Trospium chloride in patients with detrusor overactivity: meta-analysis of placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind, multi-center clinical trials on the efficacy and safety of 20 mg trospium chloride twice daily.

OBJECTIVES

Primary objective of this meta-analysis was to produce a systematic and quantitative review of two independent clinical trials of 20 mg trospium chloride (TCI) twice daily (b.i.d.) in patients with detrusor overactivity [Alloussi et al. 1998, Cardozo et al. 2000].

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

In two placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-center studies, the effect of TCl on detrusor function was evaluated using urodynamic measurements. All 517 patients were randomized to receive TCl or placebo for 3 weeks. Urodynamic variables were measured at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. Safety was evaluated on the basis of adverse events (AEs), vital signs and laboratory tests.

RESULTS

TCl produced significant improvements in 'maximum cystometric bladder capacity' (median treatment effect = 52 ml, 95% confidence interval 32-71 ml, p<0.0001) and 'urinary volume at first unstable contraction' (median treatment effect = 48 ml, 95% confidence interval 28 to 68 ml, p = 0.0001). The patients' assessment of efficacy also showed significantly greater clinical improvement in the TCl group than in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). The patients recorded a 'cure' or a 'marked improvement' more often in the TCl group than in the placebo group (47.9% and 19.7%, respectively). TCl was well tolerated, with similar frequencies of AEs reported in both groups (TCl: 35.7%, placebo group: 38.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Trospium chloride (20 mg twice daily) is an effective and safe medication for the treatment of detrusor overactivity.