International Continence Society Standards Research Articles

ICS-SUFU standard: Theory, terms, and recommendations for pressure-flow studies performance, analysis, and reporting, Part 1: Background theory and practice

Aims:The working group (WG) initiated by the International Continence Society Standardization Steering Committee and supported by the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction has revised the (1997) ICS Standard for pressure flow studies. Methods:Based on the ICS standard for developing evidence-based standards, the WG developed this new ICS standard in the period from May 2020 to December 2022. A draft was posted on the ICS website in January 2023 to facilitate public discussion and the comments received have been incorporated into this final release. Results:The WG summarizes the theory and recommends the practice and the terms used for the diagnosis of voiding dysfunction for adult female and male patients without relevant neurological abnormalities, in part 1 of this standard. The WG has also recommended standard principles and parameters for objective and continuous grading of urethral resistance and detrusor voiding contraction on the basis of pressure flow studies in part 2. The recommendations for practice in this part have also the aim to increase the understanding of the physiology as well as the psychology of voiding. The potential effects of the laboratory situation of the test on the voiding as well as the role of the urodynamicist in this regard are discussed. The WG has recommended to use for diagnosis only the voidings that are considered representative by the patient. Conclusion:A pressure flow study is the gold standard to assess voiding function and to quantify dysfunction. This part of the standard explains the clinical background, gives recommendations for the execution of a pressure flow study and lists relevant terms, parameters, and units of measurements.

ICS-SUFU standard: Theory, terms, and recommendations for pressure-flow studies performance, analysis, and reporting. Part 1: Background theory and practice.

The working group (WG) initiated by the International Continence Society Standardization Steering Committee and supported by the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction has revised the (1997) ICS Standard for pressure flow studies. Based on the ICS standard for developing evidence-based standards, the WGdeveloped this new ICS standard in the period from May 2020 to December 2022. A draft was posted on the ICS website in January 2023 to facilitate public discussion and the comments received have been incorporated into this final release. The WG summarizes the theory and recommends the practice and the terms used for the diagnosis of voiding dysfunction for adult female and male patients without relevant neurological abnormalities, in part 1 of this standard. The WG has also recommended standard principles and parameters for objective and continuous grading of urethral resistance and detrusor voiding contraction on the basis of pressure flow studies in part 2. The recommendations for practice in this part have also the aim to increase the understanding of the physiology as well as the psychology of voiding. The potential effects of the laboratory situation of the test on the voiding as well as the role of the urodynamicist in this regard are discussed. The WG has recommended to use for diagnosis only the voidings that are considered representative by the patient. A pressure flow study is the gold standard to assess voiding function and to quantify dysfunction. This part of the standard explains the clinical background, gives recommendations for the execution of a pressure flow study and lists relevant terms, parameters, and units of measurements.

MP71-10 LONGITUDINAL EVALUATION OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS POST ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER IMPLANTATION WITH THE CORE LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOM SCORE

