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.
Keywords: Biofeedback; National Institutes of Health–Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH–CPSI); chronic prostatitis; follow-up; puberty; urodynamics.