that negatively influences patient satisfaction to a greater extent than dry mouth. Patient satisfaction differs according to the antimuscarinic agent used, with higher patient satisfaction being associated with less severe constipation., (© 2013 The Japanese Urological Association.)

The study included 95 female patients of 65 to 74 years (average age 67,1 years), who previously (more than 6 months before this study) took a course of monotherapy with hydrochloride trospium in higher dosages with unstable or weak effect. In this study, all patients were divided into three groups and were treated with two antimuscarinic drugs. The majority of older women suffering from OAB and treatment-resistant taking one antimuscarinic drug in high doses showed a significant positive progress in a state by adding a second antimuscarinic agent. The received side effects do not exceed thereof in comparison with treatment with a single drug.

To examine the efficacy, safety and tolerability of tolterodine in children with overactive bladder in comparison with standard treatment i.e. oxybutynin as demonstrated in randomized clinical trials and other studies. A systematic search was done to screen the studies evaluating the effect of tolterodine in children with non-neurogenic overactive bladder. Results of studies were pooled and compared. Efficacy was determined from micturition diaries and dysfunctional voiding symptoms score. Safety and tolerability were assessed from the reported treatment emergent adverse events. A total of six randomized clinical trials and 11 other studies of tolterodine in children with urinary incontinence were included in the present systematic review. The dose of tolterodine used in different settings ranged from '0.5 to 8 mg/day' instead of '0.5 to 8 mg/kg per day' and the duration of studies ranged from 2 weeks to 12 months. Both extended and immediate release preparations of tolterodine were shown to have comparable efficacy and tolterodine proved to have comparable efficacy with better tolerability than oxybutynin in these studies. It can be concluded that tolterodine is efficacious in treatment of urinary incontinence in children. Moreover, its efficacy is comparable to oxybutynin, the most commonly prescribed anticholinergic in this condition, while having better tolerability. Hence, it can be considered as first line therapy for the treatmentof urinary incontinence in children.

Objective: To carry out a cost-utility analysis comparing initial treatment with solifenacin 5 mg/day vs oxybutynin immediate-release (IR) 15 mg/day for the treatment of patients with overactive bladder (OAB) from the perspective of the U.K. National Health Service (NHS)., Methods: A Markov model with six health states was developed to follow a cohort of OAB patients treated with either solifenacin or oxybutynin during a 1-year period. Costs and utilities were accumulated as patients transited through the health states in the model and a drop-out state. Some of the solifenacin patients were titrated from 5 mg to 10 mg/day at 8 weeks. A proportion of drop-out patients were assumed to continue treatment with tolterodine ER. Utility values were obtained from a Swedish study and pad use was based on a multinational clinical trial. Adherence rates for individual treatments were derived from a U.K. database study. For pad use and utility values, the drop-out state was split between those patients who were no longer receiving treatment and those on second-line therapy. Patients on second-line therapy who drop-out were referred for a specialist visit. Results were expressed in terms of incremental cost-utility ratios., Results: Total annual costs for solifenacin and oxybutynin were £504.30 and £364.19, respectively. First-line drug use represents 49% and 4% of costs and pad use represent 23% and 40% of costs for solifenacin and oxybutynin, respectively. Differences between cumulative utilities were small but were greater for solifenacin (0.7020 vs. 0.6907). The baseline incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was £12,309/QALY., Conclusion: Under the baseline assumptions, solifenacin would appear to be cost-effective with an incremental cost-utility of less than £20,000/QALY. However, small differences in utility between the alternatives and the large number of drop-outs means that the results are sensitive to small adjustments in the values of utilities assigned to the drop-out state.

In the last decade, uremic toxicity as a potential cause for the excess of cardiovascular disease and mortality observed in chronic kidney disease gained more and more interest. This review focuses on uremic toxins with known cardiovascular effects and their removal. For protein-bound solutes, for example, indoxylsulfate and the conjugates of p-cresol, and for small water-soluble solutes, for example, guanidines, such as ADMA and SDMA, there is a growing evidence for a role in cardiovascular toxicity in vitro (e.g., affecting leukocyte, endothelial, vascular smooth muscle cell function) and/or in vivo. Several middle molecules (e.g., beta-2-microglobulin, interleukin-6, TNF-alpha and FGF-23) were shown to be predictors for cardiovascular disease and/or mortality. Most of these solutes, however, are difficult to remove during dialysis, which is traditionally assessed by studying the removal of urea, which can be considered as a relatively inert uremic retention solute. However, even the effective removal of other small water-soluble toxins than urea can be hampered by their larger distribution volumes. Middle molecules (beta-2-microglobulin as prototype, but not necessarily representative for others) are cleared more efficiently when the pore size of the dialyzer membrane increases, convection is applied and dialysis time is prolonged. Only adding convection to diffusion improves the removal of protein-bound toxins. Therefore, alternative removal strategies, such as intestinal adsorption, drugs interfering with toxic biochemical pathways or decreasing toxin concentration, and extracorporeal plasma adsorption, as well as kinetic behavior during dialysis need further investigation. Even more importantly, randomized clinical studies are required to demonstrate a survival advantage through these strategies.

