A small but statistically significantly lower serum PSA was seen in healthy men consuming soluble fiber, which was not related to changes in serum sex hormones but was related to the increased lithocholic acid output as a possible marker of increased fecal steroid elimination. The effect of soluble fiber on prostatic disease may warrant further investigation.

An open randomized study was done to compare the prophylactic value of single doses of netilmycin-metronidazole versus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in the prevention of postoperative infections associated with transrectal prostatic biopsy. Of 117 patients enrolled in the study 101 were evaluated and of these patients 47 received netilmycin-metronidazole and 54 received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The bacteremia rate in the netilmycin-metronidazole group was 28% (13 of 47 patients) with a 95% confidence interval of 18 to 42% and in the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group it was 37% (20 of 54) with a confidence interval of 26 to 50% (p = 0.43). None of the patients with bacteremia was symptomatic. Urinary tract infection rates were greater in the netilmycin-metronidazole group: 17% (8 of 47 patients) versus 2% (1 of 54) in the trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole group, p = 0.01. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (cotrimoxazole) is a better choice as an antimicrobial prophylaxis for patients undergoing transrectal prostatic biopsy.

A small but statistically significantly lower serum PSA was seen in healthy men consuming soluble fiber, which was not related to changes in serum sex hormones but was related to the increased lithocholic acid output as a possible marker of increased fecal steroid elimination. The effect of soluble fiber on prostatic disease may warrant further investigation.