The effects of antimuscarinics on health-related quality of life in overactive bladder: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this study was to review the effects of antimuscarinic treatments on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases were searched from 1966 through August 2004 for randomized controlled trials of antimuscarinic agents. HRQL data from included trials were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed where possible. Of 56 trials included, 25 (45%) reported HRQL and/or patient-reported outcomes. The most commonly used instruments were the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (3 trials), the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ; 5 trials), the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (2 trials), the Gaudenz Appraisal Questionnaire (3 trials), and the Urogenital Distress Inventory (2 trials). Results from the meta-analyses of placebo-controlled trials showed statistically significant differences in favor of antimuscarinic therapy. Differences in HRQL as assessed using the KHQ were also clinically meaningful. The meta-analysis results of active-controlled trials did not show significant differences among antimuscarinic agents. This review provides evidence that antimuscarinics provide an HRQL benefit to patients with OAB. HRQL outcomes using validated instruments are recommended for inclusion in active-controlled trials, and agreement on the most appropriate HRQL instrument is now required.