The aim of this study was to investigate the quality and timing of the diagnosis and treatment of nocturia in real-life practice in European and US-American patients to obtain better insights into the management of nocturia in different Western healthcare systems.
Data were drawn from the "LUTS Disease Specific Programme," a real-life survey of physicians and patients in France, Germany, Spain, UK and the USA. Physicians completed a patient record form for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) patients. Patients filled out a self-completion form, indicating - among other items - information on the mean number of day- and night-time voids during the last 7 days, and questions on the management of LUTS in daily practice.
In total, 8659 patients were analysed. The majority of patients initially consulted a physician because of worsening of LUTS frequency (43%-58%) or severity (44%-55%). Only 37% of all LUTS diagnoses, regardless of the appearance or severity of nocturia, were based on bladder diaries. Patients took approximately 1 year to consult a medical professional following the onset of LUTS. At the initial visit, most patients received advice on behavioural strategies. Regardless the type of LUTS and physician, 59% of men received α-blockers and 76% of women antimuscarinics.
Data show that patients with nocturia and LUTS accept their symptoms for a considerable period before they seek help or ultimately receive treatment. They may therefore be enduring significant negative impact on their quality-of-life which could be avoided. Physicians rarely use bladder diaries and primarily use antimuscarinics (women) or α-blockers (men). Improved awareness of nocturia among patients and physicians could improve the management of nocturia.
International journal of clinical practice. 2016 Oct 17 [Epub ahead of print]
Matthias Oelke, Peter Anderson, Robert Wood, Tove Holm-Larsen
Department of Urology and Urological Oncology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. ., Adelphi Real World, Bollington, UK., Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.