In a nutshell
This study compared the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) combined with solifenacin succinate (SS; Vesicare) to SS alone, in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). The data showed that TENS in combination with SS was more effective than SS on its own in these patients.
Some background
OAB is considered as a frequent, uncontrollable urge to urinate and possibly the need to urinate at night. Behavioral treatment is first-line therapy. Second-line therapy involves the use of oral anti-muscarinic drugs like SS and β3-agonists such as mirabegron (Myrbetriq). However, their effectiveness is sometimes limited, resulting in refractory OAB.
Electrical nerve stimulation (ENS) is a potential treatment for refractory OAB. ENS involves stimulating the bladder nerves with an electrical current. TENS stimulates the branches of the tibial (calf) nerves underneath the foot using an electrode patch placed on the skin. The effectiveness of TENS combined with SS for OAB treatment is still unknown.
Methods & findings
This study included 70 female patients with OAB. Patients were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. Group A had 36 patients that received 5 mg of oral SS daily and 30 minutes of fake TENS. Group B had 34 patients that received 5 mg of oral SS daily and 30 minutes of TENS. Treatment lasted for 2 months and patients were followed up for 3 months.
Both groups had improvements in urinary symptoms. However, improvements were significantly higher in group B compared to group A. Quality of life was also significantly more improved in group B compared to group A.
The bottom line
The study showed that TENS in combination with solifenacin succinate was more effective in the treatment of OAB than solifenacin succinate alone.
The fine print
The study had a short follow-up period, small patient numbers, and the severity of symptoms varied greatly in patients.
Published By :
PLOS ONE
Date :
Jun 24, 2021
