Quantitative somatosensory testing of the penis: optimizing the clinical neurological examination

PURPOSE: Quantitative somatosensory testing, including vibration, pressure, spatial perception and thermal thresholds of the penis, has demonstrated neuropathy in patients with a history of erectile dysfunction of all etiologies. We evaluated which measurement of neurological function of the penis was best at predicting erectile dysfunction and examined the impact of location on the penis for quantitative somatosensory testing measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 107 patients were evaluated. All patients were required to complete the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, of whom 24 had no complaints of erectile dysfunction and scored within the "normal" range on the IIEF. Patients were subsequently tested on ventral middle penile shaft, proximal dorsal midline penile shaft and glans penis (with foreskin retracted) for vibration, pressure, spatial perception, and warm and cold thermal thresholds. RESULTS: Mixed models repeated measures analysis of variance controlling for age, diabetes and hypertension revealed that method of measurement (quantitative somatosensory testing) was predictive of IIEF score (F = 209, df = 4,1315, p <0.001), while site of measurement on the penis was not. To determine the best method of measurement, we used hierarchical regression, which revealed that warm temperature was the best predictor of erectile dysfunction with pseudo R(2) = 0.19, p <0.0007. There was no significant improvement in predicting erectile dysfunction when another test was added. Using 37C and greater as the warm thermal threshold yielded a sensitivity of 88.5%, specificity 70.0% and positive predictive value 85.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative somatosensory testing using warm thermal threshold measurements taken at the glans penis can be used alone to assess the neurological status of the penis. Warm thermal thresholds alone offer a quick, noninvasive accurate method of evaluating penile neuropathy in an office setting.     

Sexuality and seeking medical help for erectile dysfunction in young adults with spina bifida

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the correlation between the sexual function of spina bifida (SB) patients and Sharrard classification, touch sensation on the penis, to examine if SB patients who are sexually active have erectile dysfunction (ED) on the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF5), and to clarify if they seek medical treatment for ED. METHODS: Thirty-six male SB patients aged over 18 years were enrolled. A questionnaire was sent to all patients that included the following items: touch sensation on the penis, psychogenic erection, rigidity at erection, ejaculation, orgasm and experience in sexual intercourse. In addition, patients who had experience in sexual intercourse were asked about ED through the use of the IIEF5 and whether or not they sought medical help for their ED. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients responded. The positive rates of psychogenic erection, rigidity at erection, ejaculation and orgasm were 85%, 54%, 88% and 65% respectively. Psychogenic erection and ejaculation correlated with Sharrard classification. Rigidity at erection and orgasm correlated with touch sensation on the penis. Eleven patients had experience in sexual intercourse and six of them were diagnosed as having ED on the IIEF5. There were no factors correlating with ED. None of the patients sought medical advice and none was treated for ED. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual function of SB patients could be predicted by Sharrard classification and touch sensation on the penis to some degree. However, ED did not correlate with sexual function. Therefore, we should not evaluate the neurological loss but instead provide adequate information.     

Penile Sensitivity in Patients with Primary Premature Ejaculation

Purpose

We investigated penile sensory levels in patients with primary premature ejaculation to determine whether there is an etiological basis for this condition.

Materials and Methods

Penile biothesiometry was performed in 120 patients with primary premature ejaculation without erectile dysfunction and neurological deficit, and in 66 normal potent male volunteers. Vibratory thresholds were recorded at the glans penis, penile shaft, scrotum and index finger using a biothesiometer.

Results

On the glans penis and penile shaft the values in patients with premature ejaculation were significantly less than those in normal potent men (p less than 0.001). In normal potent men an age dependency of biothesiometric parameters was noted, with a significant increase in vibratory threshold at the glans penis and penile shaft in older patients. However, in patients with premature ejaculation there were consistently decreased values without age dependency at the glans penis and penile shaft (p greater than 0.05).

Conclusions

Patients with primary premature ejaculation have penile hypersensitivity, which provides further implications for an organic basis of premature ejaculation.     

