Reliability of the urethral closure pressure profile during stress in the diagnosis of genuine stress incontinence.

Urethral pressure profile (UPP) measurements were recorded during stress using the method of Brown and Wickham in 981 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. This procedure was used to identify patients with genuine stress incontinence (GSI). A clinical stress test in the supine and erect position served to confirm urinary leakage. GSI was diagnosed in 661 patients. (67%), whereas no incontinence was demonstrable in 320 (33%). UPP during stress has a high sensitivity (93.3%) and specificity (82.5%). Compared with other urodynamic investigations, the ease with which it can be performed at the same time as other urodynamic procedures makes a reliable diagnostic adjunct in the assessment of patients with GSI.