The Role of Mirabegron in Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To present a systematic review assessing the efficacy and safety of mirabegron for overactive bladder (OAB). Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Science Citation Index Expanded. The literature reviewed included meta-analyses, randomized and nonrandomized prospective studies. We utilized mean difference (MD) to measure the mean number of incontinence episodes and the mean number of nnicturitions, and OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) and odds ratio (OR) to measure adverse events rates. We used the Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager 5.1 software for statistical analysis. Results: We identified six publications that strictly met our eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis of extractable data showed that mirabegron was more effective than placebo in treating OAB despite different drug dosages in the efficacy end points: mean number of incontinence episodes per 24 h (MD -0.54; 95% CI -0.63, -0.45; p = 0.001), mean number of micturitions per 24 h (MD -0.55; 95% CI -0.63, -0.47; p = 0.001), OAB-q (MD -4.49; 95% CI -6.27, -2.71; p = 0.001) and adverse events (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.83, 1.19; p = 0.92). When compared to tolterodine, mirabegron was more effective in terms of mean number of incontinence episodes per 24 h (MD -0.25; 95% CI -0.43, -0.06; p = 0.009). However, there were no differences between mirabegron and tolterodine in mean number of micturitions per 24 h (MD -0.17; 95% CI -0.35,0.01; p = 0.07) and OAB-q (MD -1.09; 95% Cl -2.51, 0.33; p = 0.13). Mirabegron also had a lower adverse reaction rate (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8, 1.0; p = 0.04). Conclusions: In this diverse population, nnirabegron was an effective and safe pharmacologic therapy for OAB. (C) 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel