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Role of Serum and Urinary Biomarkers in Evaluation and Management of Patients With Overactive Bladder

Background: This study compared urinary and serum nerve growth factor levels and serum C-reactive protein levels in patients with overactive bladder, before and after treatment with antimuscarinic agents, to evaluate their diagnostic and therapeutic importance. Methods: This was a prospective case-control study conducted between February 2014 and December 2014 which included patients with a confirmed diagnosis of overactive bladder (overactive bladder group) and healthy controls (control group). All patients visiting urology out-patient department with urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence were assessed for overactive bladder and, if eligible, were enrolled in the study. Biomarkers were evaluated before in both groups and after antimuscarinic treatment in the overactive bladder group. Results: Overall, 80 participates were enrolled (overactive bladder, n = 40; control, n = 40). The mean age was not different between the two groups (overactive bladder, 48.6 years; control, 46.9 years [P = 1.01]) and females were more in both the groups (60% and 55%, respectively). The majority (70%) of patients presented with frequency and urgency. After 3 months of treatment with antimuscarinics, the mean overactive bladder symptom score decreased significantly from 8.4 to 4.85 (P < .001). The mean urinary and serum nerve growth factor levels and serum C-reactive protein levels also decreased significantly from baseline after 3 months of treatment with antimuscarinics (24.78 pg/mL, 22.46 pg/mL, 0.89 mg/L, respectively; P < .0001). Conclusions: Measurement of urinary and serum nerve growth factor levels has diagnostic and therapeutic potential in patients with overactive bladder.