Faculty Collaboration Database

Variability of the International Prostate Symptom Score in men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Scand J Urol Nephrol 2003;37(1):35-7

Date

05/15/2003

Pubmed ID

12745741

DOI

10.1080/00365590310008668

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-0037284748 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   17 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The variability of the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) was tested in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by comparing questionnaire results obtained in the physician's office and, 1 week later, in the patient's home.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 210 consecutive men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) completed the I-PSS questionnaire in the physician's office. One week later the questionnaire was mailed to each patient's home, completed by the patient and then returned. Scores were compared specifically in terms of clinically significant differences defined by a total symptom score difference of > or = 6 points and/or a difference of > or = 2 points in the quality-of-life (QOL) measure.

RESULTS: The mean patient age was 67 years. Questionnaires were completed and returned by 127/210 (60%) men. Pearson's correlation coefficient for the I-PSS and QOL results was 0.81 and 0.74, respectively. Clinically significant differences in results were seen in 33/127 (26%) patients. When grouping patients into mild, moderate and severe symptom categories based on the I-PSS results, 31/127 (24%) changed categories when comparing "office" and "home" results.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinically significant variations in I-PSS and QOL results may exist and may affect treatment decisions in > 25% of men.

Author List

O'Connor RC, Bales GT, Avila D, Gerber GS

Author

Robert Corey O'Connor MD Professor in the Urologic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Humans
International Cooperation
Male
Middle Aged
Observer Variation
Physicians' Offices
Prostate
Prostatic Hyperplasia
Quality of Life
Reproducibility of Results
Residence Characteristics
Severity of Illness Index
Time Factors
Urologic Diseases