Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Group Research Articles

Efficacy of GreenLight laser prostatectomy in urinary retention.

The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and durability of GreenLight laser prostatectomy for the management of acute urinary retention (AUR) and chronic urinary retention (CUR) and to determine outcomes compared to patients without preoperative urinary retention (UR). We conducted a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from individuals who underwent GreenLight laser prostatectomy at our institution from May 2018 to July 2022. Patient demographics and outcome measures were recorded, including indications for the procedure, median urinary volume drained, or median postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) before catheterization or GreenLight laser prostatectomy. CUR was defined as PVR >300 mL in males able to void and initial catheter drainage >1000 mL in males unable to void in the absence of pain. All patients had postoperative followup visits at one, three, six, and 12 months. Our evaluation included the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality-of-life (QoL) assessment, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), PVR, and catheter-free status. One hundred sixty-eight males who underwent GreenLight laser prostatectomy were included in our study. The UR group consisted of 88 patients (50 AUR and 38 CUR), and the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) group was comprised of 80 individuals. There were no statistically significant differences between the AUR and CUR subgroups regarding demographics. The UR group had a significantly higher age and a significantly higher postoperative catheterization time compared to the LUTS cohort. The CUR subgroup had a significantly higher PVR at one, three, and six months compared to the AUR subgroup, although other outcome measures were similar between the two cohorts. During three- and six-month followup visits, the UR group had a significantly higher PVR than the LUTS cohort. At 12 months postoperative, the LUTS group had a higher catheter-free rate than the UR group (p=0.001). The successful first trial of void (TOV) rate for the UR and LUTS groups were 83% and 80%, respectively. At 12-month followup, the catheter-free rate for the UR and LUTS cohorts was 87.5% and 100%, respectively. GreenLight laser prostatectomy is an effective and durable treatment for UR, with a high catheter-free rate and comparable outcomes when performed to manage LUTS.

Better timing for HoLEP: a retrospective analysis of patients treated with HoLEP over a 10-year period with a 1-year follow-up.

The aim of this study was to explore the optimal timing of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) in patients presenting benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A retrospective analysis was conducted based on the perioperative and postoperative outcome data of 1212 patients who underwent HoLEP in Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (Shanghai, China) between January 2009 and December 2018. According to the preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), all patients whom we analyzed were divided into Group A (IPSS of 8-18) and Group B (IPSS of 19-35). Peri- and postoperative outcome data were obtained during the 1-year follow-up. IPSS changes were the main postoperative outcomes. The postoperative IPSS, quality of life, peak urinary flow rate, postvoid residual, and overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS) improved significantly. The IPSS improved further in the group with severe LUTS symptoms, but the postoperative IPSS was still higher than that in the moderate LUTS group. OABSSs showing moderate and severe cases after follow-up were more frequent in Group B (9.1%) than in Group A (5.2%) (P < 0.05). There were no significant intergroup differences in the intraoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists or hospitalization expense scores, and the medication costs, as well as the total costs, were significantly higher in Group B. In this retrospective study, HoLEP was an effective treatment for symptomatic BPH. For patients with LUTS, earlier surgery in patients with moderate severity may result in a marginally better 12-month IPSS than that in men with severe symptoms.

Urodynamic risk factors of asymptomatic bacteriuria in men with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms.

To investigate the prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) in middle-aged and older men with non-neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and clarify urodynamic factors related to the presence of ASB. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of men with LUTS who underwent urine culture examination, LUTS severity assessment, and urodynamic studies. The patients were allocated into two groups (the ASB + LUTS and LUTS-only) according to presence or absence of ASB. The patients' characteristics and urodynamic factors related to the development of ASB were assessed using univariate, binomial logistic regression, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Of 440 men, 93 (21.1%) had ASB. Parameters related to voiding functions, such as maximum flow rate, post-void residual urine volume, bladder voiding efficiency (BVE), and bladder contractility index (BCI), were significantly reduced in the ASB + LUTS group, while bladder outlet obstruction index was not different between the groups. Binomial logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of diabetes, lower BCI, and lower BVE were significantly associated with the presence of ASB. In addition, ROC analysis identified 55% as the optimal cutoff value of BVE for the presence of ASB, with a sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 83%. ASB was found in > 20% of men with non-neurogenic LUTS and was associated with decreased bladder contractility and decreased BVE. BVE could predict presence of ASB with high sensitivity and specificity.