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP71-10 LONGITUDINAL EVALUATION OF LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS POST ARTIFICIAL URINARY SPHINCTER IMPLANTATION WITH THE CORE LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOM SCORE Yuma Waseda, Minato Yokoyama, Kasumi Yoshitomi, Masaki Kobayashi, Bo Fan, Yuki Nakamura, Motohiro Fujiwara, Yudai Ishikawa, Shohei Fukuda, Hajime Tanaka, Soichiro Yoshida, and Yasuhisa Fujii Yuma WasedaYuma Waseda More articles by this author , Minato YokoyamaMinato Yokoyama More articles by this author , Kasumi YoshitomiKasumi Yoshitomi More articles by this author , Masaki KobayashiMasaki Kobayashi More articles by this author , Bo FanBo Fan More articles by this author , Yuki NakamuraYuki Nakamura More articles by this author , Motohiro FujiwaraMotohiro Fujiwara More articles by this author , Yudai IshikawaYudai Ishikawa More articles by this author , Shohei FukudaShohei Fukuda More articles by this author , Hajime TanakaHajime Tanaka More articles by this author , Soichiro YoshidaSoichiro Yoshida More articles by this author , and Yasuhisa FujiiYasuhisa Fujii More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003339.10AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: While the artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) can significantly improve continence status, improved continence has been shown to worsen slightly over time. However, few studies have evaluated the trend in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) other than incontinence. The frequently used International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaires may not adequately assess LUTS due to a lack of queries regarding incontinence and pain. The Core LUTS Score (CLSS) allows for an overall assessment of LUTS, which addresses 10 important symptoms from the 25 defined by the International Continence Society standardization steering committee. The CLSS questionnaire was used to assess LUTS after AUS implantation, longitudinally. METHODS: The subjects were 19 male who underwent initial AUS implantation at Tokyo Medical and Dental University from 2018 to 2021. LUTS were assessed before AUS implantation as well as one month (early use) and 12 months (late use) after implantation. CLSS data was collected from 13 patients before implantation and 19 patients during early and late use. This study was approved by our ethics committee (approval number: #2018-157). RESULTS: The median age at surgery was 74 years. The causes of urinary incontinence were radical prostatectomy and benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery in 18 and one patient, respectively. All patients achieved social continence of ≤1 pad/day, and the quality of life index improved significantly from 5.6 to 1.8 (0: delighted to 6: terrible) in early use (p<0.001) in 13 patients with preoperative evaluations. The most bothersome symptom was urinary incontinence in 11 (85%) patients and frequent urination in 2 (15%) patients before use, while two in early use and four in late use listed incontinence-related symptoms. Longitudinal change between early and late use showed improvement in voiding and post-micturition symptoms. On the other hand, no apparent improvement in storage symptoms was observed (Figure 1). On late use, 3 (16%) were receiving medication for overactive bladder. CONCLUSIONS: Post AUS implantation, urinary incontinence distress decreased, and other LUTS became more prominent. There was no trend toward improvement of the storage symptoms over time, and pharmacotherapy should be adiministered as needed. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1018 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Yuma Waseda More articles by this author Minato Yokoyama More articles by this author Kasumi Yoshitomi More articles by this author Masaki Kobayashi More articles by this author Bo Fan More articles by this author Yuki Nakamura More articles by this author Motohiro Fujiwara More articles by this author Yudai Ishikawa More articles by this author Shohei Fukuda More articles by this author Hajime Tanaka More articles by this author Soichiro Yoshida More articles by this author Yasuhisa Fujii More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Pharmacotherapy for female nocturia

Background: In 2018, nocturia and nocturnal lower urinary tract function definitions were updated in a clinically and practically based consensus report by the International Continence Society Standardization Steering Committee. Previous research has suggested that the pathophysiology of nocturia has a multifactorial etiology, including obstructive sleep apnea, overactive bladder syndrome, diabetes mellitus, sleep disturbance, congestive heart failure, primary polydipsia, and other factors.Current Concepts: Three main mechanisms have been identified: low functional bladder capacity, nocturnal polyuria, and diurnal polyuria (24-hour polyuria). Multifactorial pathophysiology implies multiple possible targets for therapeutic intervention, and suggests that it is unlikely that one treatment modality, including drugs, will be successful in all patients. The bladder diary is the most important diagnostic tool.Discussion and Conclusion: Strong evidence supports the efficacy of desmopressin and continuous positive pressure breathing. Antimuscarinic drugs for treating nocturia display limited usefulness because of their low efficacy for nocturnal polyuria. Management of nocturia may require a multidisciplinary approach to visualization and phenotyping of patients for diagnosis and therapy.

