Association of Prostate-Specific Antigen With Age, Digital Rectal Examination, and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in the Lebanese Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

TL;DR

This study explores how PSA levels relate to age, prostate exams, and urinary symptoms in Lebanese men, emphasizing the need for age-specific PSA ranges.

Contribution

The study provides population-specific insights into PSA associations in Lebanon, a region with understudied prostate cancer trends.

Findings

PSA levels significantly increase with age in Lebanese men.

Higher PSA levels correlate with more severe lower urinary tract symptoms.

Abnormal digital rectal exams are linked to elevated PSA levels.

Abstract

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of mortality in men worldwide. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is a standard method for PCa detection, yet its association with age, digital rectal examination (DRE) results, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) remains understudied, particularly in the Lebanese population.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association of PSA levels with age, DRE results, and LUTS severity among Lebanese men.

Methods: A total of 725 men aged 55-70 years were recruited from a men's health campaign at Saint George Hospital University Medical Center in Lebanon. PSA levels, DRE results, and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were assessed. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis tests and Spearman's rho correlation coefficient.

Results: Participants exhibited a significant correlation between age and PSA levels (r = 0.138, p < 0.01). PSA levels varied significantly across age groups (p = 0.029), with higher mean PSA levels observed in older age groups. IPSS status correlated positively with PSA levels (r = 0.23, p < 0.001), indicating higher PSA levels associated with increased LUTS severity. Abnormal DRE findings were significantly associated with elevated PSA levels (p < 0.00), suggesting their potential as an indicator of prostate abnormalities.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of age-specific reference ranges for PSA levels in the Lebanese population. Elevated PSA levels were associated with older age, increased LUTS severity, and abnormal DRE findings. These findings highlight the significance of integrating PSA testing with clinical assessments for PCa detection and risk stratification in Lebanon.

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