[Symptoms of prostatitis in German. The Giessen Prostatitis Symptom Score]

In cases of chronic prostatitis, a systematic case history of subjective complaints is crucial. In addition to the urological diagnosis, a special symptom questionnaire can be utilized. The objective of this study was to develop a standardized and valid questionnaire to assess prostata-specific complaints in an economic way. Independently from the evaluation of this questionnaire, a similar instrument (CPSI) was developed in the United States with several similar items. The Giessener prostatitis symptom score (GPSS) comprises 12 items. Thirty-three patients suffering from prostatitis and 770 representatively selected German males filled in the questionnaire. A sum score of 6 points proved to best suited to differentiate between the patient and the representative group. Values of 6 and above indicate the corresponding diagnosis, i.e., it can be assumed that prostata-specific symptoms occur at least occasionally. In the representative sample, 7.8% of the males showed prostata-specific complaints with a score of 6 or above. A comparison between the GPSS and the CPSI concerning their diagnostic validity has not yet been performed. This comparison will show which of the instruments is better suited for prostatitis screening.