Comparing effects of alpha-blocker management on acute urinary retention secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of different alpha-blocker regimes on acute urinary retention (AUR) and the success rate of trial without catheter (TWOC) among patients with AUR secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) to determine the most effective regime. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to June 2021. Studies that compared successful TWOC rates between each alpha-blocker regime in patients with AUR secondary to BPH were included. The outcome was the odds ratio of successful TWOC after AUR between groups (each regime of alpha blocker or placebo). To indirectly compare the effect of each alpha-blocker regime on the outcome (successful TWOC rate), a network meta-analysis was conducted using a Bayesian hierarchical random effects model for dichotomous outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 13 randomized controlled trials were included in the present study. There were six nodes (five alpha-blocker regimes and placebo) and eight comparisons in the evidence network plot. Compared to placebo, alfuzosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, and alfuzosin plus tamsulosin resulted in significantly higher TWOC success rates, whereas doxazosin did not show a significant difference in TWOC success rate compared to placebo. Alfuzosin plus tamsulosin was ranked first, followed in order by tamsulosin, silodosin, alfuzosin, and doxazosin. There was no significant inconsistency in the results of this analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Alpha blockers may increase the success rate of TWOC. This study evaluated the priority of the effect of several alpha-blocker regimens on AUR related to BPH, which is expected to be helpful in selecting the best medication for patients with AUR.