Cutaneous temperature measurements in men with penile prostheses: a comparison study

To evaluate and compare the cutaneous temperature of the penis in normal men, those with erectile dysfunction (ED), those with semirigid penile prostheses (SRPPs), and those with inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs), and those before and after trimix injection to create a penile erection. A total of 68 patients were evaluated. Five patient groups were identified, including men with normal erectile function, with ED, with SRPPs, with IPPs, and following intracavernosal injection of trimix solution. Cutaneous glans temperature increased significantly by more than 2.2 degrees C in the trimix-injected group compared with all other groups (P<0.001). Using cutaneous temperature measurements of the penis, patients with SRPPs had significantly lower cutaneous glans temperatures than normals (P<0.02), those in the ED group (P<0.04), and those in the IPP-deflated group (P<0.01). The mean temperature difference was 1.44+/-0.40 degrees C. Using cutaneous temperature measurements of the penis, men with SRPPs have a colder glans as compared with men with normal erectile function, ED, IPPs, and those who have received an injection of trimix. Men with normal erectile function, ED, and IPPs did not have significant cutaneous temperature differences.     

Peripheral neuropathy: an underdiagnosed cause of erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

? To assess the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). ? To evaluate the reliability of clinical tests such as the five‐item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) and the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) classification system in predicting the concurrence of peripheral neuropathy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

? We studied 90 patients who were consecutively recruited from the Department of Andrology of the Central Hospital of Asturias. ? Anamnesis included questions about risk factors related to ED. ? The severity of ED was classified according to IIEF‐5 scores and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy were assessed using the NSS. ? Neurophysiological tests included electromyography, nerve conduction studies, evoked potentials from pudendal and tibial nerves as well as bulbocavernosus reflex. ? Small fibre function was assessed using quantitative sensory tests and sympathetic skin response. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS‐11 program.

RESULTS

? Patients with more severe symptoms of peripheral neuropathy showed lower (worse) IIEF‐5 scores (P= 0.015) and required more aggressive therapies (P < 0.001). ? Neurophysiological exploration confirmed neurological pathology in 68.9% of patients, of whom 7.8% had myelopathy and 61.1% peripheral neuropathy. ? Polyneuropathy was found in 37.8% of the patients, of whom 8.9% had pure small fibre polyneuropathy, and pudendal neuropathy was diagnosed in 14.4%. ? No association between neurophysiological diagnosis and IIEF‐5 score was detected, but a statistical association was found between neuropathy and NSS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

? Up to now, the impact of peripheral neuropathy in the pathogenesis of ED has been underestimated. The combination of anamnesis and an ad hoc neurophysiological protocol showed its high prevalence and provided a more accurate prognosis. ? In future, clinical practice should optimize the assessment of pelvic small fibre function.     

Efficacy of sildenafil in male dialysis patients with erectile dysfunction unresponsive to erythropoietin and/or testosterone treatments

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo), testosterone (T) or a combination of them in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in hemodialysis patients, as well as the efficacy of sildenafil in patients unresponsive to combination treatment. A total of 23 patients with ED were divided into two groups. The international index of erectile function (IIEF) was used to evaluate ED and treatment response. Patients received Epo or T treatments for 12 weeks. Later on both groups received combination treatment for another 12 weeks. Although IIEF scores increased significantly in both groups after the combination treatment, the score changes were similar. After combination treatment, 16 patients still having IIEF score <26 were given sildenafil treatment in combination with Epo while T was discontinued. Although the IIEF scores increased significantly in all patients (17.4%), only eight of them attained an IIEF score of > or =26. The baseline IIEF scores of the patients with satisfactory response to the sildenafil treatment were higher than those with unsatisfactory response. The patients with a score of > or =22 responded better to the treatment. Although Epo and/or T therapies could partially improve ED in male dialysis patients besides correcting renal anemia and hypogonadism, sildenafil treatment could improve ED in unresponsive patients. Especially, those with higher baseline IIEF scores benefited more.     

糖尿病患者勃起功能障碍的流行病学调查

目的：研究勃起功能障碍在糖尿病人群中的分布及其危险因子，探讨勃起功能障碍（ED）的病因、发病机制和和病理生理。方法：采用国际勃起功能评分－5（IIEF－5）作为判断有无勃起功能障碍的标准，共调查了187例分泌门诊糖尿病成年已婚男性，比较该人群中暴露于不同危险因子下勃起功能的变化。并同时对可能引起ED患病率增加的多个危险因子分别进行研究。结果：发病与糖尿病患者的年龄，吸烟，文化教育水平，病程、血糖控制水平以及是否合并神经，视网膜病变和糖尿病足综合征等因素密切相关，与糖尿病患者的糖尿病分型，治疗方案、BMI指数，既往有无高血压病，冠心病史，饮酒，是否合并轻度肾功能损害等因素无显著性关联。结论：糖尿病人应该注意控制血糖水平，戒烟，加强对糖尿病了解及配合医生系统有效治疗减少并发症，以达到降低ED发病水平及提高生活质量的目的。     

