title: Potassium paraaminobenzoate (POTABA) in the treatment of Peyronie's disease: a prospective, placebo-controlled, randomized study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of potassium paraaminobenzoate (Potaba) in Peyronie's disease in a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre study during a 12-months period of treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  103 patients with Peyronie's disease and a history <12 months, non-calcified plaques and without pre-treatment were included. 51 were randomized to potassium paraaminobenzoate, 52 to placebo receiving 4 x 3g/day for 12 months. Follow-up was performed during the treatment period. Response has been defined as regression in plaque-size and/or reduction in penile curvature of at least 30%. Data analysis was focussed on 75 patients who completed the study [valid-cases (VC)].
  
  
  RESULTS
  No severe adverse events occurred. Response rates were 74.3% on potassium paraaminobenzoate and 50.0% on placebo (p=0.016). Mean plaque-size decreased from 259 mm(2) to 142 mm(2) in the treatment arm. In the placebo group, plaque-size aggravated from 259 mm(2) to 303 mm(2) after 6 months but improved slightly to 233 mm(2) after 12 months. Differences between the groups were significant (p=0.042). Pre-existing curvature did not improve under the drug (p=0.066) but comparing the development of new curvature or deterioration of pre-existing curvature under potassium paraaminobenzoate penile deviation remained stable. However, under placebo penile curvature deteriorated significantly in 32.5% of the cases (p<0.001). No significant differences concerning decrease of pain could be observed between the two groups (82.6% vs. 77.3%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study indicate a significant plaque-related effect of potassium paraaminobenzoate. There was no relevant difference with regard to improvement of pre-existing penile deviation. However, under potassium paraaminobenzoate a significant protective effect on deterioration of penile curvature could be demonstrated. Potassium paraaminobenzoate appears to be useful to stabilize the disorder and prevent progression of penile curvature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology Rudolf-Buchheim-Str. 7 D-35385 Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Weidner
authors.forename: Ekkehard W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Hauck
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schnitker
mesh_terms: D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010411:Penile Induration / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D010129:4-Aminobenzoic Acid