Consolidation therapy is necessary following successful biofeedback treatment for pubertal chronic prostatitis patients: A 3-year follow-up study

Abstract

Objective: To assess long-term effects of biofeedback training on pubertal chronic prostatitis (CP). Methods: Pubertal CP patients received 12-week intensive biofeedback training and were divided into two groups: group 1 received further monthly training !24 (26-36) months; group 2 received further monthly training <24 (13-23) months. National Institutes of Health-CP Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) scores, maximum urinary flow rate (Q max ) and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) were recorded monthly. Results: Total NIH-CPSI scores decreased significantly in group 1 (n ¼ 10; mean age AE SD 16.5 AE 1.1 years) together with all subdomain scores (pain, urination, life impact). Total NIH-CPSI scores increased significantly in group 2 (n ¼ 12; mean age AE SD 16.3 AE 1.2 years) at 30 and 36 months, and were significantly different from group 1 at these time points. Urination and life-impact scores increased significantly and Q max decreased significantly in group 2 at 30 and 36 months. PVR was unchanged in either group. Conclusions: Twelve-week intensive biofeedback training requires lengthy consolidation sessions to achieve long-term success. Further investigation should assess longer intervals between consolidation sessions, for improving patient compliance and outcome.