THE EFFECTS OF AN ESTRADIOL TRANSDERMAL THERAPEUTIC SYSTEM, ALONE ANDIN COMBINATION WITH NAPROXEN, ON URGE INCONTINENCE IN ELDERLY WOMEN -A PILOT-STUDY

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a transdermal est radiol delivery system, alone and in combination with naproxen, in eld erly women with confirmed urge incontinence. An open-label, single-bli nd pilot study was conducted in which an estradiol transdermal therape utic system (TTS) alone, or combined with naproxen 250-mg tablets twic e daily, or placebo TTS were given according to a randomized, crossove r design for a period of 8 weeks. Cystometric examination was performe d after each medication session. A washout period of 2 weeks followed each medication session, Bladder-diary charts were completed by each p atient and evaluated as a subjective measure of that patient's symptom s especially with regard to frequency of urination, nocturia, and epis odes of incontinence. Sixteen participants completed the study. Estrad iol TTS as well as estradiol TTS plus naproxen increased bladder capac ity significantly (P < 0.05) when compared with placebo. The volume at which the first urge to void was perceived was increased significantl y (P = 0.01) by estradiol TTS plus naproxen compared with placebo. The se results suggest that estrogen alleviates urge incontinence.