Benign Prostatic Enlargement, the International Prostate Symptoms Score and a Review of Other Symptom Scores

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common benign prostate disease in elderly men, and its incidence increases with age and is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The international prostate symptoms score (IPSS) is the most common symptom score used to assess LUTS even though other symptom scores exist. This study aims to evaluate the LUTS of patients secondary to BPH presenting to the urology clinic of UPTH using the IPSS and to review other scoring systems. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). All adult male patients with LUTS secondary to BPE were given an IPSS questionnaire to fill. Another IPSS questionnaire was filled by the patient assisted by the researcher. The data were collated using Microsoft Excel 2016 version and they were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results were presented in tables. Results: Sixty-nine (69%) patients had at least secondary level of education. Sixty-four (64%) could complete their questionnaire without any aid. The mean IPSS was 22.13 ± 6.34 as most patients presented with severe symptoms. The mean Quality of Life score was 4.60 ± 1.38. There was a significant positive correlation between Quality of Life and IPSS. Conclusion: A level of literacy is needed to complete the questionnaire. Most patients in our study presented late with severe symptoms and significant level of bother. Nocturia was the worst symptom.