title: Quantification of vaginal support: are continuous summary scores better than POPQ stage?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This analysis compared 3 continuous variables as summary support loss (SL) scores with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) quantification (POPQ) ordinal stages.
  
  
  METHODS
  We used pooled baseline data from 1141 subjects in 3 randomized trials (CARE, n = 322; OPUS, n = 380; ATLAS, n = 439) to test 3 SL measures. The relative responsiveness was assessed using the standardized response mean of 2-year outcome data from the CARE trial.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Each SL measure was strongly correlated with POPQ ordinal staging; the single most distal POPQ point had the strongest correlation. Improvements in anatomic support were weakly correlated with improvements in POP Distress Inventory (r = 0.17-0.24; P < .01 for each) but not with changes in POP Impact Questionnaire for all measures of SL or POPQ stage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While continuous, single number summary measures compared favorably to ordinal POPQ staging system, the single most distal POPQ point may be preferable to POPQ ordinal stages to summarize or compare group data.
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Urology, Loyola University, Chicago, IL, USA.
authors: Linda
authors: L
authors: Brubaker
authors: Matthew D
authors: MD
authors: Barber
authors: Ingrid
authors: I
authors: Nygaard
authors: Charlie W
authors: CW
authors: Nager
authors: Edward
authors: E
authors: Varner
authors: Joseph
authors: J
authors: Schaffer
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Visco
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Meikle
authors: Cathie
authors: C
authors: Spino
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D056887:Pelvic Organ Prolapse; D011788:Quality of Life; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires