International Prostate Symptom Score

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The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is an eight-question written screening tool used to screen for, rapidly diagnose, track the symptoms of, and suggest management of the lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Contents

It contains seven questions related to symptoms related to BPH and one question related to the patient's perceived quality of life. Created in 1992 by the American Urological Association, it originally lacked the eighth quality of life question, hence its original name: the American Urological Association symptom score (AUA-7). [1] World Health Organization International Consultation on BPH adopted the "eight question" index and labeled it the IPSS. [2]

IPSS score (out of 35)
ScoreCorrelation
0-7Mildly symptomatic
8-19Moderately symptomatic
20-35Severely symptomatic

The seven questions relating to symptoms experienced in the last month include feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, frequency of urination, intermittency of urine stream, urgency of urination, weak stream, straining and waking at night to urinate. [1]

The IPSS was designed to be self-administered by the patient, with speed and ease in mind. Hence, it can be used in both urology clinics as well as the clinics of primary care physicians (i.e. by general practitioners) for the screening and diagnosis of BPH. [1]

Additionally, the IPSS can be performed multiple times to compare the progression of symptoms and their severity over months and years. [1]

In addition to diagnosis and charting disease progression, the IPSS is effective in helping to determine treatment for patients. [1]

Scoring

The symptoms must have been experienced in the last month and each answer is scored from 0 to 5 for a maximum score of 35 points. [1]

The first six questions are scored based on the following: [1]

0Not at all
1Less than 1 time in 5
2Less than half the time
3About half the time
4More than half the time
5Almost always

The seventh question, relating to nocturia, is scored from 0 to 5 based on how many times the patient gets up at night to urinate (viz. 1 is scored for one time per night and 5 for five times per night). [1]

The eighth, and final question (not included in the main IPSS score), relating to the patient's perceived quality of life, is assigned a score of 0 (delighted) to 6 (terrible). [3]

Mnemonic

The mnemonic "FUN WISE" can be used to remember the seven questions relating to symptoms of BPH. They are as follows:

FFrequency
UUrgency
NNocturia
WWeak stream
IIntermittency
SStraining
ESensation of incomplete emptying

Standardisation

In research, the IPSS is used to standardise patients' complaints and symptoms. However, a meta-analysis on the subject of the influence of position (whether standing or sitting) on urodynamics (that is, on tests of how completely the bladder, sphincter and urethra store and release urine) noted that, in most cases, physicians either did not use the IPSS, or did not use it adequately. [4]

Related Research Articles

Benign prostatic hyperplasia Noncancerous increase in size of the prostate gland

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate enlargement, is a noncancerous increase in size of the prostate gland. Symptoms may include frequent urination, trouble starting to urinate, weak stream, inability to urinate, or loss of bladder control. Complications can include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and chronic kidney problems.

Hematuria Medical condition

Hematuria or haematuria is defined as the occurrence of blood or red blood cells in the urine. The word hematuria is derived from Greek haima (αἷμα) "blood" and ouron (οὖρον) "urine". Hematuria can be visible to the naked eye and may appear red or brown, or it can be microscopic. The origin of the blood that enters and mixes with the urine can arise from any anatomical site within the urinary system, including the kidney, ureter, urinary bladder, and urethra, and in men, the prostate. Common causes of hematuria include urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, viral illness, trauma, bladder cancer, and exercise. The underlying causes of hematuria can be divided into glomerular and non-glomerular causes, referring to the involvement of the glomerulus of the kidney. Notably, not all red urine is hematuria. Other substances such as certain medications and foods can cause urine to appear red. Menstruation in women may also cause the appearance of hematuria and may result in a positive urine dipstick test for hematuria. Additionally, a urine dipstick test may be falsely positive for hematuria due to other substances in the urine such as myoglobin during rhabdomyolysis. A positive urine dipstick test should be confirmed with microscopy, where hematuria is defined by three of more red blood cells per high power field. When hematuria is detected, a thorough history and physical examination with appropriate further evaluation can help determine the underlying cause.

Dysuria refers to painful or difficult urination.

Urinary retention Inability to completely empty the bladder

Urinary retention is an inability to completely empty the bladder. Onset can be sudden or gradual. When of sudden onset, symptoms include an inability to urinate and lower abdominal pain. When of gradual onset, symptoms may include loss of bladder control, mild lower abdominal pain, and a weak urine stream. Those with long-term problems are at risk of urinary tract infections.

