Does pelvic organ prolapse quantification exam predict urethral mobility in stages 0 and I prolapse?

Objective: To determine if women with anterior support stages 0 or I by pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system require Q-tip testing to assess urethral mobility.

Methods: A prospective study of 134 women presenting for urogynecologic evaluation were examined and assigned stages of anterior wall support according to the POP-Q system. A Q-tip test was performed and urethral hypermobility was defined as a straining angle > or =30 degrees. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess degree of correlation between POP-Q point Aa position and Q-tip values.

Results: The correlation coefficient between point Aa position and Q-tip angle was r = 0.787 (P < 0.001). Urethral hypermobility was noted in 91% of stage I and 100% of stage II-IV patients. The positive predictive value of Q-tip angle > or =30 degrees in stage I-IV prolapse was 99%.

Conclusion: The POP-Q system is highly predictive of straining urethral angle in all stages of prolapse.