Comparison of IPSS score and voiding parameters in men presenting with LUTS.

Introduction: This study compares subjective lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) to objective voiding parameters measured during the UroCuff Test, a non-invasive pressure flow study (PFS), in men presenting with LUTS attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials and methods: This is an expanded subpopulation analysis of a previously reported group of 50,680 men with LUTS, which depicted increased disease progression as men age. During the UroCuff Test, investigators optionally provided the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Variables were analyzed using descriptive statistics, pairwise correlation coefficients between variables and a multivariable linear regression model fit for IPSS as a continuous outcome.

Results: IPSS data are available for 1077 patients. Compared to the 50,680 group, men in this subpopulation are similar in age but overall have improved mean values for voided volume (VV), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and less advanced bladder disease by UroCuff quadrant. IPSS has highly statistically significant (p < 0.001), but weak correlations with Qmax, VV, post-void residual volume (PVR) and UroCuff quadrant, with correlation coefficients (absolute values) of 0.212, 0.174, 0.151, 0.159, respectively. Multivariable linear regression analysis stratified by UroCuff quadrant demonstrate that increased age and high VV are associated with decreased IPSS, while high PVR is associated with increased IPSS. These relationships become weaker as patients experience increasing disease progression.

Conclusion: Since self-reported urological symptoms are only weakly correlated with objective voiding parameters, LUTS diagnosis using IPSS alone is insufficient to create diagnostic certainty. Optimal clinical management of male LUTS depends on a thorough evaluation of both symptoms and voiding parameters.