Risk Factors for an Elevated Postvoid Residual Urine Volume in Women with Symptoms of Urinary Urgency, Frequency and Urge Incontience

The aim of this study was to identify factors in patients with symptoms of urgency/frequency or urge incontinence that predict that the postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) will be elevated. A restrospective chart review was carried out of all patients new to our urogynecology practice between June 1998 and May 1999, with symptoms of urgency, frequency and/or urge incontinence. Demographic variables, symptoms and physical findings were correlated with the presence of an elevated PVR (>100 ml) using logistic regression analysis. An elevated PVR was found in 10% (33/336) of patients with urge incontinence (UI), and in 5% (3/57) of patients with urgency/frequency without UI. In patients with UI the presence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) ≥stage II, symptoms of voiding difficulty and the absence of the symptom of stress incontinence, predicted 82% of patients with an elevated PVR.