Reproducibility and reliability of pressure flow parameters in women.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of pressure flow parameters in women.


METHODS
A prospective study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral unit in a London teaching hospital.


METHODS
Urodynamic traces of 621 women were studied to assess the reproducibility and reliability of pressure flow parameters.


METHODS
Women with lower urinary tract symptoms were studied prospectively. Opening detrusor pressure (ODP), detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate P(detQ(max)), maximum flow rate (Q(max)) and closure detrusor pressure (CDP) were measured by the same observer twice, one week apart. Pressure flows were compared using different media for filling (saline and contrast). All parameters were also measured in nine women from multiple voids during ambulatory urodynamics to assess their reproducibility and finally were remeasured by a second observer.


RESULTS
There was good intra-observer agreement for all pressure flow parameters except detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate and good inter-observer agreement for opening detrusor pressure, closure detrusor pressure and detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate. There was no significant difference between parameters using saline or contrast (P > 0.05, independent samples t test).


CONCLUSIONS
Pressure flow parameters appear to be reproducible and consistent urodynamic measurements in women.
Digesu
G Alessandro
GA
Urogynaecology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK.
Hutchings
Anna
A
Salvatore
Stefano
S
Selvaggi
Luigi
L
Khullar
Vik
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014554:Urination / Q000502:physiology*; D014563:Urodynamics