Objective: To evaluate the safety of solifenacin and tolterodine in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB)., Methods: Studies on the solifenacin, tolterodine and OAB were searched and those fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected. RevMan 5.0 software was used to perform meta-analysis. Three studies were included with an overall sample size of 1013 cases. The experimental group of solifenacin contained 517 cases while the control group had 496 cases., Results: The incidence rates of overall adverse event, dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision of the experimental group (solifenacin 5 mg once per day) was 26.69% (138/517), 10.64% (55/517), 5.42% (28/517) and 6.55% (26/397) while those of the control group (tolterodine 2 mg twice per day) 33.27% (165/496), 16.73% (83/496), 2.22% (11/496) and 4.20% (16/381) respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in overall adverse event (RR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.52 - 1.12, P = 0.170) and blurred vision (RR = 1.59, 95%CI: 0.88 - 2.90, P = 0.130) between two groups. However, the incidence rate of key antimuscarinic adverse events such as dry mouth (RR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.46 - 0.87, P = 0.005) and constipation (RR = 2.38, 95%CI: 1.21 - 4.66, P = 0.010) showed statistically significant difference., Conclusions: Dry mouth is the most common adverse event of solifenacin (5 mg once per day) and tolterodine (2 mg twice per day). Solifenacin has a lower incidence rate of dry mouth and a higher rate of constipation than tolterodine. A clinical physician should consider the incidence of adverse events during treating OAB, especially for those patients prone to constipation.

Aims: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of fesoterodine 8 mg versus tolterodine extended release (ER) 4 mg in subjects with overactive bladder (OAB) stratified by age (<65, 65-74, and ≥75 years)., Methods: This was a post hoc analysis of data from two double-blind trials. Subjects reporting ≥1 urgency urinary incontinence (UUI) episode and ≥8 micturitions/24 hr at baseline were randomized to fesoterodine (4 mg for 1 week, 8 mg for 11 weeks), tolterodine ER 4 mg, or placebo. Subjects completed 3-day bladder diaries, Urgency Perception Scale (UPS), Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), and OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) at baseline and week 12. The primary endpoint in both studies was change from baseline to week 12 in UUI episodes., Results: Among subjects <65 years (n = 2,670), improvements in UUI episodes, micturitions, urgency episodes, severe urgency episodes, frequency-urgency sum, UPS, PPBC, and all OAB-q scales and domains were significantly greater with fesoterodine versus tolterodine ER, and diary-dry rates were significantly higher. Among subjects 65-74 years (n = 990), improvements in mean voided volume per void, PPBC, and OAB-q Symptom Bother and Coping were significantly greater with fesoterodine versus tolterodine ER. Among subjects aged ≥75 years (n = 448), improvements in urgency episodes, severe urgency episodes, frequency-urgency sum, UPS, and OAB-q Symptom Bother were significantly greater with fesoterodine versus tolterodine ER. Both active treatments produced significant improvements in most outcomes versus placebo across age groups. Adverse event rates were similar among age groups., Conclusions: Fesoterodine 8 mg consistently improved several OAB-related variables versus tolterodine ER 4 mg in subjects aged <65, 65-74, and ≥75 years, with some differences reaching statistical significance, and was generally well tolerated., (Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of solifenacin for treating overactive bladder. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified and extracted from MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL. The quality of the included RCTs was assessed using the Jadad score, and heterogeneity was analyzed using the chi-squared test. The data of the included RCTs were collected, extracted, and assessed by our protocol. A total of nine RCTs were identified from the search strategy. Compared with the placebo and tolterodine treatments, both short-term (mostly 12-week) trials indicated that solifenacin significantly reduced urgency episodes, micturitions, and incontinence episodes per 24 h. Compared with the solifenacin (5 mg) group, the solifenacin (10 mg) group was significantly better in terms of the number of micturitions per 24 h. With regard to adverse effects, the patients treated with solifenacin had significantly higher rates of constipation and blurred vision than patients treated with tolterodine. The solifenacin therapy was not inferior to tolterodine in terms of efficacy profiles and had a similar incidence of overall adverse events compared with tolterodine treatment. Solifenacin (5 mg) is thus a recommended dose because of its reported balance between efficacy and acceptable tolerability.

