COVID‑19’s effects on symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Purpose The objective of this study was to identify the relationship between COVID-19 and lower urinary tract symptoms
in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Materials and methods Data from forty outpatients who had recovered from COVID-19 and had previously been diagnosed with and treated medically for benign prostatic hyperplasia were assessed. Pre- and post-COVID-19 assessments
were also conducted for prostate volume, total serum PSA concentration, and lower urinary tract symptoms. Hospitalizations related to COVID-19, the time interval between COVID-19 recovery and urologist referrals, and comorbidities
were considered. Independent Student’s t-tests or chi-square tests were used to compare changes in all variables. For
the Spearman rank correlation analysis, only variables with a univariate analysis of p<0.10 were included in the multiple
regression models, with the signifcance threshold set at two-tailed p<0.05.
Results After COVID-19, there was an increase in IPSS (12.87±3.76), total serum PSA (1.56±0.87), and prostate volume
(10.68±11.73). Multiple linear regression analysis of the independent predictors of IPSS increase revealed pre-COVID-19
IPSS with intermittency and straining as leading symptoms and bladder catheterization during COVID-19. Pre-COVID-19
frequency and nocturia status were found to be independent predictors of increased blood volume, hospital treatment
for COVID-19, and bladder catheterization. A weak stream, UTI, and hypertension were found to be independent predictors of a PSA increase. The time from COVID-19 recovery to urologist referral was shorter in patients with post-COVID-19
IPSS increase (p<0.05).
Conclusion Determining the predictors of the efects of COVID-19 on worsening BPH symptoms is essential for continued
monitoring and treatment.