Prostatic inflammation is an important etiological component of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)1. Prostate inflammation is currently detected during prostate biopsy ; however, a less invasive tool would be clinically beneficial1.
This new calculator, inspired by Professor Stavros Gravas’ study “Development and validation of a clinical nomogram to predict prostatic inflammation in men with lower urinary tract symptoms”, offers a user-friendly and non-invasive prediction method1. Please note that this tool is intended for educational purposes and not for clinical use.
Components of the PINS nomogram1
According to the Irani score, this nomogram incorporates clinical biomarkers to estimate the likelihood of prostate inflammation:
- IPSS storage score: A component of the International Prostate Symptom Score, assessing frequency, urgency, and nocturia (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15; p=0.029).
- Leucocytes detected by urine dipstick: The presence of leucocytes in urine can indicate inflammation or infection (OR 6.02, 95% CI 2.10–17.24; p=0.001).
- Prostate volume over 50 mL: An enlarged prostate volume may be associated with inflammation (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.17–3.15; p=0.009).
- Presence of diabetes mellitus: Diabetes can increase the risk of inflammation due to hyperglycemia (OR 2.07 95%CI 0.92-4.68; p=0.028).
- History of urinary tract infections: Recurrent infections can be a sign of chronic inflammation (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.17–8.27; p=0.023).
Application and advantages of the PINS nomogram
For the first time a easy-to-use, non invasive method was made for physicians to help predict a potential prostatic inflammation in men with LUTS. The characteristics that are used as predictors in the nomogram are easy, quick, and inexpensive.
If externally validated, this tool may help to develop an approach of personalized medicine taking especially into account the Predicted prostatic Inflammation status of the patient evaluated by the PINS Nomogram.
This tool/application is a predictive nomogram, a mathematical tool that can allow clinicians, researchers, to give relative context and probabilities related to the presence of prostatic inflammation. This tool is not intended for diagnostic purpose.