Impact of 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors Use at the Time of Prostatic Artery Embolization for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Obstruction

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the 12-month post-prostatic artery embolization (PAE) clinical outcomes of patients who were and were not taking 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) at the time of PAE. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent PAE from 2010 to 2017 due to lower urinary tract symptoms, secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). One hundred fifty-five patients were included and divided in 2 groups; these groups did not present statistically significant differences in their baseline characteristics-those taking 5ARIS (Y-5ARIs, n = 40) and those not taking 5ARIs (N-5ARIs, n = 115). International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), the sub-item Quality of Life (QoL), and the incidence of clinical failure were used as primary endpoints. Secondary endpoints included mean prostate volume reduction and mean peak flow rate (Q(max)) improvement. Clinical failure or recurrence was defined as absence of symptomatic improvement (IPSS >= 8 or QoL >= 3) or the need for invasive BPH treatment (PAE or transurethral resection of the prostate) during the 12-month follow-up period. Results: After 12-month follow-up, IPSS, QoL, and prostatic volume were significantly lower compared to baseline in both groups, and Q(max) showed a significant increase. No statistically significant differences were observed in outcomes between N-5ARIs and Y-5ARIs, and the clinical failure rate for both groups was approximately 20%. Conclusions: The use of 5ARIs did not show a detrimental effect on clinical outcomes of PAE, in either subjective (IPSS, QoL, and clinical failure) or objective (prostatic volume and Q(max)) parameters.