Objectives. To evaluate the relation between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as measured by the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and noninvasive objective parameters of lower urinary tract dysfunction. Methods. Eight hundred three consecutive patients with LUTS and/or benign prostatic hyperplasia were evaluated with IPSS, uroflowmetry, prostate volume estimation, and postvoiding residue measurement. The relations between these parameters were quantified by means of Spearman correlation coefficients. Results. Statistically significant but weak correlations were found between the IPSS and results of uroflowmetry and postvoiding residual urine. There was no correlation between the IPSS and results of prostate volume measurements. Conclusions. The correlation between objective noninvasive parameters of lower urinary tract dysfunction and LUTS is weak.

Purpose: We studied the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms as measured by the international prostate symptom score (I-PSS) and urodynamic findings in elderly men.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 803 consecutive patients with lower urinary tract symptoms via the I-PSS and urodynamics with pressure-flow studies.Results: A statistically significant correlation was found between all I-PSS questions (except intermittency) and objective parameters of obstruction. However, the clinical significance of this finding is minimal because a large overlap of symptom scores exists among patients with different grades of bladder outlet obstruction. The filling component of the I-PSS correlated somewhat better with obstruction than did the voiding component.Conclusions: It seems impossible to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction from symptoms alone. It does not even seem possible to define subgroups in which further urodynamic examination is indicated.K ey W okds: prostate, bladder neck obstruction, urinary tract, urodynamics

Purpose: The reliability of the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) was tested in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and/or benign prostatic hyperplasia.Materials and Methods: A total of 71 consecutive men with benign prostatic hyperplasia and/or lower urinary tract symptoms was asked to complete the I-PSS at baseline and 8 weeks later. At the second visit the physician also completed the I-PSS according to the complaints of the patient. Variability between both scores was evaluated by calculation of duplo errors and results were compared to the clinical data.Results: A considerable variability existed between the I-PSS results obtained at baseline and 8 weeks. The duplo error was 4.3. In a regression analysis of I-PSS, including all clinical parameters, only free flow had some predictive value for I-PSS outcomes.Conclusions: It is important to consider the variability of the I-PSS score when making decisions concerning treatment.

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Purpose: We studied the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms as measured by the international prostate symptom score (I-PSS) and urodynamic findings in elderly men.Materials and Methods: We evaluated 803 consecutive patients with lower urinary tract symptoms via the I-PSS and urodynamics with pressure-flow studies.Results: A statistically significant correlation was found between all I-PSS questions (except intermittency) and objective parameters of obstruction. However, the clinical significance of this finding is minimal because a large overlap of symptom scores exists among patients with different grades of bladder outlet obstruction. The filling component of the I-PSS correlated somewhat better with obstruction than did the voiding component.Conclusions: It seems impossible to diagnose bladder outlet obstruction from symptoms alone. It does not even seem possible to define subgroups in which further urodynamic examination is indicated.K ey W okds: prostate, bladder neck obstruction, urinary tract, urodynamics