A case‐control study of risk factors in men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome

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Abstract
In the section on the lower urinary tract this month there are several papers of general interest. First, authors from the USA present a case‐control study of risk factors in men with chronic pelvic pain syndrome. There are also papers presenting important data on alfuzosin, dutasteride, and tamsulosin versus naftopidil, respectively. In addition, the use of thermo‐expandable prostate stents is further explored by authors from the UK and Denmark. Finally, authors from Austria describe the use of a new minimally invasive device in the treatment of incontinence after prostatectomy. OBJECTIVE To compare the demographic, behavioural, clinical and medical history characteristics of men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) and asymptomatic controls, to identify characteristics that might be associated with this syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Self‐administered epidemiological questionnaires were completed by 463 men with CP/CPPS and 121 asymptomatic age‐matched controls. We compared the prevalence of possible risk factors between men with CP/CPPS and controls, using generalized Mantel‐Haenszel tests, and developed multivariate predictive models using logistic regression methods, adjusting for clustering by clinical centre within both methods. RESULTS Compared to controls, men with CP/CPPS reported a significantly greater lifetime prevalence of nonspecific urethritis (12% vs 4%, P = 0.008), cardiovascular disease (11% vs 2%, P = 0.004), neurological disease (41% vs 14%, P < 0.001), psychiatric conditions (29% vs 11%, P < 0.001), and haematopoietic, lymphatic or infectious disease (41% vs 20%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION A wide range of self‐reported medical conditions was associated with CP/CPPS. Further studies are necessary to determine whether they play a role in the pathogenesis of CP/CPPS.