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. 2016 May-Jun;42(3):521-30.
doi: 10.1590/S1677-5538.IBJU.2015.0159.

Association between ambient temperature and lower urinary tract symptoms: a community-based survey

Sung Ryul Shim  1 , Jae Heon Kim  2 , Jong Ho Won  3 , Eun Seop Song  4 , Yun Seob Song  2
Affiliations

Association between ambient temperature and lower urinary tract symptoms: a community-based survey

Sung Ryul Shim et al. Int Braz J Urol. 2016 May-Jun.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the individual change of International prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) in each patient by temperature conditions.

Materials and methods: The severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) was explored using the IPSS and OABSS questionnaires that were completed by 2.486 subjects (923 males and 1.563 females) aged 60 years and older. Korea Meteorological Administration data was used to determine daily average temperature and daily temperature difference on the interview dates at each site.

Results: The mean IPSS and mean age for males was 13.45±8.24 and 75.03±6.20 years, respectively. The mean OABSS and mean age for females was 4.41±3.10 and 73.74±6.03years, respectively. Daily average temperature and daily temperature difference ranged from-3.4-28.3oC and 2.2-16.9oC, respectively. Age was a significantly risk factor for IPSS, OABSS, and QoL (P<0.001, <0.001, and 0.005, respectively). After multiple regression analysis, daily average temperatures did not show a statistically significant change in IPSS and OABSS. Only daily temperature differences were associated with male LUTS.

Conclusions: While LUTS could be worsened in low temperatures generally, IPSS and OABSS were not affected by daily average temperature conditions. Daily temperature differences may be more influential than daily average temperatures.

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Conflict of interest statement

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Seasonal benign prostatic hyperplasia (international classification of disease code; N40) patient number from 2008 to 2012. L, low daily average temperature (<10ºC), (Jan. to Mar., Nov., Dec.); H, high daily average temperature (>20ºC) (Jun. to Sept.). The data set of National Health Insurance in Korea.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Location of seven major provinces in this study. The numbers in parentheses refer to population.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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