Can the ACTIONS health measurement scale be used to predict the outcomes after prostate surgery?

This study examined if the ACTIONS (Anxiety, Cardiovascular, Testosterone, Insulin/diabetes, Obesity, Neurologic, Sleep apnea) health measurement scale be used to predict the outcomes after prostate surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This study concluded the ACTIONS score could be used to help counseling men considering prostate surgery for BPH.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate can affect bladder function. It can also have a negative impact on quality of life. 

Treatments for BPH may include medication or surgery. Drugs are often used for BPH symptoms. However, medications may not always help with BPH symptoms. Some men may decide they want a surgical procedure. One type of surgery commonly used is trans-urethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This procedure involves a surgical instrument inserted in the urethra to remove excess prostate tissue blocking urine flow. It is important to know which patients might have the best outcomes following this procedure. 

The ACTIONS scale measures seven health features. These include anxiety, cardiovascular (heart) function, testosterone levels, the presence of diabetes, obesity, neurologic problems, and sleep apnea (breathing which stops and starts during sleep). Each feature is scored from 0-2, the higher the score, the more severe the feature is. Whether the ACTIONS scale can predict which patients may benefit most after TURP remains under investigation.

319 men were included in this study. All patients had TURP. They were followed up for 12 months after surgery to see if they still need BPH medications. Stopping medications for BPH symptoms was considered a success of the procedure.

The average ACTIONS score was lower in men who stopped taking BPH drugs compared to those who did not (3.37 vs 4.79). An ACTIONS score of less than 4 was associated with stopping the medication.

Lower scores in Testosterone, Neurologic, and Sleep apnea sections of the ACTIONS scale were also linked to stopping the medication. 

This study concluded the ACTIONS score could be used to help counseling men considering TURP for BPH.

This study is based on medical records. Information collected in this way is not always reliable.