The article presents the results of evaluation of effect of M-cholinoblocer tolterodine on the symptoms of lower urinary tract diseases (LUTD) and quality of life of patients with recurrent chronic cystitis. The study included 47 patients with chronic recurrent cystitis at acute stage with non-obstructive type of urination and LUTS. Group 1 included 23 women aged 45 to 56 years, who received tolterodine on the background of antibacterial therapy, taking into account the sensitivity of the isolated strain. Control group included 24 patients who received standard antibacterial therapy, also taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen, and spasmolytics. The groups were almost homogeneous and did not differ on the basic characteristics. Analysis of the results of the study showed that tolterodine as a symptomatic therapy can reduce the time of rehabilitation. Therapy with tolterodine has shown clinical efficacy for 85.7% of women, has improved the quality of life by 24.8% compared with the control group, and provided relief of urgent and irritative symptoms in the short time.

Background: Urinary incontinence (UI) in women adversely affects quality of life., Purpose: To conduct a systematic literature review of drugs for urgency UI in women., Data Sources: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, SCIRUS, and Google Scholar were searched for articles published from 1966 to November 2011., Study Selection: Randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) reported in English., Data Extraction: Rates of outcomes and risk of bias were extracted by using a standardized form to pool absolute risk differences and calculate the number of attributable events per 1000 patients treated, with 95% CIs., Data Synthesis: 94 RCTs were eligible. Pooled analyses showed that among drugs for urgency UI, per 1000 treated women, continence was restored in 130 with fesoterodine (CI, 58 to 202), 85 with tolterodine (CI, 40 to 129), 114 with oxybutynin (CI, 64 to 163), 107 with solifenacin (CI, 58 to 156), and 114 with trospium (CI, 83 to 144). Rates of treatment discontinuation due to adverse effects were 31 per 1000 treated with fesoterodine (CI, 10 to 56), 63 with oxybutynin (CI, 12 to 127), 18 with trospium (CI, 4 to 33), and 13 with solifenacin (CI, 1 to 26). The studies' inconsistent definitions of reduction in UI and quality of life hampered synthesis of evidence., Limitation: Evidence for quality-of-life improvements and comparative effectiveness with drugs was limited, and evidence for the effects of race, baseline severity of UI, and comorbid conditions on treatment success was insufficient., Conclusion: Overall, drugs for urgency UI showed similar small benefit. Therapeutic choices should consider the harms profile. Evidence for long-term adherence and safety of treatments is lacking.

Aims: To determine efficacy of the analgesic flupirtine in the treatment of overactive bladder syndrome in a proof-of-concept study., Methods: Double-blind, double-dummy, three-armed comparison of flupirtine extended release (400 mg/day, titrated to 600 mg/day), tolterodine extended release (4 mg/day) and placebo for 12 weeks., Results: When major elevations of liver enzymes (more than three times the upper normal limit) were detected in several flupirtine-exposed patients, the study was prematurely discontinued. Based on study-end data, hepatotoxicity was detected in 31% of patients receiving flupirtine for ≥ 6 weeks., Conclusions: Unexpected frequent and relevant toxicity can occur when testing an established drug for a new indication., (© 2011 The Authors. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology © 2011 The British Pharmacological Society.)

