International Prostate
Symptom Score (IPSS)
A symptom index for benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) was developed and validated by a
multidisciplinary measurement committee of the American Urological
Association (AUA). Validation studies were conducted involving a
total of 210 BPH patients and 108 control subjects. The final AUA
symptom index includes 7 questions covering frequency, nocturia, weak
urinary stream, hesitancy, intermittence, incomplete emptying and
urgency. On revalidation, the index was internally consistent (Cronbach's
alpha = 0.86) and the score generated had excellent test-retest
reliability (r = 0.92). Scores were highly correlated with
subjects' global ratings of the magnitude of their urinary problem (r =
0.65 to 0.72) and powerfully discriminated between BPH and control
subjects (receiver operating characteristic area 0.85).
Finally, the index was sensitive to change, with preoperative scores
decreasing from a mean of 17.6 to 7.1 by 4 weeks after prostatectomy (p
< 0.001). The AUA symptom index is clinically sensible, reliable,
valid and responsive. It is practical for use in practice and for
inclusion in research protocols.
To calculate your IPSS, answer
each of the 7 questions below. After responding to all 7
questions, press the "Calculate" button.
Your total BPH symptom score and
commentary will appear at bottom.
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