[Long-term use of Afalaza in patients with BPH: influence on the symptoms and risk of progression]

Abstract

Introduction: The widespread prevalence of BPH among men leads to an increase in urination disorders, a decrease in the quality of life, and an increased risk of surgical intervention. The introduction of long-term conservative therapy into clinical practice can improve the quality of life and reduce the number of prostate procedures.

Aim: To obtain additional data on the efficiency of Afalaza during long-term use in patients with BPH.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 99 patients with a diagnosis of BPH, aged over 40 years, who received Afalaza monotherapy for more than a year, was performed. The IPSS questionnaire was used to assess LUTS, while the transabdominal US, transrectal US and MRI were performed to measure the prostate volume. Statistical analysis was done using ANCOVA analysis. Covariates included age, duration of therapy in months, and duration of therapy by category (IPSS, prostate volume).

Results: An average age of patients was 50.8+/-6.9 years. The average duration of therapy was 26 months (11 to 41 months). The average IPSS score decreased from 13.3+/-3.6 (13, 6, 19) to 9.4+/-3.1 points (9, 6, 18). The average change in the IPSS score was 3.8+/-2.7 points (4, -6, 9) (F1/99=203.8, p<0.0001). The duration of therapy influenced on the reduction in the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (F1/99=8.75, p=0.0039). Treatment results did not depend on the age of the patients (F1/99=0.01, p=0.9172). The average prostate volume decreased from 39.9+/-6.1 cc (40, 30, 60) to 38.0+/-6.1 cc (38, 28, 58). Delta was 1.9+/-1.0 cc (F1/99=364.85, p<0.0001). There were neither acute urinary retention nor the need for surgical treatment. According to outpatient records, there were no adverse events when taking Afalaza.

Conclusion: Long-term use of Afalaza is effective in improving the quality of life of patients with BPH and can be recommended for long-term therapy to prevent progression and surgical intervention. The drug requires further study in various groups of patients with BPH.

Keywords: Afalaza; BPH; acute urinary retention; conservative therapy; long-term treatment; progression risk; safety profile.