Background: Around 16% to 45% of adults have overactive bladder symptoms (urgency with frequency and/or urge incontinence - 'overactive bladder syndrome'). Anticholinergic drugs are common treatments., Objectives: To compare the effects of different anticholinergic drugs for overactive bladder symptoms., Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Incontinence Group Specialised Trials Register (searched 8 March 2011) and reference lists of relevant articles., Selection Criteria: Randomised trials in adults with overactive bladder symptoms or detrusor overactivity that compared one anticholinergic drug with another, or two doses of the same drug., Data Collection and Analysis: Two authors independently assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data. Data were processed as described in the Cochrane Reviewers' Handbook., Main Results: Eighty six trials, 70 parallel and 16 cross-over designs were included (31,249 adults). Most trials were described as double-blind, but were variable in other aspects of quality. Crossover studies did not present data in a way that could be included in the meta-analyses. Twenty nine collected quality of life data (the primary outcome measure) using validated measures, but only fifteen reported useable data.Tolterodine versus oxybutynin: There were no statistically significant differences for quality of life, patient reported cure or improvement, leakage episodes or voids in 24 hours, but fewer withdrawals due to adverse events with tolterodine (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.66, data from eight trials), and less risk of dry mouth (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.71, data from ten trials).Solifenacin versus tolterodine: There were statistically significant differences for quality of life (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.12, 95% CI -0.23 to -0.01, data from three trials), patient reported cure/improvement (RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.39, data from two trials), leakage episodes in 24 hours (weighted mean difference (WMD) -0.30, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.08, data from four studies) and urgency episodes in 24 hours (WMD -0.43, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.13, data from four trials), all favouring solifenacin. There was no difference in withdrawals due to adverse events and dry mouth, but after sensitivity analysis the dry mouth (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.94) was statistically significantly lower with solifenacin when compared to Immediate Release (IR) tolterodine.Fesoterodine versus extended release tolterodine: Three trials contributed to the meta analyses. There were statistically significant differences for quality of life (SMD -0.20, 95% CI -0.27 to -0.14), patient reported cure/improvement (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.16), leakage episodes (WMD -0.19, 95% CI -0.30 to -0.09), frequency (WMD -0.27, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.06) and urgency episodes (WMD -0.44, 95% CI -0.72 to -0.16) in 24 hours, all favouring fesoterodine, but those taking fesoterodine had higher risk of withdrawal due to adverse events (RR 1.45, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.98) and higher risk of dry mouth (RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.58 to 2.05) at 12 weeks.Different doses of tolterodine: The standard recommended starting dose (2 mg twice daily) was compared with two lower (0.5 mg and 1 mg twice daily), and one higher dose (4 mg twice daily). The effects of 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg doses were similar for leakage episodes and micturitions in 24 hours, with greater risk of dry mouth with 2 and 4 mg doses at two to 12 weeks.Different doses of solifenacin: The standard recommended starting dose of 5 mg once daily was compared to 10 mg: while frequency and urgency were less (better) with 10 mg compared to 5 mg, there was a higher risk of dry mouth with 10 mg solifenacin at four to 12 weeks.Different doses of fesoterodine:The recommended starting dose of 4mg once daily was compared to 8 and 12 mg. The clinical efficacy (patient reported cure, leakage episodes, micturition per 24 hours) of 8 mg was better than 4 mg fesoterodine but with a higher risk of dry mouth with 8 mg.There was no statistically significant difference between 4 and 12 mg in the efficacy but the dry mouth was significantly higher with 12 mg at eight to 12 weeks.Extended versus immediate release preparations of oxybutynin and/or tolterodine: There were no statistically significant differences for cure/improvement, leakage episodes or micturitions in 24 hours, or withdrawals due to adverse events, but there were few data. Overall, extended release preparations had less risk of dry mouth at two to 12 weeks.One extended release preparation versus another: There was less risk of dry mouth with oral extended release tolterodine than oxybutynin (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.95), but no difference between transdermal oxybutynin and oral extended release tolterodine although some people withdrew due to skin reaction at the transdermal patch site at 12 weeks., Authors' Conclusions: Where the prescribing choice is between oral immediate release oxybutynin or tolterodine, tolterodine might be preferred for reduced risk of dry mouth. With tolterodine, 2 mg twice daily is the usual starting dose, but a 1 mg twice daily dose might be equally effective, with less risk of dry mouth. If extended release preparations of oxybutynin or tolterodine are available, these might be preferred to immediate release preparations because there is less risk of dry mouth.Between solifenacin and immediate release tolterodine, solifenacin might be preferred for better efficacy and less risk of dry mouth. Solifenacin 5 mg once daily is the usual starting dose, this could be increased to 10 mg once daily for better efficacy but with increased risk of dry mouth.Between fesoterodine and extended release tolterodine, fesoterodine might be preferred for superior efficacy but has higher risk of withdrawal due to adverse events and higher risk of dry mouth.There is little or no evidence available about quality of life, costs, or long-term outcome in these studies. There were insufficient data from trials of other anticholinergic drugs to draw any conclusions.

Purpose: To compare persistence of oxybutynin or tolterodine therapy among older patients newly prescribed one of these drugs., Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Ontarians aged 66 years and older who were newly prescribed either drug between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2007. Persistence with treatment was defined on the basis of refills for the drug within a grace period equal to 50% of the prescription duration., Results: We identified 31,996 patients newly treated with oxybutynin and 24,855 newly treated with tolterodine. After 2 years of follow-up, persistence on oxybutynin (9.4%) was significantly lower than that on tolterodine (13.6%, p < 0.0001). The median time to discontinuation of oxybutynin and tolterodine was 68 and 128 days, respectively., Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the tolerability of these drugs differs substantially.

