Non-invasive parameters predicting bladder outlet obstruction in Korean men with lower urinary tract symptoms

The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical and urodynamic features in Korean men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and to determine non-invasive parameters for predicting bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Four hundred twenty nine Korean men with LUTS over 50 yr of age underwent clinical evaluations for LUTS including urodynamic study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of BOO. These two groups were compared with regard to age, the results of the uroflowmetry, serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS), and the results of the urodynamic study. Patients with BOO had a lower maximal flow rate (Q(max)), lower voided volume, higher serum PSA level and larger prostate volume (P<0.05). BOO group had a significantly higher rate of involuntary detrusor contraction and poor compliance compared to the patients without BOO (P<0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that Q(max) and poor compliance were significant factors for predicting BOO. Our results show that Q(max) plays a significant role in predicting BOO in Korean men with LUTS. In addition, BOO is significantly associated with detrusor dysfunction, therefore, secondary bladder dysfunction must be emphasized in the management of male patients with LUTS.