The impact of atherosclerosis on lower urinary tract function

Abstract

Objective: The current study was carried out to investigate the impact of atherosclerosis on lower urinary tract function in the male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Patients and methods: This prospective study evaluated 110 male patients aged 55–75 years who were presented with LUTS. All patients underwent general and local investigations. The atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasound examination of the carotid artery. Patients then were divided into two groups: non-atherosclerosis group (Group 1) and atherosclerosis group (Group 2). The two groups were compared regarding voiding and storage parameters.

Results: Mean patient age were 67.9 ± 5.9 years. The average age and number of Group 1 was 65.7 ± 4.3, n = 51. The average age and number of Group 2 was 68.7 ± 5.3, n = 59. There were no significant differences in age, prostate volume, blood pressure, International Prostate Symptom Score, Voiding symptom score and Storage symptom score between the two groups. Blood serum triglycerides were significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2 while HDL cholesterol were significantly higher in Group 1 than Group 2 0.97 ± 0.5 and 1.43 ± 0.2 mmol/L, versus 1.46 ± 0.7 and 1.28 ± 0.3 mmol/L, respectively. Qmax denotes significant decrease in Group 2 compared with Group 1 12.5 ± 6.3 versus 17.6 ± 6.5, respectively (p < 0.01). While in post-voiding residual urine, there was a significant increase in Group 2 compared with Group 1 82.2 ± 15.4 versus 51.4 ± 12.7, respectively (p < 0.01). Daytime voided urine denotes a significant decrease in Group 2 176 ± 48, compared with Group 1 221.2 ± 79 (p < 0.01). Daytime frequency and nocturia, were significantly higher in Group 2, compared with Group 1 8.90 ± 2.8 versus 7.16 ± 3.11, respectively, and 3.1 ± 1.2 versus 1.92 ± 1.12, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The atherosclerosis disease play a significant role in the impairments of both voiding and storage function in male patients with LUTS irrelevant to the age.

• Atherosclerosis
• carotid intima-media thickness
• LUTS

Acknowledgment

Special thanks to all my colleagues in the radiology department, for their technical radiological assistance and support.