Purpose: We compared the short-term risk of falls among recipients of oxybutynin or tolterodine to treat urinary incontinence., Materials and Methods: We conducted a population based, retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching among patients 66 years old or older who commenced treatment with oxybutynin or tolterodine in Ontario, Canada. The primary outcome was a hospital visit for a fall within 90 days of drug initiation. Secondary outcomes included hospital visits for fractures, delirium or all cause mortality., Results: We found no difference in the risk of falls among users of oxybutynin vs tolterodine (adjusted hazard ratio 1.04, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.14). Secondary analyses revealed no differential risk of fractures (aHR 0.96, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.13) or delirium (aHR 0.90, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.23) associated with oxybutynin. However, statistically significant increases in the risk of all cause hospitalization (aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.17) and death (aHR 1.20, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.35) were seen with oxybutynin., Conclusions: Oxybutynin was not associated with a short-term increased risk of hospital visit for falls, fractures or delirium compared to tolterodine. Further research is needed to confirm whether oxybutynin is associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or death., (Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Hypothesis: We assessed the effect of tamsulosin HCl (0.2 mg) with or without tolterodine extended release (2 mg) on female patients with a maximal flow rate (Qmax) less than 12 ml/s who were suspected of having functional bladder outlet obstruction., Methods: From January 2007 to December 2008, 250 patients with a Qmax less than 12 ml/s were selected for this study. Initial drop-out rates in groups I (15.2%) and II (40.0%) are significantly different: 19 of 125 patients in groups I and 50 of 125 patients in group II failed to complete the 12-week clinical trial. The patients were treated with tamsulosin alone (0.2 mg/day; group I, n = 106) or with tamsulosin combined with tolterodine (2 mg/day; group II, n = 75). The effectiveness of these medications was assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment on the basis of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and other measures including the Qmax and the postvoid residual urine volume., Results: The total IPSS, the voiding symptom score, the Qmax, and the residual urine volume were significantly improved from baseline after 12 weeks of treatment (p < 0.05) in both groups, whereas the storage symptom score significantly improved only in group II (p < 0.05). After 12 weeks of treatment, there were no significant differences in subjective symptom scores or objective uroflowmetric parameters between the two groups, except for storage symptoms (group I, 4.3 ± 1.6 vs group II, 3.8 ± 0.9) and postvoid residual urine (group I, 31.8 ± 22.4 vs group II, 56.1 ± 29.7), which was not considered to be clinically meaningful., Conclusion: Combination therapy with tamsulosin and tolterodine improved the subjective symptoms and uroflowmetric measures of female patients with a maximal flow rate of less than 12 ml/s. Women with a slight degree of storage symptoms will not be benefitted by prescribing anticholinergics.

Some patients after prostatic surgery demonstrate hyperactivity symptoms. These symptoms can be relieved by M-cholinoblockers. We analysed prospectively the results of treatment of 23 patients (mean age 69.8 years) with clinically localized prostatic cancer after radical retropubic prostatectomy. The patients were examined before and after 3 months of treatment. All the patients received tolterodin (urotol) per os in a dose 2 mg twice a day. The results of the therapy showed that M-cholinoblocker tolterodin (urotol) is effective and well tolerated in patients with hyperactive symptoms after radical prostatectomy.

Aim: To evaluate the urodynamic effects, therapeutic efficacy and safety of solifenacin versus tolterodine treatment for women with overactive bladder syndrome., Methods: Patients were randomized to receive either solifenacin 5 mg or tolterodine ER 4 mg once a day for 12 weeks at each four-week visit in a post-marketing study. Only women (solifenacin [n = 26] vs. tolterodine [n = 22]) were included in this subgroup analysis. Adverse events and changes of urodynamic values and clinical data were compared between the solifenacin and tolterodine groups., Results: The volume voided per micturition increased in the solifenacin group (n = 21) (P = 0.04). The strong desire to void and pad-test result improved in the tolterodine group (n = 21; P = 0.02 and 0.03, respectively). There were no between-group differences in changes of any urodynamic data, voiding diary values or adverse events after treatment; however, changes of heart rate differed between the two groups (P = 0.0004), especially at visit 2 (solifenacin vs. tolterodine, -4.3 vs. 3.8, P = 0.02) and visit 3 (-3.2 vs. 4.8, P = 0.03)., Conclusions: Both solifenacin and tolterodine had similar urodynamic effects, therapeutic efficacy and adverse events in treating women with overactive bladder syndrome; however, tolterodine had a greater effect in increasing heart rate than solifenacin., (© 2011 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2011 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Background: Clinically proven over-the-counter (OTC) treatment options are becoming increasingly important in the self-management of acute sore throat. The aim of this study was to determine the analgesic and sensorial benefits of two different amylmetacresol/2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol (AMC/DCBA) throat lozenge formulation variants, AMC/DCBA Warm lozenge and AMC/DCBA Cool lozenge, compared with an unflavoured, non-medicated placebo lozenge in the relief of acute sore throat due to upper respiratory tract infections., Methods: In this multicentre, randomised, double-blind, single-dose study, 225 adult patients with acute sore throat were randomly assigned to receive either one AMC/DCBA Warm lozenge (n = 77), one AMC/DCBA Cool lozenge (n = 74) or one unflavoured, non-medicated lozenge (matched for size, shape and demulcency; n = 74). After baseline assessments, patients received their assigned lozenge and completed four rating assessments at 11 timepoints from 1 to 120 minutes post dose. Analgesic properties were assessed by comparing severity of throat soreness and sore throat relief ratings. Difficulty in swallowing, throat numbness, functional, sensorial and emotional benefits were also assessed., Results: Both the AMC/DCBA Warm and AMC/DCBA Cool lozenge induced significant analgesic, functional, sensorial and emotional effects compared with the unflavoured, non-medicated lozenge. Sore throat relief, improvements in throat soreness and difficulty in swallowing, and throat numbness were observed as early as 1-5 minutes, and lasted up to 2 hours post dose. Sensorial benefits of warming and cooling associated with the AMC/DCBA Warm and AMC/DCBA Cool lozenge, respectively, were experienced soon after first dose, and in the case of the latter, it lasted long after the lozenge had dissolved. Emotional benefits of feeling better, happier, less distracted and less frustrated were reported in those taking either of the AMC/DCBA throat lozenge variants, with no differences in adverse events compared with the unflavoured, non-medicated lozenge., Conclusions: AMC/DCBA Warm and AMC/DCBA Cool lozenges are well-tolerated and effective OTC treatment options, offering functional, sensorial and emotional benefits to patients with acute sore throat, over and above that of the rapid efficacy effects provided., Trial Registration: ISRCTN: ISRCTN00003567.

