Original scientific paper

Croatian urologists' clinical practice and compliance with guidelines in the management of non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms

Igor Tomašković ; Department of Urology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strssmayer University, Osijek, Croatia
Miroslav Tomić ; Department of Urology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Sven Nikles ; Department of Urology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Neretljak ; Department of Urology, Merkur University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia
Valerija Miličić ; Department of Clinical Cytology, Osijek University Hospital Center, Osijek, Croatia; Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strssmayer University, Osijek, Croatia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the Croatian urologists’ management of non-neurogenic male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and their compliance with the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines. A cross-sectional survey included 51/179 Croatian
urologists. We developed a questionnaire with questions addressing compliance with EAU guidelines. The rate of performing recommended evaluations on the initial assessment of patients with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)/LUTS varied from 8.0% (serum creatinine and voiding diary) to 100.0% (physical examination, prostate specific antigen and ultrasound). The international prostate symptom score was performed by 31%, analysis of urine sediment by 83%, urine culture by 53%, and serum creatinine by 8% of surveyed urologists. Only 8% of urologists regularly used bladder diary in patients with symptoms of nocturia. Our results indicated that 97% of urologists preferred alpha blockers as the first choice of treatment; 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARI) were mostly prescribed (84%) in combination with an alpha-blocker, preferably as a continuous treatment, whilst 29% of urologists used to discontinue 5ARI after 1-2 years. Half of the Croatian urologists used antimuscarinics in the treatment of BPH/LUTS and recommended phytotherapeutic drugs in their practice. In conclusion, Croatian urologists do not completely comply with the guidelines available.

Keywords

Prostatic hyperplasia; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Guideline adherence

Hrčak ID:

155014

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/155014

Publication date:

1.12.2015.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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