糖尿病并勃起功能障碍的中西医结合治疗

目的：观察糖尿病并勃起功能障碍的中西医结合治疗临床疗效。方法：将120名患者随机分为两组,观察组使用万艾可加中药治疗,对照组使用万艾可治疗。分别记录治疗前及治疗后3个月时的国际勃起功能指数评分（IIEF）及睾酮（T）的变化。结果：观察组IIEF评分及T的变化显著优于对照组（P〈0．05）。结论：通过辨证论治,利用中药偏性,施以六味地黄汤加减进行中西医结合治疗,可较好地改善患者睾酮水平及IIEF指数。     

A comparison of the International Index of Erectile Function and erectile dysfunction studies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ability of the five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) to diagnose the vascular aetiology and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED), and to compare it with pharmacological testing and duplex Doppler ultrasonography, as such questionnaires are widely used by the pharmaceutical industry to categorize the severity of ED and to assess the efficacy of drug therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 80 patients (mean age 45.2 years, sd 14.0; mean duration of ED 3.5 years) were reviewed by an examiner unaware of their IIEF scores during testing. Penile blood flow was assessed in each patient after an intracavernosal injection with prostaglandin-E1 (10 micro g), with self-stimulation in privacy. The peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity and resistive index were measured for the vascular diagnosis. Visual ratings of erectile responses were also used for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 80 patients, 30 had a normal vascular response, 38 arterial insufficiency and 12 were diagnosed with venous leakage. There was no significant difference in the IIEF scores among patients with a normal vascular response, arterial insufficiency or venous leakage. Analysis of visual ratings of erections showed no difference in IIEF scores among the different groups of patients. CONCLUSION: The IIEF was designed and developed specifically for assessing and evaluating sexual function in clinical trials. However, as shown here, the IIEF cannot and should not be used as a tool to diagnose or compare specific vascular causes of ED.     

Coronary artery calcifications in hemodialysis patients and their correlation with the prevalence of erectile dysfunction

INTRODUCTION: Our aim in this study was to investigate the prevalence and correlation with coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) among hemodialysis patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-five male patients with chronic renal failure were selected to participate in this study. All patients underwent examinations for CACS using 16-channel multidetector computed tomography. The presence and severity of ED were determined by calculating the erectile function domain of the self-administered International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). RESULTS: The patients' ages ranged from 22 to 78 with a mean of 51.6 years. The mean duration of hemodialysis was 75.7 months (range = 12 to 232). Twenty-six patients had a history of one or more systemic diseases. The prevalence of any level of ED was 82.9% for all hemodialysis patients, and severe ED, 40%. The CACS was significantly higher among patients with severe ED (P = .032). The IIEF-5 score was also shown to have a moderate negative correlation with the CACS (r = -.420, P = .012). Age, duration of hemodialysis, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart diseases, hyperlipidemia, thyroid disease, depression, tobacco consumption, and medication were not associated with the presence of ED (P > .05). CONCLUSION: ED is prevalent in hemodialysis patients. Although many possible factors contribute to ED, the severity of ED increases with greater CACS.     

男性患者肾移植前后的阴茎勃起功能研究

目的　探讨男性肾功能衰竭患者肾移植前后的阴茎勃起功能,以提高肾移植患者的生存质量。方法　50例男性肾功能衰竭患者在肾移植前后填写国际勃起功能指数(IIEF)调查表,并同时测定性激素水平。结果　肾移植前阴茎勃起功能障碍(ED)发病率为84 %,肾移植后肾功能正常时降至54 %(P<0.05);术前血液透析时间在6个月以内者IIEF评分高于透析时间在6~24个月和超过24个月者;不论患者的年龄大小,肾移植术后IIEF评分均有不同程度的提高(P<0.05);肾移植后血清睾酮水平上升(P<0.05),雌二醇和催乳激素明显下降(P<0.05, P<0.01)。结论　肾移植能有效改善肾功能衰竭患者的阴茎勃起状况,受者术后的心理疏导有助于降低ED发病率。     

