Pelvic organ prolapse: is there a difference in POPQ exam results based on time of day, morning or afternoon?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is any difference between AM and PM POPQ exam results. Prospective, IRB approved study of women presenting with pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. Initial POPQ exams were performed in the morning or afternoon; a second exam was performed within 4 weeks at the opposite time of day. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed rank test, paired t test, Spearman correlation, and Stuart-Maxwell test. The study consisted of 32 subjects. Mean age was 58.8 years, mean BMI 28.6, median parity 2.0, 75% white, 22% black, and 3% Hispanic. The POPQ exam stages were 47% stage II, 50% stage III, and 3.0% stage IV. There was no significant difference for the 9 POPQ exam measures between morning and afternoon exams. There was good agreement between AM and PM POPQ ordinal stages (Stewart Maxwell P = 1.0, kappa 0.76). There is no difference between AM and PM POPQ exam results.