Alpha-blocker treatment response in men with lower urinary tract symptoms based on sympathetic activity: Prospective, multicenter, open-labeled, observational study

Purpose: In this study, we compared the treatment outcomes for an a-blocker between 2 groups of men, one with high sympathetic activity (HSA) and another with low sympathetic activity (LSA) or normal sympathetic activity. Methods: A total of 159 men (≥50 years of age) with lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia were analyzed. We assigned patients to groups according to their sympathetic activity, which was evaluated by heart rate variability measurements. HSA was defined as a low frequency/high frequency ratio greater than 1.6. All patients received 10 mg of alfuzosin once a day for 12 weeks. The primary end point was a change in the total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 12 weeks from baseline. Results: Sixty-seven men were assigned to the HSA group and 92 men were assigned to the LSA group. The baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the 2 groups, and the response to alfuzosin was good in both groups. The mean total IPSS change was not different between the groups. Both groups were not significantly different with respect to the changes in maximal flow rate, IPSS voiding or storage symptom subscores, quality of life, and rates of adverse drug events. The HSA group showed a similar willingness to continue treatment compared to the LSA group, although their treatment satisfaction rating was lower. Conclusions: The therapeutic effects of alfuzosin did not differ in regards to the differences in sympathetic activity, but treatment satisfaction ratings were lower in the HSA group.