Correlation Between Prostate Volume and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Hospital-Based Study

Abstract

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are manifestations of storage and voiding disorders involving the urinary bladder, urethra and the prostate gland. This study aimed to correlate prostate volume and lower urinary tract symptoms.  Materials and methods: This study was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out among 120 males aged 40 years and above who presented with LUTS for prostate ultrasonography at the Radiology department within a period of six months. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained from participants before commencement of the study. Severity of LUTS was evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). Each question was scored between 0 to 5 and the sum recorded as total IPSS score. The total score was graded as mild (0-7), moderate (8-19) or severe (20-35). Quality of life due to urinary symptoms was also evaluated and scored between 0 (delighted) and 6 (terrible). Prostate volume estimation was done by transabdominal ultrasonography using an ultrasound scanner fitted with a 3.5-MHz curvilinear transducer (Logic F6, General Electric, USA, 2017). Measurements were taken and the average values computed; volume calculation was obtained by default using the inbuilt computer algorithm in the ultrasound machine. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24 (International Business Machines, USA, 2016), and the results presented in tables, charts, and percentages. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to correlate between variables with P-values < 0.05 considered significant.  Results: Results showed that the cumulative mean age of the participants was 65.1 ± 9.6 years with majority of the participant’s between 60 and 69 years. The most common presenting LUTS was nocturia (98.0%), followed by frequency (92.7%). Overall, the mean IPSS score was 13.2 ± 4.6 while quality of life (QoL) was 4.1 ± 1.2. The mean prostate volume was 69.8 ± 63.5cm3, with 79.2% of the subjects having a prostate volume ≥ 30cm3. Pearson correlation between prostate volume and IPSS was significant (r = 0.304, p = 0.001). Conclusion: The study established a positive significant correlation between prostate volume and International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS). This implies that sonographic PV assessment could be useful in objective assessment of LUTS severity and should be considered in management decisions and follow-up of patients with lower urinary tracts symptoms.