Reproducibility and reliability of pressure flow parameters in women

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the intra- and inter-rater reliability of pressure flow parameters in women. Design A prospective study. Setting Tertiary referral unit in a London teaching Hospital. Population Urodynamic traces of 621 women were studied to assess the reproducibility and reliability of pressure flow parameters. Methods Women with lower urinary tract symptoms were studied prospectively. Opening detrusor pressure (ODP), detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate P-detQmax, maximum flow rate (Q(max)) and closure detrusor pressure (CDP) were measured by the same observer twice, one week apart. Pressure flows were compared using different media for filling (saline and contrast). All parameters were also measured in nine women from multiple voids during ambulatory urodynamics to assess their reproducibility and finally were remeasured by a second observer. Results There was good intra-observer agreement for all pressure flow parameters except detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate and good inter-observer agreement for opening detrusor pressure, closure detrusor pressure and detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate. There was no significant difference between parameters using saline or contrast (P > 0.05, independent samples t test). Conclusion Pressure flow parameters appear to be reproducible and consistent urodynamic measurements in women.