What is the predictive value of urodynamics to reproduce clinical findings of urinary frequency, urge urinary incontinence, and/or stress urinary incontinence?

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of urodynamics to reproduce clinical findings of urinary frequency (UF), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), and/or stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients diagnosed with UF, UUI, and/or SUI and subsequently underwent urodynamics. Urodynamic findings were correlated with clinical findings to determine the predictive value of urodynamics. RESULTS: A total of 537 patients (366 females and 171 males) met study criteria. Two hundred seventy-eight patients had symptoms of UUI; 59% demonstrated detrusor overactivity on urodynamics. Three hundred eight patients had SUI on history and physical examination; 45% had urodynamic stress incontinence. A low maximum cystometric capacity (<200 ml) was not significantly associated with urinary frequency (p = 0.4). CONCLUSIONS: Urodynamics has a low predictive value to reproduce clinical findings of UF, UUI, and/or SUI. Many patients with evidence of UF, UUI, and/or SUI on history and/or physical examination do not demonstrate supporting urodynamic evidence.