An International Continence Society (ICS) report on the terminology for single‐use body worn absorbent incontinence products

In 2016, the International Continence Society (ICS) Standardization Steering Committee appointed a working group to address the confusing plethora of synonyms currently used to describe single-use body worn absorbent incontinence products by recommending preferred terminology. An online questionnaire was posted in 2016/17 inviting input from stakeholders internationally. The data were analyzed and conclusions progressively refined through working group discussions, an open meeting at the 2017 annual ICS conference, and a review of further iterations-including from the parent ICS Standardization Committee-until consensus was reached. Partway in, the International Organization for Standardization started a project with similar scope and the two organizations liaised to harmonize their conclusions while respecting each other's processes. A hundred people from 18 countries responded to the questionnaire. About a third (32.2%) of those declaring their nationality were from the UK and a further third (34.5%) from other English-speaking countries. Two-thirds (67.8%) lived in Europe; around a quarter (23%) in North America; and 9.2% in Australasia. Seven main design categories of products were identified and, while clear consensus was readily achieved in naming some of them, others required more work to determine the best term among multiple contenders. The working group concluded that the seven product design categories should be called: (a) pads; (b) unbacked pads; (c) male pads; (d) male pouches; (e) pull-on pads (protective underwear); (f) all-in-ones (wrap-around pads, adult briefs); and (g) belted pads (belted products), in which the bracketed terms are judged acceptable (though not preferred) alternatives.

The clinical features and predictive factors of nocturnal enuresis in adult men

ObjectivesTo characterise the clinical features and to discover predictive factors of adult males with nocturnal enuresis (NE).Patients and MethodsA total of 43 eligible adult male patients (mean age was 57.8 years) were recruited prospectively over a 2‐year period. After documentation of medical history, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaire‐male LUTS (ICIQ‐MLUTS), and a 3‐day ICIQ‐bladder diary (ICIQ‐BD). Video‐urodynamic studies (VUDS) were conducted conforming to the International Continence Society standards. Univariate and multivariate linear regressions were performed to determine potential predictive factors.ResultsPatients with NE had a variety of LUTS and had a high incidence of obesity and comorbidities. On the ICIQ‐BD, NE was associated with nocturnal polyuria (NP), reduced nocturnal bladder capacity (NBC), or a combination of both. Subgroup analysis indicated that patients with more frequent NE had: higher body mass index (BMI); more comorbidities; reduced daytime urinary frequency and urgency quality of life (QoL) sub‐scores; and increased stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and nocturnal bedwetting sub‐scores. Patients with reduced NBC only, had fewer NE episodes, while patients with NP, or with both NP and reduced NBC were more likely have frequent NE. Multivariate analysis confirmed that: BMI; neurogenic causes; sub‐scores of SUI QoL and bedwetting domain; the presence of reduced NBC, and both NP and reduced NBC; and bladder outlet obstruction, were all independent predictive factors for the severity of NE.ConclusionsNE n the adult male should be systemically assessed and treated, as obesity, neurogenic disorders, excessive urine production, bladder storage and emptying dysfunctions are risk factors. Bladder diaries and VUDS provide valuable information on potential pathophysiological causes, which could assist clinical evaluation and selection of focussed treatment.

Medications and Botulinum Toxin for Overactive Bladder

Previously published literature has estimated that approximately 16.5% of American adults have OAB, and up to 37% of OAB patients have concomitant urinary incontinence (OAB-wet). In fact, OAB is one the most common urologic disorders, accounting for more than 2 million physician office visits in the United States (2007). Nonneurogenic OAB is a symptom complex, which is defined by the International Continence Society standardization committee as urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia, in the absence of proven infection or other obvious pathology. Urgency with at least one other symptom is essential to diagnose OAB and is the cornerstone component of OAB. To date, there is a paucity of validated instruments to define urinary urgency, and therefore, the diagnosis of OAB is based on patient symptomatology. Diagnosis does not rely on urodynamic findings or characteristics and therefore a thorough history and physical examination are essential. Treatment for this nonsurgical condition is therefore aimed toward symptom control. This review provides the reader with a better understanding of the voiding cycle and available medical treatment options for nonneurogenic overactive bladder (OAB). This review contains 11 figures, 7 tables, and 90 references. Key Words: anticholinergic, β3 agonist, botulinum toxin, chemodenervation, cialis, intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA, micturation cycle, mirabegron, overactive bladder, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, urinary retention

