Urethral closure pressure profiles in the standing position: Are they necessary?

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the sensitivity for urodynamic abnormalities of both static and dynamic urethral closure pressure profiles done in the sitting and standing positions. Multichannel urethral closure pressure profilometry (UCPP) was performed on 21 patients complaining of stress incontinence. Two clinical groups were identified, those with mild to moderate and those with severe incontinence. The parameters of both the static and the dynamic UCPPs obtained in the sitting and standing positions were compared for sensitivity to urodynamic abnormalities. Non-parametric statistical methods were used (Wilcoxon signed rank test; Mann-Whitney test.) No statistically significant differences were found in the mean maximum urethral closure pressures (MUCPs) in the two positions. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of severe incontinence had decreased MUCPs in both positions. It was therefore concluded that the urethral closure pressure profile may be measured in the sitting position without compromising the results.