Clinical features and urodynamic findings in elderly men with chronic prostatitis.

To investigate the complication rate of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men with lower urinary tract symptoms, and to clarify their clinical features and urodynamic findings. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of treatment-naïve men with lower urinary tract symptoms. Patients were divided into two groups (chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome + lower urinary tract symptoms and lower urinary tract symptoms only) according to the presence or absence of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and the patient characteristics as well as the parameters of lower urinary tract symptoms and lower urinary tract function assessed by urodynamics were compared. The diagnostic criteria for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome included a complaint of pelvic pain for ≥3 months, National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index pain subscore ≥4, and negative culture of a urine specimen collected after prostate massage. Out of 386 men, 123 (31.9%) had chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Parameters of lower urinary tract symptoms and National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index scores were significantly higher in the chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome + lower urinary tract symptoms group. Although there were no significant intergroup differences in voiding parameters such as maximum flow rate and bladder outlet obstruction index, storage functions such as the incidence of detrusor overactivity and bladder compliance were significantly reduced in the chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome + lower urinary tract symptoms group. The multivariable regression analysis revealed that a low serum total testosterone level (<3.5 ng/mL), complications of hyperlipidemia, and presence of overactive bladder and detrusor overactivity were significantly associated with the development of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Chronic prostatitis causes a significant decrease in storage function, such as an increase in detrusor overactivity. Additionally, low serum testosterone levels and hyperlipidemia were found to be significantly associated with the development of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.

Association of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Based on the International Prostate Symptom Score and Cardiovascular Disease.

Because it is unclear whether lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the Japanese population, we explored the association in general Japanese men aged 55-75 years.Methods and Results:The cross-sectional study included male participants who had both national health checkup data and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) in the same calendar year between 2009 and 2017. LUTS severity was evaluated by IPSS. A robust Poisson regression model was used to assess the association between LUTS severity and the composite CVD outcome [coronary artery disease (CAD), stroke, or atrial fibrillation (AF)] and each component of the composite outcome. Prevalence ratio (PR) was adjusted for conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Of 16,781 male participants (mean age, 67±5 years), mild LUTS were observed in 9,243 (55.1%); moderate, 6,445 (38.4%); and severe, 1,093 (6.5%). Compared with the mild LUTS group, moderate LUTS [PR 1.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10-1.25, P<0.001] and severe LUTS (PR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24-1.53, P<0.001) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of CVD. LUTS severity was associated with higher prevalence of CAD and stroke, but not AF. The severity of LUTS was associated with a higher prevalence of CVD, especially CAD and stroke, independent of conventional CVD risk factors.

Prostate-specific antigen screening of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (opportunistic screening) and of asymptomatic men undergoing executive health check: an audit from two institutions.

Introduction:We evaluated incidence ofprostate-specific antigen (PSA) positivity (>4ng/mL) and cancer detection rate on prostate biopsy in two populations of men, one undergoing opportunistic testing for lower urinary tract symptoms and another during routine health checks.Methods:Data regarding PSA screening, rectal examination (RE), transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy, clinical stage, and risk assessment grouping according to NCCN guidelines were studied. Group A included patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) (opportunistic screening) at SGPGIMS, Lucknow and Group B included healthy men who had executive health check-up with PSA testing at Medanta the Medicity, Gurugram.Results:PSA positivity rate in 9906 symptomatic men for LUTS (Group A) and 24919 healthy men (Group B) was 28.4% and 3% respectively. In group A, PSA positivity rate was 28.4% but only around half of all men with an indication underwent a biopsy. Among men with PSA of 4–10 ng/mL, cancer was detected in 93 of 241 who underwent a biopsy (38.5%). In Group B, only 69 men (9.3% of those with an elevated PSA) underwent a prostate biopsy, of which 38/57 (with PSA of 4–10 had cancer. In Group A, the cancers was metastatic in 61.5% men, while none in-Group B had metastatic disease.Conclusion:Opportunistic screening and executive health check with PSA identifies a significant number of men with PSA positivity and may help decrease the proportion of men diagnosed in metastatic prostate cancer.

