Aims: In the development of a non-invasive method for estimating isovolumetric intravesical pressure (Pves,ivs) we looked for a relationship between intra-abdominal pressure (pabd) and general build, expressed as body mass index (BMI) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
Materials and Methods: In 100 consecutive male patients undergoing an invasive pressure flow study (PFS) the pabd was recorded continuously during filling and voiding. The magnitude at four set points was measured: before filling, after filling, during voiding and at the end of voiding. Patients' weight (kg) and height (m) were also recorded and their BMI (weight/height²) was calculated.
Results: During the fill/void cycle pabd increased during bladder filling from 37 ± 7 cm H2O (mean ± SD) to 38 ± 8 cm H2O, fell during voiding to 35 ± 9 cm H2O before increasing to 36 ± 8 cm H2O at the end of voiding. There was a clear relationship between the individual values of pabd and BMI (correlation co-efficient=0.52) and to a lesser extent weight (correlation co-efficient = 0.42). The relationship with BMI was clarified by separating the subjects into groups of normal, overweight and obese.
Conclusions: A clear relationship between BMI and pabd was demonstrated, but because of the difficulties in quantifying it for an individual, it is impractical to apply an adjustment to non-invasive estimates of Pves,ivs.
McIntosh SL, Griffiths CJ, Drinnan MJ, Robson WA, Ramsden PD, Pickard RS. The relationship of abdominal pressure and body mass index in men with LUTS. Neurourol Urodynamics 2003; 22: 602 605.
Clive J. Griffiths or Dr. Michael J. Drinnan, Freeman Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tel: +44 (0)191-223-6161.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
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