The aim of the current study is to measure the prevalence and the potential role of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score as a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in male experienced lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
A cross-sectional web-based Italian survey was administered via Google Forms between July 17 and October 31, 2022. The urinary functioning was measured through the IPSS questionnaire. Specifically, we considered symptoms occurring more than "about half the time" (score ≥ 3) as bothering symptoms. Multivariable logistic regression models (LRMs) adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), International Index of Erectile Function-5, IPSS, and hypertension were fitted to predict OSAS in the cohort of men responding to the survey and experiencing LUTS.
Overall, 58 (24.4%) patients had a confirmed diagnosis of OSAS. The overall median IPSS was 5 (inter quartile range [IQR]: 3-8), respectively. According to IPSS items, 24 (10%), 44 (18.4%), 12 (5%), 12 (5%), 12 (5%), 11 (4.6%), 63 (26.4%) patients exhibit incomplete bladder emptying, urinary frequency, intermittency, urgency, weak stream, straining, nocturia with a score ≥ 3, respectively. After multivariable LRMs predicting the developing OSAS, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, p < 0.001), BMI (OR:1.12, p < 0.001) and IPSS total score (OR:1.08, p = 0.02) were independent predicting factors.
This analysis revealed that the IPSS total score, age, and BMI are independent predictors of OSAS in males. In this context, the use of IPSS in daily practice could be helpful in assessing the LUTS presence and in supporting physicians to identify a hidden sleep apnea condition.
Neurourology and urodynamics. 2023 Nov 27 [Epub ahead of print]
Francesco Di Bello, Gabriele Pezone, Benedetta Muzii, Simone Cilio, Claudia Collà Ruvolo, Cristiano Scandurra, Edoardo Mocini, Massimiliano Creta, Simone Morra, Vincenzo Bochicchio, Giovanni Salzano, Luigi Angelo Vaira, Francesco Mangiapia, Gaetano Motta, Nelson Mauro Maldonato, Nicola Longo, Elena Cantone, Gianluigi Califano
Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy., Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy., Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy., Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University Hospital of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy., Maxillofacial Surgery Operative Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.