Changes in prostaglandin E2 in patients with idiopathic overactive bladder syndrome after botulinum toxin type A treatment: is there a clinical benefit? (BMC Urology)

Background: The causality of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is still not fully understood. Several studies indicate a significant increase of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in patients with OAB. However, in order to clarify whether these compounds can help to objectify the clinical diagnosis, further studies are needed. This prospective study aims to analyze PGE2 blood levels (sPGE2) in patients with OAB before and after botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) therapy. Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 56 patients (52y, 18-87) with idiopathic OAB. sPGE2 levels were measured before and 4 weeks after BoNT-A treatment by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 31 healthy persons with normal bladder function served as control group (59 y, 21-72). sPGE2 was set in relation to clinical data and the severity of OAB (wet/dry). The statistical data analysis was performed by using the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and paired t-test. Results: Significant higher sPGE2 levels were detected in patients with OAB compared to members of the control group (2750 pg/ml vs. 1674 pg/ml, p < 0.005). Furthermore sPGE2 levels were increased in patients with OAB wet compared to OAB dry (p