Do Effects on Bowel Patterns Imposed by Solifenacin Always Have Negative Impacts on Treating Patients with Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether solifenacin intervention leads to any changes in bowel symptoms, and the types of impacts imposed on bowel symptoms in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).


METHODS
This prospective, single-arm observational study included 40 adult patients who underwent anticholinergic treatment for OAB. Outcome measures were determined by examining differences in voiding and bowel symptoms, before and after patients commenced anticholinergic therapy. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks via questionnaires on OAB and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), side-effects, and overall satisfaction with the treatment.


RESULTS
A total of 22 patients completed follow-up visits. Mean age was 62.1 ± 10.3 years. The most common side-effects were constipation and dry mouth. OAB symptom scores improved, with significant changes in urgency, incontinence, and total symptom scores and borderline significant changes in frequency. All bowel symptoms except diarrhea became aggravated. Average constipation and overall quality of life worsened with significance. Aside from the specific bowel habit changes, solifenacin treatment resulted in changes in patient status of IBS, as well. Patients were mostly satisfied with the treatment, despite some aggravations in discomfort due to defecation problems.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that solifenacin treatment is effective for treating urinary incontinence but may lead to changes in bowel patterns and affects overall quality of life (QoL). Effects on bowel patterns imposed by solifenacin can be positive or negative, therefore, physicians should consider more holistic therapy by addressing overall bowel symptoms when treating OAB patients.
Department of Urology, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
Sung Yong
SY
Cho
Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Sohyun
S
Park
Department of Urology, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
Seung Bae
SB
Lee
Department of Urology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
Jae-Seung
JS
Paick
Department of Urology, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea.
Hwancheol
H
Son
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008875:Middle Aged; D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000069464:Solifenacin Succinate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D053201:Urinary Bladder, Overactive / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014563:Urodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
D018727:Muscarinic Antagonists; D000069464:Solifenacin Succinate
constipation; irritable bowel syndromes; overactive bladder; solifenacin