Alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists in neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction

Abstract

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is common in patients with a variety of neurological diseases, and may lead to debilitating symptoms and serious complications. Any treatment that can reduce these symptoms or complications is welcome. In many trials, alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists (alpha blockers) have been evaluated as treatment for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction; however, these have generally been small and often nonrandomized, uncontrolled studies. Existing evidence suggests that alpha blockers may have a small but useful effect in the facilitation of storage and emptying, and in the prevention of autonomic dysreflexia. Better understanding of lower urinary tract physiology and larger clinical trials with longer follow-up will hopefully clarify the role of alpha blockers in the future.