Medications and Botulinum Toxin for Overactive Bladder

Previously published literature has estimated that approximately 16.5% of American adults have OAB, and up to 37% of OAB patients have concomitant urinary incontinence (OAB-wet). In fact, OAB is one the most common urologic disorders, accounting for more than 2 million physician office visits in the United States (2007). Nonneurogenic OAB is a symptom complex, which is defined by the International Continence Society standardization committee as urgency, with or without urgency incontinence, usually with frequency and nocturia, in the absence of proven infection or other obvious pathology. Urgency with at least one other symptom is essential to diagnose OAB and is the cornerstone component of OAB. To date, there is a paucity of validated instruments to define urinary urgency, and therefore, the diagnosis of OAB is based on patient symptomatology. Diagnosis does not rely on urodynamic findings or characteristics and therefore a thorough history and physical examination are essential. Treatment for this nonsurgical condition is therefore aimed toward symptom control. This review provides the reader with a better understanding of the voiding cycle and available medical treatment options for nonneurogenic overactive bladder (OAB). This review contains 11 figures, 7 tables, and 90 references. Key Words: anticholinergic, β3 agonist, botulinum toxin, chemodenervation, cialis, intradetrusor onabotulinumtoxinA, micturation cycle, mirabegron, overactive bladder, phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, urinary retention

Underactive bladder: A review of the current treatment concepts.

According to the International Continence Society standardization reports, underactive bladder (UAB) is a decrease in detrusor contraction and/or shortening of the contraction time, resulting in an incomplete and/or prolongation of the bladder emptying within the normal time frame. It has been indicated that idiopathic, neurogenic, myogenic, and iatrogenic factors play a role in the etiology. To make a diagnosis, it is absolutely necessary to perform a pressure-flow study. Treatment alternatives are generally based on the evacuation of the lower urinary tract, independent of the etiology. UAB treatments are listed under the headings of conservative methods and clean intermittent catheterization, pharmacotherapy (alpha-blockers, cholinesterase inhibitors, muscarinic agonists, prostaglandin E2, and acotiamide), surgical treatments (sacral nerve stimulation-electrical stimulation, injections into the external sphincter, surgeries to be performed for bladder outlet obstruction, reduction cystoplasty, and latissimus dorsi detrusor myoplasty), and stem cell and gene therapies. It is still controversial whether satisfactory success is achieved in the treatment of patients with UAB. Owing to the better understanding of the pathophysiology, future developments in the pharmaceutical industry, gene therapy, and biomedical applications are expected to close the gap in the treatment.

Basic concepts in nocturia, based on international continence society standards in nocturnal lower urinary tract function.

To review the recommendations on nocturia in the International Continence Society (ICS) Standardization documents, setting out key definitions and parameters for use in clinical practice. Definitions and evaluations described in the ICS Standards on Nocturia and Terminology for Lower Urinary Tract Function were identified and summarized. The terms have been divided into signs and symptoms. Nocturia as a symptom is waking at night to pass urine and as a sign is the number of times an individual passes urine during their main sleep period. Nocturnal polyuria as a symptom is passing large volumes of urine at night and as a sign is the excessive production of urine during the individual's main sleep period. These should be quantified using a 3-day bladder diary, thereby facilitating identification of 24-h polyuria, nocturnal polyuria, lower urinary tract dysfunction, or sleep disorder. The summary reflects the multifactorial influences in nocturia and provides a pragmatic insight into bladder diary analysis for deriving key parameters relevant to clinical therapy.

Fundamentals of urodynamic practice, based on International Continence Society good urodynamic practices recommendations.

