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 (Qmax) and postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) were recorded monthly. Results Total NIH–CPSI scores decreased significantly in group 1 ( n = 10; mean age ± SD 16.5 ± 1.1 years) together with all subdomain scores (pain, urination, life impact). Total NIH–CPSI scores increased significantly in group 2 ( n = 12; mean age ± SD 16.3 ± 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 Qmax 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.