Publication:

Effectiveness and safety in behavioural and pharmacological interventions in patients of overactive bladder in real-world settings in India

Background Overactive bladder (OAB) is a urinary bladder condition causing bladder dysfunction. OAB commonly presents the symptoms of nocturia, incontinence, increased urinary frequency, and urinary urgency with a prevalence of 15.5 % among the Indian population.

Methods This retrospective observational study assessed the efficacy and safety of combined behavioral and pharmacotherapy in managing OAB in the elderly adult population. Data was collected from digital and paper-based medical records of patients aged 40 years or older. Enrolled patients reported symptoms of OAB for at least 3 months. Efficacy and safety outcomes were assessed using overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) measured at baseline and after an 8-week follow-up period.

Results The mean OABSS reduced from 12.39±2.4 at baseline to 8.06±3.46 at 8 weeks post-intervention. A mean difference of 4.33 points (p<0.0001) was observed in OABSS scores between baseline and the 8-week follow-up. During the follow-up, no adverse events were observed.

Conclusions A mean reduction of 4.33 points in OABSS scores was observed between baseline and the 8-week follow-up, showing a significant decrease in symptom severity with combined behavioral and pharmacological therapy. To assess the long-term efficacy and safety of combined behavioral and pharmacological interventions in OAB patients, studies with large sample sizes are required. This will provide a better understanding to healthcare professionals to optimize OAB management and overcome side effects seen with conventional medications.