The relationship between anogenital distance and benign prostate hyperplasia-related lower urinary tract symptoms.

Anogenital distance (AGD) is the length between the genitals and anus which shows an androgenic activity in the evolution of the reproductive system in the uterine life. For prostatic evolution and development during the embryological stage, androgen exposure is required. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between AGD and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)-related lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A total of 70 patients who were admitted to our urology clinics with LUTS due to BPH (LUTS group) and 70 patients without LUTS (control group) were included. All patients were administered an International Prostate Symptom Score form. Data including height, weight, body mass index, total prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume and uroflowmetry Qmax values of all patients were evaluated. The AGD of the LUTS and control groups was measured. The mean AGDAS values of the LUTS group were significantly lower than the control group (p=.013). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean adjusted AGDAP values (p=.241). However, the mean adjusted AGDAS values were significantly lower in the LUTS group than the control group (p=.002). Our study results suggest that AGD may be a useful marker in BPH-related LUTS.

Do AB0 blood groups affect lower urinary tract symptoms?

The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a correlation between AB0 blood group antigens and Rhesus factor and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). A total of 556 male patients applying to our clinic with LUTS complaints from April 2012-2015 and complying with the study criteria were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups as those with (Group 1; n=283) and without LUTS (Group 2; n=273) complaints. The effect of blood groups on LUTS complaints was compared using univariate logistic regression analyzes. According to AB0 blood groups, blood groups A (56.7%) and AB (56.9%) were most common in the LUTS group. But 0 blood group (44.1%) was the least common. According to rhesus factor, the incidence of LUTS in Rh (+), and Rh (-) groups were 48.9%, and 66.7%, respectively. Compared to 0 blood group, the LUTS incidence was 1.65, and 1.66 times higher for individuals with blood groups A, and AB, respectively. The same risk increased 2.09 times for individuals with Rhesus factor negative. This study identified a correlation between AB0 blood group and Rhesus factor and LUTS. The risk of LUTS risk increased in individuals with blood group A Rh (). Additionally there was a clear risk increase observed for AB blood group, though this did not reach statistical significance.

Do Lifestyle Factors Affect Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms? Results from the Korean Community Health Survey.

PurposeTo evaluate the relationships between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and stress) in Korean men.MethodsWe analyzed the survey results of South Korean men (n=64,439) who were 40 years of age or older among whom interviews were conducted using questionnaires. Trained interviewers performed face-to-face surveys using computer-assisted personal interviewing, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and standard questions. We assessed the relationships of lifestyle factors (physical activity, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, height, weight, and stress) with LUTS.ResultsWe observed higher IPSS scores in participants who engaged in no exercise (n=46,008 [71.7%], IPSS=3.19±5.36) than in those who engaged in vigorous physical activity (n=10,657 [17.6%], IPSS=2.28±4.15). Former smokers showed higher total, storage, and voiding symptom IPSS scores than current smokers and nonsmokers. Nondrinkers had higher IPSS scores than current alcohol drinkers. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, we detected no relationship between LUTS and current alcohol drinking in the moderate and severe LUTS groups, using the mild LUTS group as a reference (moderate: 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91–0.91; P<0.001, severe: 0.78; 95% CI, 0.78–0.78; P<0.001). Participants with moderate to severe stress showed higher total IPSS scores than those with no or mild stress (3.38±5.77 vs. 2.88±4.90), with significant relationships between stress and LUTS found in the moderate and severe LUTS groups. In logistic regression analysis, stronger relationships were found for storage and voiding symptoms in the moderate and severe stress groups compared to the mild stress group.ConclusionsA history of smoking, low levels of physical activity, low body mass index, and moderate to severe stress were associated with a greater severity of LUTS. Moderate to severe stress was also related to voiding symptoms. However, there was no association between alcohol intake and LUTS severity.

Transurethral resection of prostate for acute urinary retention is linked to shorter survival in younger men.

