Men BPH Flashcards
Define BPH
Non-malignant growth of some components of the prostate
What is the normal physiology of the prostate?
Epithelial tissues produce androgen which stimulates growth
Smooth muscle tissues contract through a1 adrenergic receptors
Testosterone is reduced by DHT with enzyme 5a reductase
DHT increases prostate size
What are the 2 components of the pathophysiology behind BPH?
Static and dynamic component
Describe the static and dynamic component of BPH
Static component
1. Hormonal factors cause an increase in testosterone
2. Increase in testosterone lead to increase in DHT
3. Increases prostate size
Dynamic component
1. Increase in smooth muscle tissue contractility due to agonism of alpha 1 receptors
2. Narrowing of urethra outlets
Both causing urethral obstruction
What is the long term pathophysiology to describe the worsening of symptoms in BPH?
In early phases, bladder muscle able to force urine through narrowed urethra by contracting more forcefully
Bladder muscle gradually becomes thicker to overcome obstruction
At highest state of hypertrophy, muscle decompensates
Muscle becomes irritable and overly sensitive and contract abnormally in response to low amount of urine causing the need to urinate frequently
What are the 2 subcategories of BPH symptoms and when do they happen?
Obstructive / voiding: early in disease
Irritative / Storage: after several years
What are obstructive symptoms of BPH?
Hesitancy
Weak stream
Dribbling
Sensation of incomplete emptying
Straining
Intermittent flow
What are the irritative symptoms of BPH?
Dysuria
Frequency
Nocturia
Urgency
Urinary incontinence
How can a diagnosis of BPH be made?
Digital rectal exam
Ultrasonography
Maximum urinary flow rate
PSA
Postvoid residual
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using PSA?
Advantage: Can predict progression of BPH and prostate cancer
Disadvantage: Not BPH specific
What is the postvoid residual value for inadequate emptying?
> 200mL
How are symptoms stratified based on their severity using the American Urologic Association score?
Mild: Less than or equal to 7
Moderate: 8-19
Severe: More than or equals to 20
What are some complications of BPH?
Recurrent UTI
Bladder stones
Hematuria
Acute urinary retention
Urinary incontinence
What are some drugs that can cause BPH and how do they exacerbate BPH?
Anticholinergics (e.g. antihistamines, tricyclic depressants) : decrease muscle contractility
Alpha 1 adrenergic agonist (e.g decongestants): Increase contraction of prostate smooth muscle
Opioid analgesics : Increase urinary retention
Diuretics : Increase urinary frequency
Testosterone: Stimulate prostate growth
What are some non pharmacological advice to give patients with BPH?
Limit fluid intake in evening
Minimize caffeine and alcohol
Educate patients to take time to empty bladder completely
Avoid medication that exacerbate symptoms
What are the indications to start BPH medications?
Bothersome symptoms
Complications
What are some factors to consider before starting BPH?
PSA value
LUTS severity
Prostate size
Concurrent comorbidities
Presence of irritative/ storage symptoms
What are the 3 agents used to treat BPH?
Alpha adrenergic antagonist
5 alpha reductase inhibitors
PDE5 inhibitors
List the selective and nonselective alpha adrenergic antagonist.
Non selective: Terazosin, Doxazosin
Selective: Alfazosin, Tamsulosin, Siludosin