Analysis and reliability of data from 24-hour frequency-volume charts in men with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objectives: The aims of this study were to analyse the data from frequency- volume charts and to study the reliability of these charts in men with lowe r urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), Methods: Males with LUTS due to BPH were consecutively included in the stud y if they met the criteria of the International Consensus Committee on BPH, voided more than 150 ml during uroflowmetry, residual volume and prostate size were estimated and frequency-volume charts were completed correctly. F rom the frequency-volume charts, voiding habits and fluid intake were evalu ated. Results: 160 patients could be included. Another 28 patients who met all ot her criteria did not complete the frequency-volume charts correctly. Agreem ent exists between reported voided volumes in the literature and those foun d by us. We found a significant correlation (p<0.001) between nycturia and score on symptom question 7, and between diuria and score on symptom questi on 2 of the AUA symptom index. The difference between results obtained from frequency-volume charts completed during 24 h and those obtained from char ts completed during three or more 24-hour periods was negligible with respe ct to the variation of data at an individual level. Conclusion: Frequency-volume charts are reliable in the investigation of pa tients with LUTS due to BPH. Reporting on frequency-volume charts during ju st 24 h is sufficient to gain insight into their voiding habits during norm al daily life. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.