Transurethral resection of the prostate Surgical procedure to perform a prostatectomy

Transurethral resection of the prostate is a urological operation. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the name indicates, it is performed by visualising the prostate through the urethra and removing tissue by electrocautery or sharp dissection. It has been the standard treatment for BPH for many years, but recently alternative, minimally invasive techniques have become available. This procedure is done with spinal or general anaesthetic. A triple lumen catheter is inserted through the urethra to irrigate and drain the bladder after the surgical procedure is complete. Outcome is considered excellent for 80–90% of BPH patients. The procedure carries minimal risk for erectile dysfunction, moderate risk for bleeding, and a large risk for retrograde ejaculation.

Urinary tract obstruction is a urologic disease consisting of a decrease in the free passage of urine through one or both ureters and/or the urethra. It is a cause of urinary retention. Complete obstruction of the urinary tract requires prompt treatment for renal preservation. Any sign of infection, such as fever and chills, in the context of obstruction to urine flow constitutes a urologic emergency.

Alfuzosin

Alfuzosin, sold under the brand name Uroxatral among others, is a medication of the α1 blocker class. It is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Alpha-1 blockers constitute a variety of drugs that block the effect of catecholamines on alpha-1-adrenergic receptors. They are mainly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), hypertension and post-traumatic stress disorder. Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors are present in vascular smooth muscle, the central nervous system, and other tissues. When alpha blockers bind to these receptors in vascular smooth muscle, they cause vasodilation.

Nocturia is defined by the International Continence Society (ICS) as “the complaint that the individual has to wake at night one or more times for voiding .” The term is derived from Latin nox, night, and Greek [τα] ούρα, urine. Causes are varied and can be difficult to discern. Although not every patient needs treatment, most people seek treatment for severe nocturia, waking up to void more than 2–3 times per night.

Post-void dribbling occurs when urine remaining in the urethra after voiding the bladder slowly leaks out after urination. A common and usually benign complaint, it may be a symptom of urethral diverticulum, prostatitis and other medical problems.

Overactive bladder Condition where a person has a frequent need to urinate

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a condition where there is a frequent feeling of needing to urinate to a degree that it negatively affects a person's life. The frequent need to urinate may occur during the day, at night, or both. If there is loss of bladder control then it is known as urge incontinence. More than 40% of people with overactive bladder have incontinence. Conversely, about 40% to 70% of urinary incontinence is due to overactive bladder. Overactive bladder is not life-threatening, but most people with the condition have problems for years.

Saw palmetto extract is an extract of the fruit of the saw palmetto. It is marketed as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, but there is no clinical evidence that it is effective for this purpose.

Prostatic stent Type of stent

A prostatic stent is a stent used to keep open the male urethra and allow the passing of urine in cases of prostatic obstruction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Prostatic obstruction is a common condition with a variety of causes. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common cause, but obstruction may also occur acutely after treatment for BPH such as transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA), transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), prostate cancer or after radiation therapy.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) refer to a group of clinical symptoms involving the bladder, urinary sphincter, urethra and, in men, the prostate. Although LUTS is a preferred term for prostatism, and is more commonly applied to men, lower urinary tract symptoms also affect women.

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Urologic diseases or conditions include urinary tract infections, kidney stones, bladder control problems, and prostate problems, among others. Some urologic conditions do not affect a person for that long and some are lifetime conditions. Kidney diseases are normally investigated and treated by nephrologists, while the specialty of urology deals with problems in the other organs. Gynecologists may deal with problems of incontinence in women.

Urodynamic testing

Urodynamic testing or urodynamics is a study that assesses how the bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. Urodynamic tests can help explain symptoms such as:

Overflow incontinence Medical condition

Overflow incontinence is a form of urinary incontinence, characterized by the involuntary release of urine from an overfull urinary bladder, often in the absence of any urge to urinate. This condition occurs in people who have a blockage of the bladder outlet, or when the muscle that expels urine from the bladder is too weak to empty the bladder normally. Overflow incontinence may also be a side effect of certain medications.

Prostatic artery embolization Non-surgical technique for treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy

Prostatic artery embolization is a developing non-surgical technique for treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Although there is increasing research on PAE, use of the technique remains at an incipient stage.

Surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia Type of surgery

If medical treatment is not effective, surgery may need to be performed for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at Urological Sciences Research Foundation. Retrieved November 2011
  2. Cockett, A. T. K. (1992). The International Consultation on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. 1991 : Paris, France: World Health Organization. ISBN   2905744111.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location (link)
  3. "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-02-09. Retrieved 2015-04-11.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  4. de Jong, Y; Pinckaers, JH; ten Brinck, RM; Lycklama à Nijeholt, AAB; Dekkers, OM (2014). "Urinating Standing versus Sitting: Position Is of Influence in Men with Prostate Enlargement. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis". PLOS ONE. 9 (7): e101320. Bibcode:2014PLoSO...9j1320D. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101320 . PMC   4106761 . PMID   25051345.