It is largely unknown whether lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or acute retention of urine (AROU) is linked to shorter life expectancy in men. We conducted a multicenter, retrospective database analysis of patients undergoing transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) to study their relationships. Multivariate Cox regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier analysis with stratification to age and indication of TURP were performed. We further performed an age- and sex-matched survival analysis with the general population using data from the Census and Statistics Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong, China). From January 2002 to December 2012, 3496 patients undergoing TURP were included in our study, with 1764 patients in the LUTS group and 1732 patients in the AROU group. Old age, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular accident, and AROU were risk factors of mortality. Patients aged <70 years (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–2.09, P = 0.010) and 70–80 years (adjusted HR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.15–1.70, P = 0.001) in the AROU group had worse survival than those in the LUTS group, but such difference was not demonstrated in patients aged >80 years. Compared to the general population, younger patients in the LUTS group appeared to have better survival (<70 years, P = 0.091; 70–80 years, P = 0.011), but younger patients in the AROU group had worse survival (<70 years, P = 0.021; 70–80 years, P = 0.003). For patients aged >80 years, survival was similar with the general population in both the LUTS and AROU groups. In conclusion, AROU at young age was associated with mortality, while early detection and management of LUTS may improve survival.

Defining and discriminating responders from non-responders following transurethral resection of the prostate

Background: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the reference standard surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic enlargement. The aim of this study was to investigate the response rate following TURP in two distinctly different patient categories; men with bothersome LUTS and men in urinary retention (UR) requiring catheterisation.Methods: In total, 355 men underwent TURP due to LUTS or UR. Responders in the LUTS group were defined as having an International Prostate Symptom Score ≤7 or >50% loss compared to baseline, a Qmax ≥ 15 mL/s or >50% gain compared to baseline, a post-void residual ≤100 mL or a bother score ≤2. Patients fulfilling at least one out of the four criteria were defined as responders. In the UR group, responders were defined as being catheter-free at follow-up.Results: In total, 337 men remained for final analysis. The proportion operated on due to UR was 46%. In men with LUTS, the response rate was 95%. One in four were classified as excellent responders, fulfilling all four outcome criteria. Men with UR had a successful removal of the catheter after TURP prior to discharge in 77% of the cases and an additional 6% within 3 months, yielding a total response rate of 83%.Conclusion: TURP is a successful procedure in men with bothersome LUTS and in men with UR. Considering the difference regarding voiding outcomes in men operated on due to LUTS or UR, these groups should be analysed separately in future studies comparing TURP against newer treatment modalities.

Association of genetic polymorphisms in the pore domains of mechano-gated TREK-1 channel with overactive lower urinary tract symptoms in humans.

Mechanosensitivity of the urinary bladder is regulated by many factors including mechano-gated two-pore domain (K2 P, KCNK) potassium channels. TWIK-related K+ channel, TREK-1, is a predominantly expressed member of K2 P channel family in the human detrusor, and its expression and function are diminished in patients with overactive lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The changes in channel activity may result from spontaneously occurring gene mutations. The aim of this study was to compare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TREK-1 channel between patients with LUTS and healthy donors. Six SNPs (rs370266806, rs373919966, rs758937019, rs769301539, rs772497750, and rs775158737) in two pore domains of human TREK-1 gene were analyzed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assay with manufacturer-designed primers and allele-specific probes. The screening was done in control bladders and detrusor specimens from patients with overactive LUTS. Statistical analyses were performed using R, Fisher's exact test and Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Six SNPs in two pore domains of the human TREK-1 gene were analyzed in human bladder specimens. The frequencies of rs758937019-CT genotype (P = 0.0016) and rs758937019-T allele (P = 0.0022) were significantly higher in the group with overactive LUTS. There was no significant association of rs775158737-GA genotype and rs775158737-A allele with the overactive LUTS, though they were present only in the overactive LUTS group. Our results provide evidence that altered expression and function of TREK-1 channel in patients with overactive LUTS could be due to genetic polymorphisms in the pore domains of TREK-1 channel (rs758937019).

