Efficacy of Tamsulosin in the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) in Women

Abstract

We attempted to determine whether tamsulosin is an efficacious therapy for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in women. Methods: A total of 140 women, aged 27-69 years old with LUTS entered a randomized double-blind study comparing tamsulosin (70) versus placebo (70) for 1 month. The outcome variables were mean change from baseline of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), mean change from baseline of mean and maximum urinary flow rate and any adverse effects. Results: Mean change from baseline of IPSS (standard deviation, SD) were −5.6 (6.3) in the tamsulosin group and −2.6 (6.1) in the placebo group. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.008). Mean change from baseline of mean urinary flow rate (SD) was 0.7 (2.7) mL/second in the tamsulosin group and −0.5 (2.6) mL/second in the placebo group. The difference was also statistically significant (p = 0.013). However, the difference in mean change from baseline of maximum urinary flow rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.506). There were two patients in the tamsulosin group who experienced dizziness and asthenia. No other adverse effect was detected. Conclusion: Tamsulosin is more efficacious than placebo in the treatment of LUTS in women.

Keywords

• lower urinary tract symptoms
• tamsulosin
• urinary flow rate