Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores responsiveness before and after anticholinergic treatment in women with overactive...

The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate change of Overactive Bladder Symptom Scores (OABSS) from before to after solifenacin treatment; and (ii) to evaluate correlation between change of OABSS and 3-day micturition diary, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC).

Thirty-six women, aged > 18 years, diagnosed as having overactive bladder (OAB) at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, with the symptoms of urgency, frequency with or without urge incontinence for more than 3 months, and at least three episodes of urgency with or without incontinence during the last 3 days prior to the study, were recruited during January 2010-May 2011. All cases received solifenacin 5-mg treatment once a day and were asked to record a 3-day micturition diary and to complete the Thai version of the OABSS, IPSS, and PPBC questionnaires at weeks 0, 4, and 12 after treatment.

The OABSS, IPSS, and PPBC scores and all parameters of the 3-day micturition diary had changed significantly by weeks 4 and 12. The OABSS correlated significantly with IPSS score (r = 0.44), PPBC score (r = 0.39), and urgency episodes (r = 0.48).

The OABSS had good responsiveness, similar to the other questionnaires (the IPSS and PPBC) and the 3-day micturition diary. The use of OABSS is recommended in OAB women for evaluation after anticholinergic drug treatment.