Clinical and Radiological Changes after use of Alpha-1 Blocker Therapy in Patients of Posterior Urethral Valve with Bladder Neck Hypertrophy

Background: We evaluated the effects of alpha-1 blocker therapy on clinical and radiological abnormalities in patients of posterior urethral valve with bladder neck hypertrophy. Materials and Methods: A total of 74 patients with posterior urethral valves were seen at our department between 2003 and 2007. Out of these 24 had radiological evidence of bladder neck hypertrophy. Those patients with bladder neck hypertrophy who were seen before June 2006 and did not receive alpha-1 blocker (prazocin) therapy after valve ablation were assigned to group 1 (n=10). Group 2 consisted of 14 age matched patients with bladder neck hypertrophy and comparable prognostic factors who received alpha-1 blocker therapy after valve ablation (n=14). Micturating cystourethrography (MCU) was done periodically and a novel method used to calculate bladder neck hypertrophy. Trends in symptoms and radiological changes were evaluated throughout follow-up. Results: Mean patient age at presentation was 3.02±2.68 years in group 1 and 3.12±3.4 years in group 2. Bladder neck hypertrophy decreased from 2.3±1.0 to 2.0±0.5 in a mean time of 52.0 (34-52) weeks in group 1 where as it decreased from 2.2±0.5 to 1.6±0.3 in a mean time of 32.0 (22-52) weeks. Symptomatically patients in group 2 who received alpha-1 blocker therapy after valve ablation were better and had quick resolution of bladder neck hypertrophy. Conclusions: Use of alpha-1 blocker therapy in patients of posterior urethral valve with bladder neck hypertrophy helps in quick resolution of bladder neck hypertrophy. J Med Sci 2009;12(1):3-7.