The correlation of multichannel urodynamic pressure-flow studies and American Urological Association symptom index in the evaluation of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract

Purpose: We correlated multichannel pressure-flow urodynamics and the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom index in the evaluation of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Materials and methods: We evaluated 121 consecutive, symptomatic patients older than 55 years with the AUA symptom score and multichannel pressure-flow urodynamic studies. Testing was performed during a single session and the data obtained from 103 patients were plotted on the Schäfer nomogram for assessment of outflow obstruction. Linear regression statistical analysis was used to determine correlations.

Results: There was no significant correlation between uroflowmetry and Schäfer curves (r = 0.173 to 0.326), uroflowmetry and AUA symptom scores (r = 0.134 to 0.153) and, most importantly, AUA symptom scores and Schäfer curves (r = 0.025 to 0.137).

Conclusions: We conclude that these modalities measure independent variables, and should not be linked in the evaluation and treatment decision of the patient with prostatism.