Aims: To assess the efficacy and safety of pregabalin alone or in combination with tolterodine extended release (ER) in subjects with idiopathic OAB., Methods: This 26-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, three-period crossover study enrolled women aged ≥ 18 years that were diagnosed with OAB and reported ≥ 8 micturitions/24 hr and ≥ 4 urgency episodes/week on 5-day bladder diary at baseline. Subjects were randomized to 1 of 10 treatment sequences and received three of five treatments, each for 4 weeks with 4-week washout periods: standard-dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER (150 mg twice daily [BID]/4 mg once daily [QD], n=102), pregabalin alone (150 mg BID, n=105), tolterodine ER alone (4 mg QD, n=104), low-dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER (75 mg BID/2 mg QD, n=105), and placebo (n=103). Subjects completed 5-day diaries at the end of treatment and washout periods. The primary endpoint was change from baseline to week 4 in mean voided volume (MVV) per micturition. The primary comparison was standard-dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER versus tolterodine ER alone; secondary comparisons were pregabalin alone versus tolterodine ER alone and versus placebo., Results: Baseline-adjusted changes in MVV were significantly greater after treatment with standard-dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER (39.5 ml) versus tolterodine ER alone (15.5 ml; P<0.0001), and with pregabalin alone (27.4 ml) versus tolterodine ER alone (P=0.005) and placebo (11.9 ml; P=0.0006). Treatments were generally well tolerated; discontinuation rates due to adverse events were 4%, 2%, 5%, 0%, and 1% with standard- and low-dose pregabalin/tolterodine ER, pregabalin, tolterodine ER, and placebo, respectively., Conclusions: Pregabalin, alone or with tolterodine ER may offer an alternative treatment option for idiopathic OAB in women., (Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of tolterodine and oxybutynin in the treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder in children., Methods: A total of 204 children with idiopathic overactive bladder were randomly divided into three groups (n=68 each): placebo, tolterodine-treated and oxybutynin-treated. The efficacy and safety were evaluated two weeks after treatment., Results: The effective rate was 25% in the placebo group, 89% in the tolterodine-treated group, and 92% in the oxybutynin-treated group. The effective rate in the two treatment groups was significantly higher than that in the placebo group (P<0.05). There was a similar efficacy between the two treatment groups. The incidence of adverse events in the tolterodine-treated group (28%) was significantly lower than that in the oxybutnin-treated group (57%) (P<0.05)., Conclusions: Tolterodine has a similar efficacy to oxybutynin in the treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder in children, with better safety in pharmacotherapy.

