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Clinical and pathophysiological correlates of the symptom severity of stress urinary incontinence

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Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

The pathophysiology of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is multifactorial. The aim of this study was to explore the factor determining the symptom severity of SUI.

Methods

One hundred twenty-four women with SUI were retrospectively investigated. Clinical data for analyses included demographics, pelvic organ prolapse quantification, SUI severity using a 4-point Likert scale, ultrasound, 1-h pad tests, and urodynamic studies. Data were analyzed using the Spearman's rho test and Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

The symptom severity was not correlated with risk factors of SUI or the morphologic manifestations representing urethral support defect, but was significantly correlated with urine loss on 1-h pad test, Valsalva leak point pressure (VLPP) grading, and maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP). Women with higher SUI severity had greater urine loss on 1-h pad tests, worse VLPP grading, and lower MUCP.

Conclusions

Urethral sphincter function appears to be an important determinant for the symptom severity of SUI.

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Abbreviations

ICS:

International Continence Society

MUCP:

Maximum urethral closure pressure

POP-Q:

Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification System

SUI:

Stress urinary incontinence

UPP:

Urethral pressure profilometry

USI:

Urodynamic stress incontinence

VLPP:

Valsalva leak point pressure

rUD:

Urethral distance at rest

rUA:

Urethral angle at rest

sUD:

Urethral distance with strain

sUA:

Urethral angle with strain

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by grants from the National Science Council (NSC 97-2314-B-195-012-MY3 and NSC 97-2314-B-281-003-MY2).

Conflicts of interest

None.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Jenn-Ming Yang, Wen-Chen Huang & Chii-Ruey Tzeng

  2. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Jenn-Ming Yang

  3. School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Shwu-Huey Yang

  4. School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Shu-Yu Yang & Wen-Chen Huang

  5. Department of Bioengineering, UCSD, Jacobs School of Engineering, La Jolla, CA, USA

    Evelyn Yang

  6. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cathay General Hospital, 280, Ren-Ai Road, Section 4, Taipei, 106, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Wen-Chen Huang

  7. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China

    Chii-Ruey Tzeng

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  1. Jenn-Ming Yang
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Wen-Chen Huang.

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Yang, JM., Yang, SH., Yang, SY. et al. Clinical and pathophysiological correlates of the symptom severity of stress urinary incontinence. Int Urogynecol J 21, 637–643 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-1094-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-009-1094-4

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