Efficacy and safety of adrenergic alpha-1 receptor antagonists in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis supporting the development of recommendations to reduce potentially inappropriate prescribing

Abstract

Background: Adrenergic alpha-1 receptor antagonists (alpha-1 antagonists) are frequently used medications in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and in the management of therapy-resistant arterial hypertension, two conditions frequently found in older adults. This systematic review aims at presenting a complete overview of evidence over the benefits and risks of alpha-1 antagonist treatment in people ≥ 65 years, and at deriving recommendations for a safe application of alpha-1 antagonists in older adults from the evidence found.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed (last update March 25^th 2022) including multiple databases (Medline/Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library) and using the PICOS framework to define search terms. The selection of the studies was done by two independent reviewers in a two-step approach, followed by a systematic data extraction. Quality appraisal was performed for each study included using standardised appraisal tools. The studies retrieved and additional literature were used for the development of recommendations, which were rated for strength and quality according to the GRADE methodology.

Results: Eighteen studies were included: 3 meta-analyses, 6 randomised controlled trials and 9 observational trials. Doxazosin in the management of arterial hypertension was associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure, than chlorthalidone. Regarding treatment of LUTS suggestive of BPH, alpha-1 antagonists appeared to be effective in the relief of urinary symptoms and improvement of quality of life. They seemed to be less effective in preventing disease progression. Analyses of the risk profile indicated an increase in vasodilation related adverse events and sexual adverse events for some agents. The risk of falls and fractures as well as the effects of long-term treatment remained unclear. All meta-analyses and 5 out of 6 interventional studies were downgraded in the quality appraisal. 7 out of 9 observational studies were of good quality.

Conclusions: It cannot be recommended to use doxazosin as first-line antihypertensive agent neither in older adults nor in younger patients. In the management of BPH alpha-1 antagonists promise to effectively relieve urinary symptoms with uncertainty regarding their efficacy in preventing long-term progression events.

Keywords: Alpha-1 antagonists; Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Hypertension; Inappropriate prescribing; LUTS; Older people; Systematic review.

Fig. 1

Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram

Fig. 2

Meta-analysis on the change in IPSS tamsulosin 0.2 mg vs. naftopidil 50 mg pre to post administration

Fig. 3

Meta-analysis of the change in IPSS: tamsulosin 0.2 mg pre to post administration

Fig. 4

Meta-analysis on the change in QoL-score tamsulosin 0.2 mg vs. naftopidil 50 mg pre to post administration

Fig. 5

Meta-analysis of the change in QoL-Score tamsulosin 0.2 mg pre to post administration

Fig. 6

Meta-analysis on the occurrence of ADEs while treatment with tamsulosin 0.2 mg or naftopidil 50 mg

Fig. 7

Meta-analysis on the association of initiation of alpha-1 antagonist treatment and the incidence of falls

Fig. 8

Meta-analysis on the association of initiation of alpha-1 antagonist treatment and the incidence of fractures

Fig. 9

Meta-analysis on the association of tamsulosin treatment vs. no medication and the incidence of dementia