Diethylstilbestrol 1 mg in the Treatment of Acute Urinary Retention due to Prostatic Obstruction in the Elderly : A Preliminary Study

Abstract EN

Patients who failed a catheter-free trial after acute urinary retention and one week of full dose alpha-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor were offered Diethylstilbestrol 1 mg plus Aspirin 100 mg over 4 weeks.

Prostate volume, age, serum creatinine, and initial retention drained urine volume were recorded.

After excluding cardiovascular morbidity (n=7), upper urinary tract dilation (n=3), compromised renal function (n=2), urinary tract infection (n=2), neurological diagnosis (n=2), or preferred immediate channel transurethral resection of prostate (n=5), 48 of 69 consecutive patients ≥70 years were included.

Mean age was 76.6 years (70–84), mean prostate volume 90 cm3 (42–128), and mean follow-up 204 days; 58% (28/48) were passing urine and 42% (20/48) were catheter dependent after 4 weeks Diethylstilbestrol trial.

Mean age and drained urine volume of catheter dependent patients were 82.4 years and 850 mL compared with 74.6 years and 530 mL in catheter-free men, respectively.

Age and drained urine volume were independent predictors of catheter-free trial (both P<0.01).

Seventy-five percent (6/8) of patients 80 years and older were catheter dependent.

Transient nipple/breast tenderness and gynecomastia were the only adverse effects reported by 21% (10/48) and 4% (2/48), respectively.

No patient presented severe complications.