Autonomic nervous system; relation between prostate enlargement and LUTS

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the relationship between autonomic nervous system and LUTS, prostate enlargement. Material and Method: A total of 67 men with LUTS (57.9±5.6years) and 22 healthy men (59.1±5.3years) were enrolled in the study. Parameters of holter influenced by sympathetic and parasympathetic system were compared between patients and controls. Correlation analysis was also done between prostate volume and autonomic system in each group. Results: Parameters of heart rate variability representing sympathetic system were higher in patients with LUTS. However these differences didn't reach statistical significance. Prostate volumes were similar in both groups. Prostate volume was significantly associated with sympathetic system activity in only patients with LUTS. Discussion: To our knowledge in the previous studies the correlation between prostate volume and sympathetic tone was only investigated in patients not in prostate volume matched controls. Although each group has similar prostate volumes, only patients' prostate volumes were significantly correlated with sympathetic tone. The reason for the growth of the prostate may also determine whether the growth will be symptomatic or not.