Data from Frequency–Volume Charts versus Symptom Scores and Quality of Life Score in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Objective: The aim is to study the relations between reported data on frequency–volume charts and the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom scores and quality of life score. Methods: Males with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), were consecutively included in the study if they met the criteria of the International Consensus Committee on BPH, they voided >150 ml during uroflowmetry, residual volume and prostate size were estimated and frequency–volume charts were completed correctly. From the frequency–volume charts, voiding habits and fluid intake in the daytime and at night were evaluated. Results: In the included 160 men no correlation was found between total urine production at night or in the daytime and symptom index or quality of life score. Nycturia was correlated with symptom index, but surprisingly not with quality of life score. Small voided volumes at night and in daytime are attended by high symptom index and high quality of life score (= low quality of life). Diuria has a high impact on symptom index and quality of life score. Men who completed frequency–volume charts during 3 or more daytime periods (68%) had a significantly higher symptom index than those who completed only 1 or 2 daytime periods (32%). Conclusions: High diuria, and small voided volumes at night and in daytime contribute significantly to high symptoms and low quality of life. Nycturia correlated with AUA symptom index but surprisingly not with quality of life score.