The effect of dutasteride on storage symptoms in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a REDUCE trial analysis.

BACKGROUND

Dutasteride is used to treat voiding symptoms; its impact on storage symptoms is unclear.

METHODS

We reviewed 8122 men in the placebo and dutasteride arms from the REDUCE trial. Lower urinary tract symptoms outcomes were measured with international prostate symptom score and subscores.

RESULTS

At 2-year follow-up, dutasteride significantly reduced the total International Prostate Symptom Score and voiding subscore versus placebo (both p < 0.001), but not storage symptoms (p = 0.09) or nocturia (p = 0.2). By 4 years, improvements in the total score and voiding subscores remained, but now extended to storage symptoms (p < 0.001) and nocturia (p = 0.003), though the impact on storage symptoms was modest (0.62 points improvement).

CONCLUSION

While dutasteride reduces storage symptoms, it takes several years, and the overall effect is modest and unlikely to be clinically meaningful. Timely, comprehensive lower urinary tract symptoms management may require additional therapy.