Volume of the normal prostate gland in polish boys, aged 1–17 years: Based on transabdominal ultrasound – Prospective study

Abstract

Until now, there are no established norms for prostate size in children. Prostate volume during development has been analyzed in small study groups. In diagnostic imaging, transabdominal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are used. To establish prostate volume norms for individuals aged 1-17 years using transabdominal ultrasound. Between 2021 and 2023, transabdominal prostate ultrasound was performed on 482 Caucasian boys, aged 1-17 years, who were patients of the urology clinic. Normative data were based on results of 345 boys with normal lower urinary tract, urethral and penile structures. Patients with abnormal external genitalia, Prune Belly Syndrome, Myelomeningocele, chromosomal disorders, or prostate abnormalities found in ultrasound were excluded from the study. Patient eligibility was determined based on medical records and physical examinations. During ultrasound, height, anterior-posterior dimension, and width of prostate were assessed. Prostate volume was calculated using the ellipsoid formula VH x L(AP) x W x 0.523. Measurements were correlated with age, weight, and height. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, statistical significance tests for means, and correlation methods. After estimating preliminary results, taking into account the development periods, patients were divided into age groups: 1-4 years (n=70), 5-10 years (n=124), 11-12 years (n=43), 13-15 years (n=65), and 16-17 years (n=43). The table and nomogram shows prostate volumes based on age. Prostate size remains stable up to the age of 8. We noticed a transitional phase at the age of 8-11 years. A significant increase in volume occurs over 11 years of age. There was a statistically significant relationship between prostate size, age, height, and weight. Established norms can serve as a reference for prostate analysis in patients with defects of the genitourinary system. An interesting analysis would be a prostate size assessment in relation to stage of development on Tanner scale. Transabdominal ultrasound, being a non-invasive, painless, and readily accessible examination, allows assessment of prostate size even in boys aged 1 year old. A statistically significant relationship was found between prostate size, weight, and height. Norms for prostate size in boys were established according to age.