Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Uroflowmetry is an essential noninvasive test with important diagnostic method in patients with initial diagnosis of lower urinary tract dysfunction. We aimed to compare the results of conventional uroflowmetry with those of the new smart “self-directed outpatient” uroflowmetry in children with suspected lower urinary tract dysfunction.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included children who had performed two sequential urinations in the same day recorded by conventional and smart “self-directed outpatient” uroflowmetry. Results of the measurements of maximum, and average urinary flow rates were recorded and compared.

RESULTS

The mean difference between average urinary flow rates detected by both diagnostic methods was -1.7. The Bland-Altman plot showed that most of the data points were tightly clustered around the zero line of the difference between the measurements, with only 4% of the readings falling outside the 95% level of confidence. The mean difference between average urinary flow rates measured by both conventional and “self-directed outpatient” uroflowmetry was -4.5. The Bland-Altman plot showed that most of the data points were tightly clustered around the zero line of the difference between the measurements, with only 2% of the readings falling outside the 95% level of confidence.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The maximum, and average urinary flow rates measured with “self-directed outpatient” uroflowmetry were statistically significantly higher compared to conventional uroflowmetry. These results could be due to the children being much shyer and being affected by the presence of someone in the room while urinating.

The maximum urinary flow rate and average urinary flow rate measured with “self-directed outpatient” uroflowmetry are higher compared to conventional uroflowmetry, which might ensure patient privacy.