The Association between Male Asthma and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Evaluated by the International Prostate Symptom Score: A Population-Based Study

Objectives: We explored the association between asthma severity and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) using the International Prostate Symptom Score in a population-based study of males (aged ≥19 years) and evaluated voiding and urine storage symptoms. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 101,848 males, 2,544 of whom had asthma, who participated in the 2011 Korean Community Health Survey. All subjects were assessed in terms of sociodemographic data, pre-existing conditions, and the presence of LUTS. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for LUTS in asthmatics. Results: Urine storage symptoms (frequency, urgency, and nocturia) and voiding symptoms (straining, a weak stream, intermittency, and incomplete emptying) were significantly higher in the asthma group than in the non­asthma group (all p < 0.001). Moderate and severe LUTS were significantly more common in the asthma group (moderate, 24.3%; severe, 22.5%) than in the nonasthma group (moderate, 9.5%; severe, 2.9%). Compared to the mild LUTS group, the odds ratio (OR) for asthma was 2.21 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.99–2.46) in the moderate LUTS group, and 3.04 (95% CI 2.64–3.51) in the severe LUTS group. In a model evaluating multiple variables, the OR for asthma in the moderate LUTS group was 1.95 (95% CI 1.74–2.16) and that in the severe LUTS group was 2.17 (95% CI 1.87–2.53). Asthma was associated with both voiding and storage symptoms. Conclusions: Male asthma was associated with moderate-to-severe LUTS. More aggressive urological diagnosis and treatment are needed for patients with asthma.

Metabolomics Approach to Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: Identification of Possible Biomarkers and Potential Targets for New Treatments

We identified metabolites using a metabolomics approach and investigated the association between these metabolites and lower urinary tract symptoms. We used a 24-hour bladder diary and I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) to assess micturition behavior and lower urinary tract symptoms in 58 male patients without apparent neurological disease. Lower urinary tract symptoms were defined as a total I-PSS score of 8 or greater. Patients with a score of 7 or less were placed in the control group. A comprehensive study of plasma metabolites was also performed by capillary electrophoresis time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Metabolites were compared between the lower urinary tract symptoms and control groups using the Mann-Whitney Utest. Biomarkers of male lower urinary tract symptoms from the metabolites were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine theOR. Of the 58 men 32 were in the lower urinary tract symptoms group and the remaining 26 were in the control group. The 24-hour bladder diary showed that nocturnal urine volume, 24-hour micturition frequency, nocturnal micturition frequency and the nocturia index were significantly higher in the lower urinary tract symptoms group. Metabolomics analysis identified 60 metabolites from patient plasma. Multivariate analysis revealed that increased glutamate and decreased arginine, asparagine and inosine monophosphate were significantly associated with lower urinary tract symptoms in males. Decreases in citrulline and glutamine could also be associated with male lower urinary tract symptoms. Male lower urinary tract symptoms may develop due to abnormal metabolic processes in some pathways. Potential new treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms can be developed by identifying changes in the amino acid profiles.

Association of increased urine brain derived neurotrophic factor with lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Urinary brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an ubiquitous neurotrophin, was found to rise in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We hypothesized that the urinary level of BDNF could be a potential biomarker for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with BPH. Totally, 76 patients with BPH-caused LUTS and 32 male control subjects without BPH were enrolled. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) was applied to assess the symptom severity of LUTS. Urodynamic tests were performed for the diagnosis of underlying detrusor overactivity (DO) in the patients with BPH. Urine samples were collected from all subjects. Urinary BDNF levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and normalized by urinary creatinine (Cr) levels. Seventy-six BPH patients were divided into moderate LUTS group (n=51, 7<IPSS≤20) and severe LUTS group (n=25, IPSS>20) according to the IPSS. Of the 76 BPH patients, DO was present in 34 (44.7%) according to the urodynamic test. The urinary BDNF/Cr levels were significantly higher in BPH patients with moderate LUTS (8.29±3.635, P<0.0001) and severe LUTS (11.8±6.44, P<0.0001) than normal controls (1.71±0.555). Patients with severe LUTS tended to have higher urinary BDNF/Cr levels than patients with moderate LUTS (11.8±6.44 vs. 8.29±3.635, P=0.000). The conditions of BPH with LUTS correlated with elevated urinary BDNF levels, and urinary BDNF levels were even higher in BPH-DO patients. The results of this study have provided evidence to suggest that urinary BDNF level test could evaluate the severity of LUTS in BPH patients, and BDNF level can be used as a biomarker for the diagnosis of DO in BPH patients.

