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Efficacy and safety of dutasteride compared with finasteride in treating males with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Zhong-Bao Zhou, Yuan-Shan Cui, Ji-Tao Wu, Hai-Rong Jin

Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 2020

2,041 participants · 12 citations

Abstract

The present study was an updated meta-analysis that aimed to confirm the efficacy and safety of dutasteride (0.5 mg) and finasteride (5 mg) in treating males with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) over a treatment period of at least 6 months. Randomized controlled trials were retrieved using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane controlled trials register databases. The references of the associated articles were also searched. A systematic review was performed by using the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The data were analyzed with RevMan v5.3.0. A total of six articles including 2,041 participants were studied. The analysis demonstrated a significantly greater decrease in international prostate symptom score [IPSS; mean difference (MD), -0.86; 95% CI, -1.62 to -0.11; P=0.02] and prostate-specific antigen (PSA; MD, -0.13; 95% CI, -0.26 to -0.01; P=0.03) in the dutasteride group compared with that in the finasteride group, whereas no significant differences were observed in prostate volume (PV; P=0.64), maximum urine flow rate (Qmax; P=0.29) and post-void residual volume (PVRV; P=0.14). With regard to safety assessment, including any adverse event (P=0.66), decreased libido (P=0.39) and impotence (P=0.17), there was no significant difference between dutasteride and finasteride. In conclusion, in patients with BPH, dutasteride produced a greater decrease in IPSS and PSA compared with finasteride, whereas no significant differences were…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 2,041 participants or records.

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