Objective: To determine whether the efficacy and safety of a combination of tolterodine extended-release (ER) plus α-blocker treatment varies with high or low levels of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in men who have persistent overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after any α-blocker monotherapy., Patients and Methods: Men aged ≥ 40 years were eligible if they reported ≥ 8 micturitions/24 h, including ≥ 1 urgency episode/24 h with or without urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and at least some moderate bladder-related problems at baseline despite receiving treatment with an α-blocker for ≥ 1 month. Exclusion criteria included a postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) of ≥ 200 mL and history of acute urinary retention requiring catheterization. Subjects were randomly assigned to tolterodine-ER 4 mg or placebo for 12 weeks; all subjects continued their α-blocker treatment throughout the study. Subjects completed 5-day bladder diaries at baseline and week 12, in which they recorded all micturitions and rated the sensation associated with each micturition using the 5-point Urinary Sensation Scale (USS). For this post hoc analysis, efficacy, safety, and tolerability data were stratified by the study median PSA concentration at baseline (1.41 ng/mL)., Results: In the tolterodine-ER +α-blocker and placebo +α-blocker groups, 160 and 159 men, respectively, had PSA levels of <1.41 ng/mL, and 166 and 160 men, respectively, had PSA levels of ≥ 1.41 ng/mL. Men with higher PSA levels were slightly older and had higher PVR at baseline compared with men with lower PSA levels. At week 12, improvements in daytime micturitions, 24-h urgency episodes, and daytime urgency episodes were significantly greater with tolterodine-ER +α-blocker vs placebo +α-blocker both in men with PSA levels of ≥ 1.41 ng/mL and those with PSA levels of < 1.41 ng/mL (P < 0.05). Among men with PSA levels of < 1.41 ng/mL, improvements in 24-h micturitions and frequency-urgency sum (sum of USS ratings for all micturitions) were also significantly greater with tolterodine-ER +α-blocker vs placebo +α-blocker (P < 0.05). There were no significant treatment differences in change in UUI episodes in either PSA group (although only 19% of subjects reported UUI at baseline), nor in nocturnal micturitions or nocturnal urgency episodes. Among men with PSA levels of ≥ 1.41 ng/mL, there was a statistically significant increase in PVR (P = 0.036) and decrease in maximum urinary flow rate (Q(max); P = 0.038) with tolterodine-ER +α-blocker vs placebo +α-blocker; these changes were not considered clinically meaningful. There were no treatment differences for changes in PVR or Q(max) among men with PSA levels of < 1.41 ng/mL. One subject receiving tolterodine-ER +α-blocker (PSA concentration of ≥ 1.41 ng/mL) and two subjects receiving placebo +α-blocker (one each in the PSA concentration subgroups of ≥ 1.41 ng/mL and < 1.41 ng/mL) had acute urinary retention requiring catheterization., Conclusion: In a 12-week study, the addition of tolterodine-ER to α-blocker therapy improved key OAB symptoms and appeared to be well tolerated compared with placebo +α-blocker in men with persistent OAB symptoms, regardless of subjects' prostate size as judged by serum PSA concentration., (© 2010 DRUG SAFETY RESEARCH UNIT.)

Purpose: Anticholinergic medications are commonly used to treat urinary urgency and frequency. Muscarinic receptors are located in areas beyond the detrusor muscle. In this study we measured changes in central nervous system activity in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms treated with tolterodine or a placebo., Materials and Methods: A total of 20 female patients with urinary frequency were randomized to 4 weeks of treatment with tolterodine or a placebo. Functional magnetic resonance imaging based on blood oxygenation level dependant imaging of the brain during bladder filling was performed before and after treatment. For each patient the bladder was filled by a urethral catheter and emptied 5 times., Results: Multiple brain areas showed significant activation with bladder filling compared to the empty state and many areas also showed deactivation. Overall brain activation with bladder filling was decreased after treatment in both groups. After treatment 2 areas of the parietal cortex (precuneus and postcentral gyrus) showed significantly greater activity in patients treated with tolterodine vs placebo. Two areas of the cerebellum (anterior lobe and culmen) showed significantly greater activity in the placebo group, and these were also areas of significant deactivation in the tolterodine group., Conclusions: Brain activity changes as well as the areas of activation after treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with an anticholinergic medication or placebo are different in the 2 groups. Whether this finding represents action at the central nervous system or the bladder level is not known., (2010 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To assess safety and efficacy of 4 mg tolterodine extended release (TER) with 0.5 mg dutasteride (DUT) in men with persistent overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) unsuccessfully treated with DUT alone. TER is indicated for OAB and DUT is indicated for LUTS from benign prostatic hyperplasia., Methods: A total of 51 men treated with DUT for >or=6 months with persistent OAB symptoms enrolled in a 12-week, open-label study, and given TER (4 mg q.h.s.). Inclusion criteria were international prostate symptom score (IPSS) >or=12, IPSS quality-of-life item >or=3, significant bother, frequency (>or=8 voids/24 h), and urgency (>or=3 episodes/24 h). Visits occurred at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by changes in diary endpoints and IPSS (total, storage, and voiding). Safety was assessed by changes in postvoid residual, peak flow rate (Q(max.)), adverse events, and retention., Results: Baseline prostate volume was 54.3 mL. TER significantly reduced frequency and urgency: 24-hour micturition frequency (-3.2, P <.02), OAB episodes (19.2%, P <.03), severe OAB episodes (71.4%, P <.05), and nighttime voiding (-0.9, P <.003). IPSS decreased with DUT (19.3-14.3) and decreased with addition of TER to 7.1 (P <.001). Storage symptoms decreased from 9.8 to 4.5 (P <.001). Dry mouth occurred in 4 (7.5%) subjects, constipation in 1 (2%), and decreased sexual function in 2 (3.9%) subjects. Postvoid residual increased by 4.2 mL, Q(max.) decreased by 0.2 mL/s, and no patients went into retention., Conclusions: The combination TER and DUT was effective, safe, and well-tolerated in men with large prostates (>or=30 mL) with persistent OAB symptoms and LUTS secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To present a case of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) associated with the use of tolterodine., Setting: An acute-care unit at a university hospital with a comprehensive program for elders., Case Summary: In this case report, we present a 99-year-old female who was admitted to our unit for suspected gastrointestinal bleeding who subsequently developed hyponatremia. After the initiation of tolterodine for urinary incontinence, the patient's sodium dropped to 121 mEq/L (from a usual baseline that ranged between 128 mEq/L and 134 mEq/L). Laboratory and urinary findings revealed a serum osmolality of 220 mOsm/kg, a urinary osmolality of 340 mOsm/kg, and a urinary sodium of 101 mmol/L, suggesting a euvolemic hyponatremic state consistent with SIADH. Tolterodine therapy was promptly discontinued, and patient sodium levels normalized., Conclusion: Although the etiology of SIADH is often obscure and multifactorial, clinicians should be aware that it is a major cause of hyponatremia among hospitalized elderly patients, and drug therapies must always be evaluated to prevent further complications.

