Diagnosis of chronic prostatitis

The new classification of prostatitis syndromes by the National Institutes of Health clearly defines the diagnostic criteria for categorization accord ing to the clinical symptoms. In addition to the validated symptom scores, the four-glass test demonstrating increased numbers of leukocytes and/or ba cteria serves for differentiating between the symptoms. Increased levels of leukocytes and/or increased bacterial count in expressed prostatic excreti on (EPS) are typical of prostatitis, although there is a high degree of cor respondence with the VB3 fraction (urine voided after prostatic massage). T he detection of peroxidase cells (granulocytes) and of an increased concent ration of polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocyte elastase in the ejaculate are i ndicative of uroadnexitis. Nonbacterial forms of prostatitis (NIH III) and increased PSA levels requir e intensive clinical diagnosis.