The Role of Remote Diagnostics to Better Assess Uroflow Variability: Insights From Combining at Home Uroflows and Frequency Volume Charts From 19,868 Voids Using a Novel, Hand Held, Cellular Embedded Device

Abstract

ObjectiveTo examine how representative 24-hour data collection is of the overall patient experience utilizing a home uroflow device in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Materials and MethodsHome uroflow data was collected with the iO Urology CarePath device from men at a single urology clinic and retrospectively analyzed. Void characteristics were summarized for data collected over 24-hours compared to data collected over several days or weeks with the device (overall study excludes the 24-hour data). A linear mixed effects model was used to evaluate differences in average Qmax from voids collected during a single 24-hour period compared to the overall study. ResultsA total of 486 men (mean age 67.4) used the device resulting in 465 included in the analysis with a total of 15.521 voids in the overall study and 4,347 voids in the single day analysis. Average Qmax from the model was 11.2 ml/s (95% CI: 10.80, 11.65) and 11.2 ml/s (95% CI: 10.81, 11.64) in the 24-hour and overall study groups, respectively. Both groups had similar between- (20.3% vs 20.4%) and within-subject (12.0% vs 11.9%) variance. The difference in Qmax was not significantly different (p=0.970). A subgroup analysis including voids >150 ml yielded similar results. ConclusionsData shows variability in voiding parameters, but similar average Qmax collected in 24-hours as compared to several days/weeks. The combination of home uroflowmetry with frequency-volume chart information can provide objective data and a unique perspective on uroflow variability for clinician review to support the development of individualized patient treatment plans.