Comparative study of international prostate symptom scores and urodynamic parameters in men and women with lower...

We compared urinary symptoms and urodynamic parameters in men and women with lower urinary tract symptoms.

A total of 164 individuals (76 men and 88 women) were rated according to the International Prostate Symptom Score and underwent a detailed urodynamic investigation. Patients were stratified by age into 2 groups, namely, those < 50 years (the younger group) and those > 50 years (the elderly group).

In the elderly group, scores of voiding symptoms for men were higher than those for women (p = 0.012). Maximum flow rates (Qmax) for women were higher than those for men (p = 0.025 for the younger groups, and p < 0.001 for the elderly groups). Detrusor pressure at Qmax (p < 0.001), opening pressure (p < 0.001) and closing pressure (p = 0.023) were elevated in elderly men vs. in elderly women. A multiple linear regression analysis identified straining (beta = 0.479, p < 0.05) and incomplete emptying (beta = 0.487, p < 0.05) as the only variables influencing quality of life (QOL) in younger men and women, respectively. In elderly men, nocturia (beta = 0.352, p < 0.05) and frequency (beta = 0.287, p < 0.05) were significantly associated with QOL. Frequency (beta = 0.452, p < 0.05) possibly explained a QOL reduction in elderly women.

Our findings suggest that in the elderly patients, storage symptoms are more associated with QOL than voiding symptoms. However, storage symptoms were not associated with QOL in younger men.