Visual Prostate Symptom Score versus International Prostate Symptom Score with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51985/Keywords:
Benign prostatic enlargement, Internal prostate scoring system, Visual prostate scoring symptomAbstract
bjective: Benign prostatic enlargement is a common issue in ageing men, causing significant lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This study compares the effectiveness of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the Visual Prostate Symptom Score (VPSS) in assessing LUTS severity among BPH patients in Pakistan, focusing on ease of use, symptom grading, and correlation with uroflowmetry results.
Study design and setting: Prospective observational study conducted at the OPD of Urology, Gujranwala Teaching Hospital and Gujranwala Medical College Teaching Hospital, from April 24 to September 24.
Methodology: A total of 220 patients over 40 years with LUTS completed IPSS and VPSS assessments, with time taken recorded. Uroflowmetry (Qmax), post-void residual volume (PVRV), and bladder wall thickness were measured before and after one month of á-blocker therapy. Data were analysed using paired t-test, Pearson’s correlation, and chi-square test to evaluate association.
Results: VPSS took 3-4 minutes for those with primary education, compared to 8-10 minutes for IPSS. Symptom severity grading between IPSS andVPSS showed positive correlation (r = 0.582, P< 0.001). VPSS scores showed significant correlation with post-treatment improvements in Q max, bladder wall thickness and improvement in PMRV after treatment, confirming its reliability in symptom assessment and treatment monitoring.
Conclusion: VPSS is a reliable, quicker alternative to IPSS, especially for populations with lower literacy. It correlates well with symptom severity and treatment outcomes, making it suitable for broader clinical use in diverse settings.
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