Sociodemographic Factors Related to Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Men: A Korean Community Health Survey.

PurposeThis study estimated the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in Korean men and the conditions for being diagnosed with or treated for LUTS/benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional data collected from 69,851 Korean men who were 40 years of age or older and had participated in the Korean Community Health Survey performed in 2011. Interviewers performed face-to-face surveys that included sociodemographic questions, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and questions regarding whether the subjects had been diagnosed with or treated for LUTS/BPH. We estimated the prevalence of LUTS and assessed whether the subjects had been diagnosed with or treated for LUTS/BPH. ResultsModerate to severe LUTS, storage symptoms, and voiding symptoms increased with age. The IPSS quality of life score was 1.5±0.004 in the mild LUTS group (n=57,701), 3.3±0.01 in the moderate LUTS group (n=9,203), and 4.3±0.02 in the severe LUTS group (n=2,947) (P<0.0001). The prevalence of moderate to severe LUTS in those who had not been diagnosed with LUTS/BPH was 64.5% (7,847 of 12,150), and the prevalence of moderate to severe LUTS in those who had been diagnosed with LUTS/BPH but had not been treated was 23.5% (2,853 of 12,150). ConclusionsThe severity of LUTS in Korean men increased with age, and the IPSS quality of life score increased with the severity of LUTS. Many Korean men with moderate to severe LUTS had not been diagnosed or treated for LUTS/BPH. Socioeconomic conditions played an important role in health-seeking behavior among patients with LUTS/BPH.

Relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and cardiovascular risk scores including Framingham risk score and ACC/AHA risk score.

This study attempted to investigate the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and CVD risk scores and to overcome the limitations of previous relevant studies. A total of 2994 ostensibly healthy males, who participated in a voluntary health check in a health promotion center from January 2010 to December 2014, were reviewed. CVD risk scores were calculated using Framingham risk score and American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) score. Correlation and multivariate logistic regression analysis to predict the CVD risk severity were performed. Correlation between total IPSS with CVD risk scores demonstrated significant positive associations, which showed higher correlation with ACC/AHA score than the Framingham score (r = 0.18 vs 0.09, respectively). For ACC/AHA score, the partial correlation after adjustment of body mass index (BMI) showed significant positive correlations between all LUTS parameters and PSA. For the Framingham score, all variables, except IPSS Q2 and IPSS Q6, showed significant positive correlations. After adjustment of BMI, prostate volume and PSA, only the severe LUTS group showed significant relationship with intermediate-high CVD risk severity, as compared with normal LUTS group (OR = 2.97, 95%CI (1.35-6.99)). Using two validated CVD risk calculators, we observed that LUTS is closely associated with future CVD risk. To predict the intermediate-high CVD risk severity, severe LUTS was a sentinel sign, the presence of which warrants the importance of an earlier screening for CVD.

Is There Any Difference Between Questionnaires on Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction?

To investigate the diagnostic properties of 3 different scoring systems (Dysfunctional Voiding Symptom Score [DVSS], Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Symptoms Score [DVISS], Incontinence Symptom Index-Pediatric [ISI-P, for children older than 11 years]) that are used to evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms in pediatric population. Eighty-four participants were evaluated by detailed history, physical examination, 3 different scoring systems (DVSS, DVISS, ISI-P), ultrasonography, and uroflowmetry. Depending on the tests, cases were stratified as healthy or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) by 2 urologists who were blinded to the questionnaires. Patients were reevaluated by the same tests and questionnaires 3 months after treatment. Diagnostic properties of questionnaires were calculated. Additionally, parents were asked to scale the improvement of symptoms subjectively from 0% to 100% to correlate to each of the three scoring systems. The mean ages of the normal and the LUTS groups were 9.1 ± 2.6 years and 10.1 ± 2.8 years, respectively (P = .301). Gender (male:female) distribution was 21:21 in the LUTS group and 25:17 in the control group (P = .381). In terms of diagnosis, DVISS has the highest accuracy (sensitivity: 81%, specificity: 97.6%, accuracy: 89%) followed by ISI-P (sensitivity: 55.6%, specificity: 100%, accuracy: 82%) and DVSS (sensitivity: 54.8%, specificity: 97.6%, accuracy: 76%). The similar order was valid for the 23 patients older than 11 years (accuracy for DVISS: 87%, for ISI-P: 82%, and for DVSS: 78%). In terms of response to treatment, all 3 tests showed good correlation with parents' ratings (DVSS: P < .001, DVISS: P = .005, ISI-P: P = .042). Although DVISS had the highest accuracy in distinguishing the patients from healthy controls, all 3 questionnaires seem to be equivalent for the evaluation of response to treatment.

