Potential effectiveness of Ospemifene on Detrusor Overactivity in patients with vaginal atrophy

Abstract

Objectives: To report the effects on the urinary function of ospemifene prescribed for vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms refractory to the first line of pharmacologic treatment with antimuscarinic or β3-agonists drugs. We also try to identify any predictors of response to the ospemifene treatment.

Study design: Twenty-five patients with OAB confirmed by detrusor overactivity at urodynamics, refractory to first-line therapy for OAB, were enrolled for the study. All of them received ospemifene 60 mg for 12 weeks because of concomitant VVA. We performed a clinical examination, a 3-day voiding diary, ultrasound examination of bladder wall thickness (BWT), and evaluation by Visual Analogic Scale (VAS) of vaginal dryness at baseline and at 12 weeks. We evaluated urinary symptoms and their impact on the quality of life with UDI-6 SF and OAB-Q (Qol, sf) questionnaires.

Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, we observed a significant reduction in the daily (24 h) numbers of episodes of micturition, of nocturia, of urgency and of incontinence. We also found a significant reduction in BWT and vaginal dryness, together with an improvement of OAB-Q and UDI6 SF scores. Among patients who subjectively benefited from the treatment, we found a baseline lower prevalence of constipation and a higher degree of vaginal dryness.

Conclusions: Ospemifene might be a useful option for postmenopausal women with VVA and OAB symptoms, refractory to the first line of treatment with β3-agonists or antimuscarinic drugs, before considering invasive options.

Keywords: Genitourinary syndrome of menopause; Ospemifene; Overactive bladder.