Risk of BPH-LUTS according to the PM₁₀ exposure: A longitudinal nationwide cohort-based study
- urologyxy
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Abstract
Purpose: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a major disease that causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as abdominal pressure, urgency, residual urine, weak urination, and delayed urination in elderly men. We attempted to identify risk factors for the development of BPH-LUTS, including particulate matter (PM).
Materials and methods: We utilized customized research database of the National Health Insurance Corporation. A total of 2,200,546 subjects were included, consisting of BPH-LUTS (n=601,291) and non-BPH-LUTS (n=1,599,255). We classified the PM₁₀ exposure level based on median PM₁₀ value (56.3 µg/m³). We assessed using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to find an association of incidence of BPH-LUTS and PM₁₀ exposure.
Results: PM₁₀ exposure is a risk factor to develop BPH-LUTS. All subgroups were vulnerable to even moderate PM₁₀ exposure: age, waist circumference, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The hazard ratio was from 1.019 (60s group) to 1.097 (exercise 3 or more times a week). Interestingly, when total cholesterol levels or fasting blood sugar or high blood pressure were normal, the risk of BPH was higher in those with high PM₁₀ compared to those with low PM₁₀. Even if those who exercise more than three times a week, high PM₁₀ exposure may increase their risk of BPH.
Conclusions: This study is significant that, based on Korean standards, even normal PM₁₀ exposure is a risk factor for the development of BPH-LUTS. This study provides a basis for establishing health policies related to exposure to PM.
Keywords: Benign prostatic hyperplasia; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Particulate matter.
Rho MJ, Park YH, Park J. Risk of BPH-LUTS according to the PM₁₀ exposure: A longitudinal nationwide cohort-based study. Investig Clin Urol. 2026 Jan;67(1):96-107. doi: 10.4111/icu.20250290. PMID: 41469911; PMCID: PMC12792109.
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