Sandvik et al developed a simple severity index for urinary incontinence in women. This can be used to initially evaluate a patient and to monitor the response to interventions over time.
Parameters:
(1) how often urine leakage is experienced
(2) how much urine is lost each time
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
How often is urine leakage experienced? |
never |
0 |
|
|
less than once a month |
1 |
|
|
1 to several times a month |
2 |
|
|
1 to several times a week |
3 |
|
|
every day and/or night |
4 |
|
How much urine lost each time? |
a few drops |
1 |
|
|
a little |
1 |
|
|
more |
2 |
severity index =
= (points for frequency) * (points for amount)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 8
• The higher the score, the more severe the urinary incontinence.
|
Score |
Degree of Incontinence |
Median Urine Leakage in 48 Hours |
Median Leakage Episodes in 48 Hours |
|
0 |
dry |
|
0 |
|
1 or 2 |
slight |
32 grams |
0 |
|
3 or 4 |
moderate |
29 grams |
1 |
|
5, 6, 7, or 8 |
severe |
143 grams |
6 |
after Hanley et al, page 1096
where:
• A score of 5 or 6 may be referred to as severe and 7 or 8 as very severe (Sandvik et al, 2000).
Performance:
• Hanley et al found the index to be reliable, valid and sensitive for a wide range of women in Scotland.
Specialty: Nephrology, Clinical Laboratory
