A Comparative Study of the Combination Treatment of Tamsulosin and Dutasteride with Monotherapy of Tamsulosin in Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men, often leading to lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), such as increased frequency, urgency, and weak urine flow. These symptoms negatively impact quality of life and, if untreated, can lead to complications like acute urinary retention, bladder stones, and renal failure. Medical management, including alpha-blockers like tamsulosin and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors like dutasteride, is an effective approach for symptom relief. This study aims to compare the clinical effectiveness of combination therapy (tamsulosin and dutasteride) with tamsulosin monotherapy in alleviating LUTS due to BPH. It also aims to assess the reduction in prostate volume, post-void residual volume, and improvement in peak urinary flow rate. Material and methods: A study was conducted on 200 male patients aged 50 to 80 years with obstructive LUTS. Patients were randomized into two groups: monotherapy with tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day or combination therapy with tamsulosin 0.4 mg/ day and dutasteride 0.5 mg/day for 3 months. Patients were followed fortnightly, and pre-and post-treatment assessments were done. Results: The study found that both combination therapy with tamsulosin and dutasteride and monotherapy with tamsulosin helped in the improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Post-treatment, both groups showed significant improvements in AUA scores, prostate volume, and post-void residual volume and peak urinary flow rate. In comparing combination and monotherapy, combination therapy was more effective than monotherapy. Conclusion: Both combination and monotherapy are effective in reducing LUTS due to BPH, but combination therapy is more effective than monotherapy in comparison between the two, though further long-term studies are required to assess the sustainability of these improvements.