Abstract

In this study the relationship between International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Digital Rectal Examinati- on (DRE) and age was investigated.

Throughout the period of October 1996 and June 998 all our male outpatients older than 45 years were asked to fill in IPSS guestionaire adapted by the Turkish Prostate Health Council. AlI of these patients were rectally exa- mined regardless of their initial complaints. 407 patiens with complete documantation (age-range: 46-86, mean age: 60,4348.15) were included in the study. Apart from the Total Score (S), the guestions individually were grouped as obtructive and irritative. These subgroups as well as the guestions individually were compared with each other, With Ouality of life Score (L), with DRE and with age, by means of the Spearman Correlation Test.

Total Score (S), Ouality of Life Score (L) and IPSS subgroups found to correlate weakly with DRE and age. There was no significani increase in this correlation when the subgroups were examined in the same manner. (L) correlated most sirongiy with (S) and its subgroups. The individual guestions showed also moderate to well correla- ton with each other in their respective subgroups.

In this study the striking finding was (hat DRE correlated more significantly with guestions for obstructive symptoms while age was especially with nocturia in statistical significance.