BPH Flashcards
What are the functions of the prostate? (2)
- To contribute fluid to ejaculate
- To constrict urethra during ejaculation to avoid contamination with urine
What are the 3 tissue types the prostate consists of?
- Epithelia tissue (aka - glandular tissue)
- Responsive to testosterone - Stromal tissue (aka - smooth muscle)
- Rich with alpha1-receptors - The capsule (outer shell)
The prostate is close in proximity to the bladder with __________ receptors
muscarinic
What is BPH?
A histologic condition of proliferation of smooth muscle and epithelial cells in prostatic transition zone, which most commonly affects older adults >=40 years old. Bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH include voiding symptoms, storage symptoms, and postmicturition dribbling
Explain how BPH occurs/the pathophysiology
When the enlarged prostate starts to push against the urethra, restricting the flow of urine. The bladder wall then begins to thicken and become irritable. The bladder starts to contract even when it contains only small amounts of urine. Over time, the bladder weakens and loses its ability to empty itself completely, leaving urine behind.
What factor is most likely responsible for prostate enlargement?
Androgens
- Likely due to increased activity of intra-prostatic 5-alpha-reductase despite overall declining androgens with age.
What factor is most likely responsible for detrusor muscle decline?
Age
BPH is caused by a combination of __________ + _____
androgens (DHT); age (detrusor muscle)
What are the 3 main groups of symptoms of BPH?
- Storage
- Voiding
- Post-micturition
What are the ‘storage’ symptoms of BPH? (4)
- Frequency
- Nocturia
- Urgency (time between signal and leakage)
- Terminal dribbling
What are the ‘voiding’ symptoms of BPH? (5)
- Obstructive - weak or interrupted stream
- Difficulty initiating
- Straining
- Intermittency
- Pain while peeing
What are the ‘post-micturition’ symptoms of BPH? (2)
- Post-void dribbling
- Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying
What are the complications of BPH? (8)
- Decreased QOL (i.e., the whole reason we treat)
- Acute, painful urinary retention, which can lead to acute renal failure.
- Persistent or intermittent gross hematuria when tissue growth exceeds its blood supply.
- Overflow urinary incontinence or unstable bladder.
- Recurrent urinary tract infection that results from urinary stasis.
- Bladder diverticula.
- Bladder stones.
- Chronic renal failure from long-standing bladder outlet obstruction
What are the 4 ways to assess for BPH?
- International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
- Urinalysis
- Digital rectal exam (DRE)
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
Describe the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
A questionnaire to determine between BPH or other incontinence and to assess severity
(Scale of 0-35 [higher score = more severe symptoms])
Why do a urinalysis for BPH assessment?
To rule out prostatitis, nephritis, UTI, etc.
Why do digital rectal exam during BPH assessment?
To feel if [the prostate is] smooth (likely benign) or nodular (maybe malignant)
Describe the purpose of prostate specific antigen (PSA) for BPH assessment
Baseline and for monitoring progression - it is a predictor for prostate SIZE (in combo with age) - no evidence to link to cancer
What are some drugs that can exacerbate BPH? (3+4)
- Androgens - encourage growth
- Anticholinergics - cause urinary retention
- Antidepressants - TCAs
- Antihistamines
- Antipyschotics - 1st generation
- Muscle relaxants - Stimulants - stimulate sphincter muscle and worsen symptoms
What are some non-pharm options to try for BPH? (10)
- Limit fluid intake in evening
- Limit caffeine and alcohol use
- Limit diuretic use
- Limit anticholinergic use
- Smoking cessation (weak correlation)
- Bladder training
- Pelvic floor exercises
- Stay physically active
- Avoid/treat constipation
- Watchful waiting
What are the 4 groups of pharmacological options for BPH treatment?
- Alpha1-blockers
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
- PDE5Is
- Anticholinergics*?
List the alpha1-blocker drugs used for BPH treatment (6)
- Alfuzosin*
- Doxazosin
- Prazosin
- Silodosin*
- Tamsulosin*
- Terazosin
* = uro-selective
Name the 2 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor meds for BPH treatment
- Finasteride
- Dutasteride
What is the PDE5I med used for BPH treatment?
Tadalafil
What is the MOA of alpha1-blocker medications for BPH treatment?
Block norepinephrine at alpha1-receptors in the prostate gland, bladder neck and urethra (i.e., sphincter)
- Addresses the dynamic component of obstruction, which can improve flow rate
How does efficacy differ between the alpha1-blocker medications for BPH?
They don’t - all equally effective at improving symptoms
Alpha1-blocker medications do NOT do what?
Do NOT change size of prostate –> do NOT decrease PSA
How quick do alpha1-blocker meds work?
