Impact of fesoterodine on quality of life: pooled data from two randomized trials.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of fesoterodine on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome.


METHODS
Pooled data from two randomized placebo-controlled phase III studies were analysed. Eligible patients with frequency and urgency or urgency urinary incontinence were randomized to placebo or fesoterodine 4 or 8 mg for 12 weeks; one trial also included tolterodine extended release (tolterodine-ER) 4 mg. HRQoL was assessed using the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), a six-point Likert scale measuring the severity of bladder-related problems, and treatment response.


RESULTS
By the end of treatment, all active-treatment groups had significantly improved HRQoL compared with those on placebo, as shown by an improvement in the KHQ and ICIQ-SF scores, treatment response rate, and a major improvement in self-reported bladder-related problems. The fesoterodine 8-mg group had statistically significant improvements over placebo in eight of nine KHQ domains. Fesoterodine 4 mg and tolterodine-ER produced statistically significant improvements in seven of nine KHQ domains. Fesoterodine 8 mg gave better results than 4 mg in two domains; Emotions and Symptom Severity (P < 0.05). A major improvement (>or=2 points) in bladder-related problems was reported by 33% of patients on fesoterodine 4 mg, 38% on fesoterodine 8 mg, and 34% on tolterodine-ER, vs 21% on placebo (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Fesoterodine significantly improved HRQoL in patients with OAB. Both fesoterodine 4 and 8 mg produced significant improvements on most KHQ domains, the ICIQ-SF, treatment response rate, and a Likert scale measuring bladder-related problems.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guys and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, London SE1 7EH, UK. Con.Kelleher@gstt.nhs.uk
Con J
CJ
Kelleher
Andrea
A
Tubaro
Joseph T
JT
Wang
Zoe
Z
Kopp
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000188:drug therapy*
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists; C526675:fesoterodine