To review the recommendations on basic urodynamic testing in the International Continence Society (ICS) standardization documents, specifying key recommendations for delivery and interpretation in clinical practice. Fundamental expectations described in the ICS standards on good urodynamic practices, urodynamic equipment, and terminology for lower urinary tract (LUT) function were identified and summarized. The ICS standard urodynamic protocol includes clinical history, including symptom and bother score(s), examination, 3-day voiding chart/diary, representative uroflowmetry with post-void residual, and cystometry with pressure-flow study (PFS). Liquid filled catheters are connected to pressure transducers at the same vertical pressure as the patient's pubic symphysis, taking atmospheric pressure as the zero value. Urodynamic testing is done to answer specific therapy-driven questions for treatment selection; provocations are applied to give the best chance of reproducing the problem during the test. Quality of recording is monitored throughout, and remedial steps taken for any technical issues occurring during testing. Labels are applied during the test to document events, such as patient-reported sensation, provocation tests, and permission to void. After the test, the pressure and flow traces are scrutinized to ensure artefacts do not confound the findings. An ICS standard urodynamic report details the key aspects, reporting clinical observations, technical, and quality issues. Urodynamic services must maintain and calibrate equipment according to manufacturer stipulations. The review provides a succinct summary of practice expectations for a urodynamic unit offering cystometry and pressure flow studies (PFS) to an appropriate standard.

Fundamentals of terminology in lower urinary tract function.

To summarize basic definitions in the International Continence Society (ICS) Standardization of Terminology in lower urinary tract (LUT) function and their application. Fundamental terminology in the ICS Standardization of Terminology LUT Function was identified and summarized. Evaluation of LUT requires appreciation of symptoms, signs and urodynamic observations. Symptoms are categorized according to their occurrence during the micturition cycle into storage symptoms (eg, increased daytime frequency [IDF], urgency, nocturia, or incontinence) or voiding and post-voiding symptoms (eg, slow stream or post micturition dribbling). Several problems may be present, giving rise to symptom syndromes, notably overactive bladder (during the storage phase) or underactive bladder (during the voiding phase). Signs may be derived from a bladder diary or may be elicited on physical examination. Urodynamic observations may be made by assessing flow rate, and this is combined with pressure measurement when undertaking filling cystometry and pressure flow studies. Key elements of flow and pressure measurement are described. The review provides a succinct summary of symptoms, signs, and urodynamic observations as set out in the ICS Standard on LUT Function.

The fundamentals of uroflowmetry practice, based on International Continence Society good urodynamic practices recommendations.

To review the recommendations on uroflowmetry in the International Continence Society (ICS) Standardization documents in order to identify a systematic approach to the delivery and interpretation of free flow rate testing in clinical practice. Expectations of service and good practice in uroflowmetry described in the ICS standards on Urodynamic Practice, Urodynamic Equipment, and Terminology for Lower Urinary Tract Function were identified and summarized. Urodynamic centers should provide a suitable uroflowmetry testing environment. Equipment should be calibrated and maintained according to manufacturer requirements. Patients should be well-informed in advance of the test. They should be advised to avoid: knocking the machine; allowing the stream to move; squeezing the urethra; and body movements. It is generally appropriate to get more than one flow trace for each patient. Voided volume should be representative for the patient, for example by comparing with values recorded on a Bladder Diary. Post void residual (PVR) should be measured soon after testing. After the test, the urodynamicist should review the trace and ensure maximum flow rate and end of micturition are correctly identified in case the equipment has inappropriately taken the values from a trace artefact. The summary provides a systematic approach to ensure a representative, high quality, non-invasive flow test is carried out for individual patients.

A commentary on expectations of healthcare professionals when applying the international continence society standards to basic assessment of lower urinary tract function.

The International Continence Society (ICS) has sustained a drive to improve the clinical assessment of lower urinary tract function for many years. Increasingly, healthcare professionals (HCPs) engage with the guidance, and patients benefit from the precision that results when their carers apply a sensible and logical approach to assessment. The current supplementary issue of Neurourology and Urodynamics (NAU) summarizes the fundamentals derived from major ICS initiatives, emphasizing what HCPs must know when dealing with these patients, regardless of the medical discipline in which they work. It also introduces the basics of urodynamics testing to trainees and HCPs who may refer patients for testing. In this editorial review we draw out some additional points of consideration. We emphasize the need to avoid using terms in a clinical context that could imply causative mechanism, until the mechanism has actually been identified. We caution against the use of severity thresholds, until there is proper data to justify their application for any given patient group. Finally, we provide a description of the philosophical basis of urodynamics testing, including videourodynamics. This commentary should be read in the context of the other articles provided in the NAU supplement.

