Variability of the International Prostate Symptom Score in men with lower urinary tract symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
The variability of the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) was tested in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by comparing questionnaire results obtained in the physician's office and, 1 week later, in the patient's home.


METHODS
A total of 210 consecutive men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) completed the I-PSS questionnaire in the physician's office. One week later the questionnaire was mailed to each patient's home, completed by the patient and then returned. Scores were compared specifically in terms of clinically significant differences defined by a total symptom score difference of > or = 6 points and/or a difference of > or = 2 points in the quality-of-life (QOL) measure.


RESULTS
The mean patient age was 67 years. Questionnaires were completed and returned by 127/210 (60%) men. Pearson's correlation coefficient for the I-PSS and QOL results was 0.81 and 0.74, respectively. Clinically significant differences in results were seen in 33/127 (26%) patients. When grouping patients into mild, moderate and severe symptom categories based on the I-PSS results, 31/127 (24%) changed categories when comparing "office" and "home" results.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinically significant variations in I-PSS and QOL results may exist and may affect treatment decisions in > 25% of men.
O'Connor
R Corey
RC
Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, The University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. CoreyOC@aol.com
Bales
Gregory T
GT
Avila
Desiderio
D
Gerber
Glenn S
GS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D007391:International Cooperation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D010824:Physicians' Offices; D011467:Prostate / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D014570:Urologic Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology*