INFLUENCE OF PROSTATE SIZE ON TERAZOSIN EFFICACY

Background: While the rationale for the use of α1-adrenoreceptor antagonists in the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction is well established, not all patients have either objective or subjective improvement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of prostatic size on the changes of peak flow rate, average flow rate and residual urine in symptomatic BPH patients undergoing terazosin treatment. Methods: Thirty-five patients with symptomatic BPH received terazosin, 5mg once a day for 3 weeks after a 2-week dose escalation period. Peak and average flow rates as well as residual urine were assessed before and after treatment. The patients were stratified in 3 groups by prostate size, which was estimated by transabdominal ultrasonography and a digital rectal examination. Results: The baseline characteristics for age, peak flow rate and average flow rate did not vary between the 3 groups, however, the pretreatment volume of residual urine was greater in patients with large prostate adenomas. Terazosin treatment resulted in significant changes in flow rate and residual urine, however, changes in flow rates were not influenced by prostate size, while a marked decrease in residual urine was found in patients with large prostates. Conclusion: Patients treated with terazosin obtained similar improvement in peak and average uroflow, independent of the size of the prostate.