Unlabelled: INTRODUCTION & HYPOTHESIS: Determine if treatment of urge incontinence with tolterodine results in changes in bladder and/or urethral sensation using Current Perception Threshold (CPT) testing., Methods: Women with >or=1 incontinence episode on 7-day diary were treated with 4 mg of long-acting tolterodine for 2-months. At baseline and 2-months, participants had CPT testing of the urethral and bladder at 3 frequencies 2000, 250, and 5 Hz. Baseline and post-treatment measures were compared using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test., Results: Seventeen women underwent baseline CPT testing. Four discontinued medication due to side effects and did not have repeated testing. Urethral CPT at 250 Hz was lower after treatment (median 1.3 [Interquartile range .69-2.1] and .75 [.45-1.2], p = .003) and at 5 Hz trended toward a significant decrease (1.1 [1-1.9] and .84 [.32-1.1], p = .06)., Conclusions: Urethral sensitivity improves after 2-months of tolterodine, suggesting it may restore urethral sensory nerves in addition to known motor effects., ((c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

4,4'-Butylidenebis(6-t-butyl-m-cresol) (BBBC) can be eluted from disposable gloves made of nitrile-butadiene rubber and possibly also detected in food. It has been reported that BBBC is an androgen and estrogen antagonist in vitro. Previously, BBBC (1.0 mg/kg body weight (bw)/d) was subcutaneously administered to pregnant rats from gestation days 11 through 18, and the effects on male offspring (postnatal day 102) were examined. Altered levels and turnover of the monoamines dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenalin as well as their metabolites were detected. This report measured the level of serum testosterone following prenatal exposure to BBBC (0.1, 1.0, 10 mg/kg bw/d) in male rats, and measured aromatase activity of the hypothalamus-preoptic area with a close connection to the sexual differentiation and sexual behavior of BBBC-treated rat brains. The serum testosterone level rose depending on exposure, and aromatase activity of the basomedial nucleus of amygdale region was increased in the BBBC-treated group compared with the control. These results suggested that prenatal exposure to BBBC affects the central nervous system of male rat offspring, and BBBC may be an endocrine disrupting-chemical during the fetal period, and might influence the functional development of the brain.

Objective: To review pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, efficacy, and safety data for fesoterodine and determine its role in the treatment of overactive bladder., Data Sources: A MEDLINE search (1966-July 2009) was conducted using the key words fesoterodine, tolterodine, muscarinic receptor antagonist, anticholinergic, overactive bladder, urge incontinence, efficacy, safety, adverse effect, pharmacology, pharmacokinetic, and receptor binding., Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles written in English that were identified from the data sources were evaluated, prioritizing randomized, controlled trials with human data. The references of published articles that we identified were examined for any additional studies appropriate for the review., Data Synthesis: Fesoterodine, a competitive muscarinic receptor antagonist, is converted to its active metabolite, 5-hydroxymethyltolterodine, by nonspecific esterases, bypassing the cytochrome P450 system. Two randomized controlled Phase 3 trials examined the safety and efficacy of fesoterodine in the treatment of overactive bladder. Fesoterodine was found to produce significant improvements in the treatment of overactive bladder symptoms compared with placebo. Post hoc analysis of these trials demonstrated significant improvements in health-related quality of life in patients with overactive bladder. Only one study included tolterodine, and direct comparisons between fesoterodine and tolterodine were not conducted. The most common treatment-emergent adverse effects associated with fesoterodine included dry mouth, constipation, urinary tract infection, and headache., Conclusions: Fesoterodine appears to be effective and generally safe for the treatment of overactive bladder. The efficacy and safety of fesoterodine in overactive bladder treatment seem to be at least similar to that of tolterodine. Although additional comparative trials are needed, based on available data, it does not appear that fesoterodine provides a substantial advantage over extended-release tolterodine in either efficacy or safety.