Evaluation of Uroflowmetry Curve Patterns and Nomogram Construct in Healthy Nulliparous Female Adults

Abstract

Objective: The aims of the study were to construct uroflowmetry nomograms, evaluate uroflowmetry flow rate patterns, and graphically illustrate overlaid uroflowmetry curves in nulliparous female adult volunteers.

Methods: We performed a prospective cross-sectional study evaluating uroflowmetry curve and flow rate patterns on a cohort of nulliparous female adult volunteers. Primary outcome was construction of uroflowmetry maximum and average flow rate nomograms. Secondary outcomes included evaluation of uroflowmetry flow rate patterns and graphical illustrations of overlaid uroflowmetry curves. Uroflowmetry printouts were overlaid and used to create a model of uroflow patterns, and nomogram curves were analyzed in 5 groups based on voided volumes.

Results: We enrolled 164 participants and 158 had voided volumes between 50 mL and 800 mL. Participants' mean age and body mass index were 25 years and 23, respectively. Maximum and average flow rate nomograms were created, and analysis of uroflow parameters was performed. Median voided volume was 241 mL (149-431 mL), the median maximum flow was 29 mL/s (20-38 mL/s), and the median average flow was 15 mL/s (10-19 mL/s). Participants were divided into 5 groups based on voided volumes. The nomogram patterns for each voided volume group were visually different from typical nomogram patterns.

Conclusions: Uroflowmetry curves and flow rates vary significantly according to voided volume. Our study suggests that in normal healthy nulliparous female adults there is likely a broader range of normal flow rates and uroflowmetry curves than what has been previously reported. Further research is needed to investigate the accuracy of these finding.