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International Urogynecology Journal

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01-12-2015 | Original Article

The association between different measures of pelvic floor muscle function and female pelvic organ prolapse

Authors: Sissel H. Oversand, Ixora Kamisan Atan, Ka Lai Shek, Hans Peter Dietz

Published in: International Urogynecology Journal | Issue 12/2015

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

We aimed to compare palpatory and translabial ultrasound (TLUS) measurements of pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function with symptoms and signs of female pelvic organ prolapse (FPOP) to determine a possible association.

Methods

We analysed data from 726 women with a mean age of 56 (SD 13.7, range 18–88) years, seen for symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction between August 2011 and April 2013. The examination included a standardised interview and clinical assessment of FPOP with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) measurements, Modified Oxford Scale (MOS) grading and 4D TLUS.

Results

Symptoms of prolapse were reported in 51.4% (373 out of 726) with a mean bother score of 5.8 (SD 2.91, range 0–10). A clinically significant POP (Incontinence Society [ICS]-POP-Q stage ≥ 2) in any compartment was diagnosed in 77.1%. Mean MOS was 2.4 (SD 1.1, range 0–5). Significant POP on TLUS was seen in 54.6% (389 out of 712). TLUS volumes at rest and on maximal PFM contraction were analysed on a desktop PC, to assess the degree of bladder neck (BN) cranioventral shift and levator antero-posterior (AP) diameter reduction, blinded against other data. Mean cranioventral BN shift was 7.11 (SD 4.36, range 0.32–25.32) mm and mean levator AP diameter reduction was 8.6 (SD 4.8, range 0.3–31.3) mm. MOS was strongly associated with subjective and objective POP (P ≤ 0.001), whereas this was not true for TLUS measurements of tissue displacement.

Conclusion

The MOS seems to be a more valid measure of PFM function than sonographically determined BN displacement or reduction of hiatal AP diameter observed on PFM contraction.

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Title: The association between different measures of pelvic floor muscle function and female pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Sissel H. Oversand
Ixora Kamisan Atan
Ka Lai Shek
Hans Peter Dietz
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer London
Published in: International Urogynecology Journal / Issue 12/2015
Print ISSN: 0937-3462
Electronic ISSN: 1433-3023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-015-2793-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

The association between different measures of pelvic floor muscle function and female pelvic organ prolapse

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction and hypothesis

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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