Optimizing individual treatment outcomes in men with lower urinary tract symptoms using storage subscale score/total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) as a new IPSS ratio.

BACKGROUND/AIM To evaluate the effects of the storage/total International Prostate Symptom Score (s/T) ratio on the selection and success of medical therapy in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 54 men (>45 years of age) with moderate or severe LUTS were divided into 2 groups according to the s/T ratio: Group 1 at <0.43 and Group 2 at >0.43. Tamsulosin (0.4 mg to Group 1) and tolterodine ER (4 mg to Group 2) were administered. Patients were evaluated during the 1st and 3rd months of follow-up treatment. RESULTS Thirty-seven (68.5%) and 17 (31.5%) patients were in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. The mean s/T ratios in Groups 1 and 2 increased to 0.38 ± 0.19 from 0.33 ± 0.08 (P = 0.03) and decreased to 0.54 ± 0.18 from 0.59 ± 0.1 (P = 0.17) during the 3rd month of follow-up, respectively. The treatment success rates of Groups 1 and 2 were 88.4% and 75.7%, respectively. Nine unsuccessful cases were treated with combination therapy and the treatment success was 86.6% at follow-up. CONCLUSION The s/T ratio is effective to determine symptom dominance in men with LUTS and can guide medical treatment selection through better identification of symptoms.