The fundamentals of chronic pelvic pain assessment, based on international continence society recommendations.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is defined as a noncyclical pain that has duration of at least 6 months and can lead to decreased quality of life and physical performance. The pain can be attributed to problems in the pelvic organs and/or problems in related systems, and possible psycho-social attributes may contribute to the manifestation. Due to the complex nature, CPP syndromes are multifactorial and the terminology needs to reflect the setting. The current review is a synthesis of key aspects of the recent International Continence Society Standardization for Terminology in CPP Syndromes. Nine domains can be used for a detailed description of CPP. They include four domains specific to the pelvic organs (lower urinary tract, female genital, male genital, gastrointestinal), two related to other sources of pain which may be perceived in the pelvis (musculoskeletal, neurological) and three which may influence the response to the pain or its impact on the individual (psychological, sexual, and comorbidities). For an individual patient with CPP, each domain should be reviewed in terms of symptoms and signs, noting that positive findings could reflect either a primary cause or a secondary consequence. The findings will guide further evaluations and subsequent treatment. We present a synthesis of the standard for terminology in CPP syndromes in women and men, which serves as a systematic framework to consider possible sources of pain (pelvic organs or other sources) and the individual responses and impact.

A Modern Comparison of Urodynamic Findings in Diabetic Versus Nondiabetic Women.

Few contemporary studies exist regarding urodynamic (UDS) findings in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), and data are conflicting. Our aim was to compare UDS findings in women with and without DM. Data from female patients in a prospectively maintained UDS database (2010-2014) were reviewed. Studies were performed according to International Continence Society standards. Clinical data, presenting symptoms, and UDS findings were compared in women with and without DM, controlling for demographic and pertinent variables. There were 384 patients who met the inclusion criteria, of whom 88 (26%) had DM. Symptoms at presentation were not statistically different in women with and without DM. Women with DM had larger bladder capacity (mean, 493 mL vs 409 mL; P = 0.005) and had more detrusor underactivity (30% vs 18%, P = 0.042) when compared with nondiabetic women. Diabetic women were more frequently diagnosed as having impaired sensation, or lack of desire to void, at 75% of capacity (17% vs 5%, P = 0.001). In women with diabetes, a serum hemoglobin A1c level of at least 7.5% was associated with delayed first sensation and first urge. Diagnosis of DM of more than 10 years was associated with greater volume at first urge, and maximal capacity, lower detrusor pressures, and higher postvoid residual. In this contemporary series, women with DM demonstrated similar presenting complaints to women without DM but had significantly altered UDS findings. Among diabetic female patients, diabetes control and duration of diabetes seem to impact bladder sensation and contractility. Urodynamics may be helpful in diabetic female patients to diagnose underlying concealed bladder dysfunction before initiation of treatment.

An International Continence Society (ICS) report on the terminology for adult neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (ANLUTD).

The terminology for adult neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (ANLUTD) should be defined and organized in a clinically based consensus Report. This Report has been created by a Working Group under the auspices and guidelines of the International Continence Society (ICS) Standardization Steering Committee (SSC) assisted at intervals by external referees. All relevant definitions for ANLUTD were updated on the basis of research over the last 14 years. An extensive process of 18 rounds of internal and external review was involved to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus). A Terminology Report for ANLUTD, encompassing 97 definitions (42 NEW and 8 CHANGED, has been developed. It is clinically based with the most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different groups involved not only in lower urinary tract dysfunction but additionally in many other medical specialties. A consensus-based Terminology Report for ANLUTD has been produced to aid clinical practice and research.

Uroflowmetry in healthy women: A systematic review.

