Abstract
Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a histologic change in the prostate and one of the common diseases in middle-aged and old men. BPH, as a life-altering urinary condition requires prompt medical interventions, both medical and surgical. Alpha-1 blockers (α1-blockers) are first-line treatment for BPH. 5α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), like finasteride are very effective in patients with BPH who do not respond to α1-blockers.
Objectives: This study was designed to compare the effect of tamsulosin (a selective α1- blockers) on BPH with the effect of combination therapy with tamsulosin and finasteride.
Patients and Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial study was done in Isfahan. Around 120 men with BPH divided into 2 groups with 60 patients in each group. Both groups were evaluated with the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score. Scoring form of AUA symptoms to determine the severity of symptoms resulting from BPH was developed by America Urological Association. Total of its scores was between 0 and 35. Then, one group received tamsulosin and the other group received combination therapy with finasteride and tamsulosin. After 4 weeks, the AUA symptom score was done for both of groups. Results were analyzed by the paired t test, t test and chi-square through SPSS version 16.
Results: No significant differences in mean of age and the AUA symptom score distribution were seen between two groups (P > 0.05). After 4 weeks of therapy, the AUA symptom score was significantly decreased in the patients who received tamsulosin and finasteride compared with the patients who received tamsulosin alone (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The results of our study showed that tamsulosin and finasteride are effective drugs for BPH treatment. Combination therapy with finasteride and tamsulosin was significantly more effective, in our study, compared to tamsulosin alone.