Comparison of a Visual Prostate Symptom Score and International Prostate Symptom Score: A Prospective Multicenter Study and Literature Review.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the correlation between Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and uroflowmetry parameters in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with literature review.

METHODS

Patients were pooled from 4 different urology clinics in Turkey and divided into 3 groups according to their educational level. The scores of IPSS and the VPSS questionnaire, assistance requirement, and completion time of the questionnaires were recorded. Maximum flow rate (Q) and average flow rate (Q) were determined with uroflowmetry test and the results are recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 342 patients were evaluated (group 1, n = 168; group 2, n = 108; group 3, n =66). Median age of all groups was 61 (40-89). There was a significantly higher rate of the completion of VPSS than IPSS without assistance in total (P < .001). Educational level was not found as an independent factor with assistance requirement to complete VPSS while university educational level was found as an independent factor to complete IPSS (odds ratio = 9.735, P < .001).There was a significantly lower completion time for VPSS in all groups when compared to IPSS (P < .001 for all groups). Significant positive correlations were found between VPSS and IPSS questions (P < .001). There were significant negative correlations between total score and weak stream question of VPSS and Q and Q, separately (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

VPSS can be more practical than IPSS to evaluate LUTS in men with low educational levels and/or in large populations. Some modifications are needed to increase the availability of VPSS.