Vitamin D deficiency and lower urinary tract symptoms in males above 50 years of age.

Context:Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) in elderly males are usually related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in the majority of cases. It is estimated that BPH affects half of men above the age of 50 years. Recently, a relationship between Vitamin D deficiency and LUTS in elderly males has been reported.Aims:The aim of this study was to analyze Vitamin D levels in males aged above 50 years presenting with LUTS.Settings and Design:This is a prospective case–control study.Patients and Methods:This was a case–control study in which males above 50 years of age who presented with LUTS (Group A) were compared with a control group (Group B) without LUTS. Both groups were investigated regarding Vitamin D level, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS), prostate size, flow rate, serum calcium levels, and abdominal ultrasonography.Statistical Analysis Used:Statistical software package (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for the statistical analyses, performing t-test for quantitative data to compare between the two groups. Pearson's correlation coefficient “r” test was calculated between two quantitative, continuous variables in Group A. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:A total of 150 patients were studied. There were 70 and 80 patients in Groups A and B, respectively. The mean age of Group A patients was 60.32 ± 11.93 years versus 58.12 ± 10.55 years for Group B patients (P > 0.05). The mean value of Vitamin D level was 40.82 ± 29.46 nmol/L in Group A and 70.25 ± 22.42 nmol/L in Group B (P < 0.001). The mean value of prostate size was 50.12 ± 23.24 g in Group A and 30.68 ± 4.90 g in Group B (P < 0.001). The mean serum calcium level was 2.4 ± 0.14 mmol/L and 2.50 ± 0.15 mmol/L in Groups A and B, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean value of PSA in Group A was 2.24 ± 1.95 ng/ml versus 2.11 ± 0.45 ng/ml in Group B (P < 0.001). The mean value of IPSS in Group A was 13.38 ± 5.32 ml/s versus 3.41 ± 2.42 ml/s in Group B. The mean value of Q max in uroflowmetry in Group A was 11.5 ± 2 ml/s versus 15.4 ± 1 ml/s in Group B.Conclusions:Men older than 50 years of age with LUTS have lower levels of Vitamin D compared to men without LUTS.

Perirenal fat stranding on CT: is there an association with bladder outlet obstruction?

To determine the association between perirenal fat stranding (PFS) on CT and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). CT scans from 122 patients who had undergone urodynamic study for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were registered after exclusion of patients with renal or retroperitoneal disease. Images were independently reviewed by two radiologists and compared with those of 244 age- and sex-matched control patients without LUTS. The PFS severity was scored on a four-point scale, and the interobserver agreement was assessed with kappa statistics. The severity score and incidence was compared between the groups, and the association with baseline characteristics was analyzed. For the LUTS group, an association between PFS severity and urodynamic and laboratory data was evaluated. PFS was more frequent and more severe in the LUTS group than in the control group (p-value < 0.001); its presence was significantly associated with male gender and older age (p-value < 0.001). PFS was predominantly bilateral in both groups (80.1-93.2%). In the LUTS group, PFS severity scores were significantly correlated with the maximum flow rate, maximum detrusor pressure and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p-value < 0.001). Interobserver agreements were excellent for PFS presence (κ = 0.883) and severity (κ = 0.816). Severe PFS was observed in older, male patients with LUTS. PFS severity was associated with the degree of BOO and impaired renal function. Recognition of PFS on the CT scan may warrant further evaluation of BOO and appropriate management to prevent renal impairment.