Randomized controlled trial of cyclic and continuous therapy with trospium and solifenacin combination for severe overactive bladder in elderly patients with regard to patient compliance.

objectivesThe aim of the study was to increase the efficiency of treatment for severe symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) with antimuscarinic drugs in elderly men and women.

methodsA total of 341 patients over 65 years of age (average age 69.9; 186 women and 155 men) with severe symptoms of OAB (frequency of incontinence episodes [IEs] ≥ 3/day) underwent examination. Patients were distributed into three main groups: A (n = 58; trospium 60 mg/day + solifenacin 20): three cycles, each cycle 8 weeks, with an 8-week interval; B (n = 55; trospium 30 mg/day + solifenacin 10), regimen was the same as in group A; C (n = 62; trospium 30 mg/day + solifenacin 10) daily during 1 year.

resultsThe most successful treatment for the clinical and urodynamic symptoms of OAB was observed in group A, without an increase in the quantity or intensity of side effects (IEs = 4.8 (0.9) → 1.4 (0.8); p ≤ 0.01). Groups B and C also demonstrated positive effects for most of the markers for lower urinary tract state with statistical significance p ≤ 0.01. Nonparametric correlation between decrease in IEs and relative number of patients who accurately fulfilled prescriptions was in group A, r = 0.53, p ≤ 0.05; in group B, r = 0.61; p ≤ 0.05; in group C, r = 0.55, p ≤ 0.05.

conclusionsCyclic therapy with two different spectrum antimuscarinics appears to be effective for controlling severe OAB in elderly patients. One-year cyclic therapy with a trospium and solifenacin combination provides a high compliance level (76-84%). However, continuous therapy with standard doses of trospium and solifenacin results in low adherence and high rates of treatment withdrawals (≥ 66%) despite satisfactory clinical and urodynamic results.