1-2 weeks (improve, not eliminate symptoms)
Effects of alpha1-blockers are ____-_______ (including side effects)
dose-related
How are alpha1-blockers dosed (how many times per day)?
All once-daily except prazosin
What are the adverse effects of alpha1-blockers? (7)
- Dizziness
- First-dose syncope, orthostatic hypotension - Fatigue
- Rhinitis
- Headaches
- Decreased volume of ejaculate
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) - relaxes dilator muscle in pupil (Most cases with tamsulosin + cataract surgery)
What are the contraindications/drug interactions to be aware of in alpha1-blockers? (4)
1, Anyone at risk for hypotension (additive effects) –> falls are potentially life-changing events
2. Caution in heart failure due to hypotension
3. 3A4 inhibitors/inducers (alfuzosin, silodosin, tamsulosin are metabolized by 3A4) or liver dysfunction
- Silodosin also affected by P-glycoprotein and UGT2B7 inhibitors/inducers
4. Dosage adjustment for renal impairment
(Need to consider if correct drug for the symptoms reported)
What is the MOA of 5-A-reductase inhibitors?
Block conversion of intra-prostatic testosterone –> DHT
- Site-specific reduction of static component of obstruction
What are 5-A-reductase inhibitors used for/what is the efficacy? (3)
- To improve obstructive symptoms due to prostate size
- Decrease prostate volume by 20-30% –> CAN decrease PSA by 50%
- May slow progression or need for surgery
How quick for 5-A-reductase inhibitors to work for BPH?
Take a few months to work - up to 12 months for maximal effect
How often are 5-A-reductase inhibitors dosed?
Both are once daily and no titration is required
What are the adverse effects of 5-A-reductase inhibitors? (5)
- Ejaculatory dysfunction
- Loss of libido
- Impotence
(1-3 can cause/is sexual dysfunction) - Gynecomastia
- Plus any effects on mental health
What is a unique side effect of 5-A-reductase inhibitors for women?
Pregnant/planning/child-bearing aged women DO NOT handle tablets
- Can cause birth defects in male fetus - where androgens present
What is the bottom-line regarding 5-A-reductase inhibitors and cancer risk?
Not approved to prevent prostate cancer; for symptoms of BPH
What is the MOA of PDE5Is specifically for BPH?
Exact mechanism unknown, but smooth muscle relaxation in and around prostate may provide relief
- The vascular relaxation results in increased blood perfusion and may reduce BPH symptoms
How is tadalafil dosed for BPH?
Daily use, NOT PRN
Who is more likely to see benefit from PDE5I for BPH?
Younger patients see best improvement
How quick do PDE5Is work for BPH?
Takes ~4 weeks to see improvement
What are the ADEs of PDE5Is? (4)
- Headache
- Dyspepsia
- Lower back pain
- Hypotension*
* = caution with an alpha1-blocker (same contraindication as when used for ED)
(Erections require stimulation and do not happen randomly)
BPH is often concurrent with what co-morbidity?
Urge incontinence
When might anticholinergics be given for BPH. How?
- Carefully if overactive bladder (i.e., urgency, frequency, etc.)
- Start low, go slow, monitor, discontinue if no response or worsening
What are some examples of anticholinergics used for BPH/incontinence? (5)
- Fesoterodine
- Darifenacin
- Oxybutynin
- Solifenacin
- Talterodine
How quick for anticholinergics to work in BPH/incontinence?
Works in 1 week to 1 month
What is the only combo product available in Canada for BPH?
Jalyn (dutasteride 0.5mg/tamsulosin 0.4mg)
First-line treatment for BPH is?
Alpha1-blockers
Combination products for BPH treatment mostly used if ________ ___________
prostate enlargement
What are 3 natural health products that might be tried for BPH?
- Pygeum
- May decrease nocturia and increase flow - Beta-sitosterol - no effect on prostate size but can improve urinary symptoms
- Saw Palmetto - shows anti-DHT and anti-proliferative in vitro, but not clinically
- Not likely effective, but also not harmful
What are the best possible outcomes of BPH treatment? (6)
- Less frequency
- Less urgency
- Greater force of stream
- More complete emptying
- As little impact as possible for adverse effects
- Increased QoL
When might BPH surgery be considered? (The ‘ifs’) (6)
- Failed trials of voiding (refractory or recurrent urinary retention)
- Renal insufficiency due to obstruction
- Failed pharmacotherapy (i.e., not effective)
- Desire to stop meds
- Prohibitive costs to meds
- Recurrent hematuria, UTIs, or bladder stones
What are the 3 BPH surgery options?
- Surgery - prostate vaporization, transuretheral resection of the prostate (TURP)
- Brachytherapy, hormone therapy, prostatecetomy if cancer
- Catheterization if not a candidate for any other intervention