PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare prescriber monitoring for safety and efficacy of medication classes used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with BPH who were prescribed medications within a family medicine clinic between January 2008 and August 2010. Patients were divided into those receiving nonselective and uroselective alpha-blockers, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), and combination therapy. A chart review was performed with regard to predetermined criteria to monitor how efficacy and adverse effects were assessed by providers in the clinic.
RESULTS: A general genitourinary assessment was documented most frequently for patients receiving 5-ARIs and least frequently in patients receiving nonselective alpha-blockers. A digital rectal examination was documented in 11% of patients. Prostate-specific antigen concentrations were assessed evenly across all medication classes and documented in 47% of eligible patients. However, the American Urological Association Symptom Index and quality-of-life questions were not performed on any patients, and assessments of adverse effects were not documented.
CONCLUSION: Although prescribers in a family medicine clinic recorded a general genitourinary assessment for patients receiving BPH medications, a more standardized approach is needed.
Written by:
Sherman JJ, Welch RW, Hill TM, McEwen C Are you the author?
Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
Reference: J Pharm Pract. 2012 Apr;25(2):164-8
doi: 10.1177/0897190011431634
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22215645