The Reduction of Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Is Associated With a Decreased Risk of Death

The study analyzed data from the MTOPS randomized trial, which included 3,046 men over 50 years old with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in the United States between 1993 and 1998. It aimed to determine if reducing LUTS is associated with a decreased risk of mortality. Using Cox regression models, the study found that for each 1-point improvement in the American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Score, there was a significant reduction in the hazard ratio for death (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, P = .01). This association was significant in men who received active treatment but not in the placebo group. The study concluded that improvement in LUTS is associated with a reduced risk of death, suggesting that treatment of male LUTS may have benefits beyond symptom relief. Further research is needed to consider if treatment should focus on symptom improvement regardless of the level of bother.