Although uroflowmetry is a widely used diagnostic test, reference values of uroflowmetry parameters in women are lacking making it difficult to interpret the test results. To quantify the range of results in uroflowmetry parameters in healthy women based on a systematic review. A search was made in the International Continence Society standardization articles, PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library (from inception to 27 February 2014). Studies on uroflowmetry in healthy women were included. The selected articles were examined using a critical appraisal process based on the QUADAS-2 tool and the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. Mean values of uroflowmetry parameters in healthy women (mean age 37.1 years) were: voided volume (VV) 338 ml (SD 161), maximum flow rate (Qmax) 23.5 ml/s (SD 10), average flow rate (Qave) 13 ml/s (SD 6), postvoid residual (PVR) 15.5 ml (SD 25), voiding time (VT) 29 sec (SD 17), and time to maximum flow rate (time to Qmax) 8 sec (SD 6). Qmax was dependent on VV. There was no clear relationship between Qmax and age, and no correlation between parity and Qmax. A normal shape of the uroflowmetry curve was seen in 70-80% of the flows. This systematic review provides an overview of the range of results of uroflowmetry parameters in healthy women. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:953-959, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

An integrative review of standardized clinical evaluation tool utilization in anticholinergic drug trials for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Study design:To review prospective and randomized trials studying anticholinergic therapy for neurogenic bladder in SCI to identify whether trials included standardized clinical evaluation tools and reporting measures now recognized to enhance clinical trial data.Methods:A systematic search via EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), HTA (Health Technology Assessment), CMR (Comprehensive Microbial Resource), HAPI (Health and Psychosocial Instruments) and PsycINFO using the key term spinal cord injury crossed with oxybutynin, tolterodine, darifenacin, solifenacin, fesoterodine, trospium chloride, propiverine, propantheline and anticholinergic(s) for 1946–2015 inclusive. We then collated whether standardized clinical tools, measures and descriptors were used within each study identified: American Spine Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale; symptom scores validated in SCI; technical methodology for urodynamics/video urodynamics; urinary diaries; and standardized urologic terminology.Results:A total of 1225 entries with 610 unique articles were identified, 14 randomized and 16 prospective studies. In 6/30 the population comprised SCI patients with neurogenic bladder alone; the remainder included mixed neurogenic etiologies. Classification using the ASIA impairment scale was used in <10% of studies; none used symptom scores validated in SCI; <50% reported urodynamic test methodology fully, incorporated urinary diaries or used International Continence Society Standardization Subcommittee urinary tract terminology.Conclusion:Integrative review of trials from 1946 to 2015 identified infrequent use of standardized clinical evaluation tools and reporting measures. Data from future trials evaluating therapies for neurogenic bladder would likely be more applicable to specific SCI patients if current standardized classification and descriptors now available were used consistently: for example, the ASIA scale, symptom scores validated in SCI, standardized urodynamic methodology, urinary diaries and urinary tract terminology. Studies recruiting SCI patients exclusively would also provide additional benefit.

Terminal dribbling in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms: relationship with International Prostate Symptom Score and with intravesical prostatic protrusion.

BackgroundTerminal dribbling is one of the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that has not been widely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between terminal dribbling (TD) and other parameters such as International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP).MethodsMedical records of male patients with LUTS aged 40 years and older were prospectively collected. Data regarding TD defined by the International Continence Society standardization subcommittee, IPSS, prostate-specific antigen, total prostate volume, and IPP on transrectal ultrasonography were obtained. TD was confirmed by the subsequent uroflowmetry (uroflowmetry-confirmed TD). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the parameters affecting TD and uroflowmetry-confirmed TD.ResultsAmong the 578 men, 226 patients (39.1 %) complained of TD and 157 patients (27.2 %) had objective findings of TD on uroflowmetry. In the logistic regression analysis, IPSS voiding subscore were correlated with TD (Odds ratio 1.06). In addition, IPP was the only significant risk factor for uroflowmetry-confirmed TD (Odds ratio 2.83). Each question of IPSS is not correlated with TD or uroflowmetry-confirmed TD.ConclusionsWhile the symptom of TD is well correlated with IPSS voiding subscore, objective evidence of TD on uroflowmetry had strong correlation with IPP. TD should be investigated further to reveal its clinical impact and guide a proper management.