Relationship between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and International Prostatic Symptom Score

Abstract

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most common prostatic pathology and its incidence has accelerated recently [1]. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is diagnosed histologically as enlargement of mucosal and sub mucosal glands with the proliferation of prostatic stroma occurring within the prostatic transition zone [2]. BPH compresses the urethra resulting in anatomic benign prostatic obstruction and may present as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The prevalence of LUTS  can be progressive in the aging male [3]. LUTS associated with BPH usually affects 45% of males in their 50s, and 80% of males are affected by LUTS in their 70s [4]. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is not a life threatening condition, but has negative impact on a patient’s quality of life as evidenced in community and clinical studies [5]. Obstruction related LUTS that develops in BPH occurs as a result of dynamic and static components [6]. In order to evaluate the BPH\LUTS American Urology Association devised a scoring system called AUASI (American Urological Association Symptom Index) which consists of six questions and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is based on seven questions and their answers concerning urinary symptoms [7]. Data Selection: Literature published during 2008-2014 were selected for review from cross-sectional and cohort studies. Data Extraction: Data was collected and assembled from NCBI, Google Scholar, journals of Radiology and Urology. Conclusion: The accurate assessment of LUTS plays a pivotal role in the interpretation of benign prostatic hyperplasia therefore, the authenticity of symptom scores is crucially important. International prostatic symptom score is the paradigm questionnaire for subjective evaluation of symptoms of the lower urinary tract [8]. The IPSS and IPSS quality of life (QoL) questionnaire can be an important tool for the diagnosis of BPH.