Effects of dutasteride on lower urinary tract symptoms and general health in men with benign prostatic hypertroplasia and hypogonadism: a prospective study

Abstract

Introduction: We investigated the effects of the relative increase in testosterone by dutasteride administration in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and hypogonadism on urinary symptoms or androgen-responsive general health.

Methods: Seventy-six patients were enrolled, and were taking 0.5 mg dutasteride daily for 52 weeks. Before and after treatment, all participants underwent blood test, and body mass index, prostate volume (PV), bone mineral density (BMD), post-voiding residual (PVR) volume, and muscle volume were measured. All patients responded to the questionnaires: International prostatic symptom score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom score (OABSS). Patients were divided into two groups according to the increase rate of total testosterone (TT): group A, ≥20% increase in TT level; group B, <20% increase or decrease.

Results: Baseline TT and free testosterone (FT) levels were significantly lower in group A than group B. Both groups showed marked improvement in PV and PVR. Group A showed significant improvement in IPSS and OABSS with a significant increase of FT level, whereas group B showed no significant change. Dutasteride treatment contributed to a significant increase in BMD in group A.

Conclusions: Dutasteride treatment significantly improved urinary symptoms and BMD in patients with low baseline serum TT and FT levels.

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• dutasteride
• hypogonadism
• lower urinary tract symptoms
• testosterone