Prostatic urethral angle might be a predictor of treatment efficacy of α-blockers in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

PURPOSE: We investigated the association of the prostatic urethral angle (PUA) with peak urinary flow rate (Q(max)) and the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on the aging male. We also evaluated the effect of the PUA on the treatment efficacy of tamsulosin on men with LUTS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records were obtained from a prospective database for first-visit male patients with LUTS in the outpatient department of our institution. These patients underwent a detailed physical examination and taking of medical history. A transrectal ultrasound was performed on these patients. The prostate size, length of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP), PUA, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) of the patients were evaluated. Uroflowmetry and a bladder scan for residual urine were also performed on every patient. Tamsulosin 0.2 mg per day was prescribed. The IPSS and uroflowmetry were reevaluated after they had received treatment for 3 months. RESULTS: A total of 178 patients were included, and 149 of them completed this cohort study. The mean PUA was 48.32°±13.74°. The mean prostate volume was 39.19±20.87 mL, and the mean IPP was 5.67±7.85 mm. On multivariate linear regression analysis, the PUA was independently associated with the IPSS (P<0.001), Q(max) (P=0.004), post-treatment IPSS change (P=0.032), and post-treatment Q(max) change (P<0.001). However, the prostate volume and IPP were not associated with these clinical items. CONCLUSION: The PUA is significantly associated with Q(max) and IPSS in men with LUTS. The PUA is also inversely correlated with changes in Q(max) and IPSS after tamsulosin treatment. Namely, the PUA might be a predictor for the treatment efficacy of α-blockers in aging men with LUTS.