Assessment of sexual functions in patients with chronic liver disease

We aimed to determine the sexual problems and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with chronic liver disease by means of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). A total of 81 patients with stable chronic liver disease were included in the study. Patients were grouped as mild to moderate (Child Pugh A and B) (n=10), chronic hepatitis (hepatitis B, C and D) (n=28) and carriers (n=43) according to the type of their chronic liver disease. All patients were asked to complete a questionnaire including IIEF and demographics. The IIEF domain scores were calculated and ED grading was determined on erectile function domain. IIEF domain scores were compared between these groups. The mean age was 54.8 +/- 10.8 y. Using the IIEF, the prevalence of any ED was 50.6% for all patients, and 50, 50, and 51.1% for cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis and carriers, respectively. The IIEF domain scores were not significantly different among the patient groups. Sexual functions did not appear to be affected by the stable chronic liver disease.     

Sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in erectile dysfunction: near normalization in men with broad-spectrum erectile dysfunction compared with age-matched healthy control subjects

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sildenafil in men with broad-spectrum erectile dysfunction (ED), with reference to age-matched healthy control subjects. METHODS: One hundred eleven patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 12-week, flexible-dose study. Efficacy assessments included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a global assessment question, and patient event log data. In a separate, nontreatment study, 109 control subjects also completed the IIEF. RESULTS: Mean IIEF scores at baseline were significantly lower for patients with ED than for control subjects without a history of ED. After treatment, mean IIEF scores for patients receiving sildenafil approached values observed in control subjects and were significantly higher than mean scores for patients receiving placebo (P<0.01). Responses to the global assessment question and patient log data corroborated the IIEF results. Sildenafil was well tolerated, with no discontinuations because of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that sildenafil, an effective oral therapy for the treatment of broad-spectrum ED, is associated with a near normalization of patient erectile function.     

Effect of aging and diseases on male sexual function assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function

PURPOSE: Many epidemiological factors contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). The objective of the present research was to investigate the risk factors of ED and the influence of aging on male sexual function, to obtain some insight into prevention of ED. METHODS: The study sample consisted of employees, aged from 22 to 59 years old of ten companies in Japan, who responded to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and a survey of health status and related variables. The IIEF sexual activity questionnaire includes 15 items related to male sexual activity organized into five domains (that is erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction, overall satisfaction) to which 967 of the 1,020 subjects (94.8%) provided complete responses. These 967 men constitute the present study sample. For statistical analysis, ANOVA with Scheffe's (post hoc) test was conducted, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Presence of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes and hyperlipidemia was associated with a significantly decreased score for erectile function in subjects in their fifties (p < 0.05), however, it was not significant in the other age groups. In subjects, who were free from risk factors for sexual function, there was significant correlation between age and the scores for erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire and intercourse satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Aging and chronic disorders that have been considered to be putative risk factors for ED, therefore affect male sexual function in the elderly. The IIEF was suggested to be suited for use in studies assessing epidemiology of ED.     

Dehydroepiandrosterone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with different organic etiologies

In 1994 the Massachusetts Male Aging Study described an inverse correlation of the serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED). The positive results of a pilot study in the treatment in patients with no organic etiology prompted a detailed investigation on the efficacy of DHEA therapy for ED in patients with different organic etiologies, in a prospective study. The inclusion criteria included ED, a normal physical condition, normal serum levels of testosterone, prolactin and PSA and a serum DHEAS level < 1.5 micromol/l. The study patients comprised 27 patients (group 1) with hypertension, 24 patients (group 2) with diabetes mellitus, six patients with neurological disorders (group 3) and 28 patients (group 4) with no organic etiology were treated with 50 mg DHEA p.o. for 6 months. We assessed efficacy by using the responses to question 3 (frequency of penetration) and question 4 (maintenance of erections after penetration) of the 15-question International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). DHEA treatment was associated with statistically significantly higher mean scores compared to baseline values for question 3 and question 4 of the IIEF in groups 1 and 4 after a period of 24 weeks. The differences between the mean scores of groups 2 and 3 and the baseline values were not statistically significant. Our results suggest that oral DHEA-treatment may be of benefit to patients with ED who have hypertension or to patients with ED without organic etiology. There was no impact of DHEA therapy on patients with diabetes mellitus or with neurological disorders.     

Can self-administered questionnaires supplant objective testing of erectile function? A comparison between the International Index Of Erectile Function and objective studies

To determine whether the results of the self-reported International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) to assess erectile function can overestimate the degree of erectile impairment. A total of 32 consecutive patients seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) at a urologist's office were evaluated by completion of the erectile function domain of the IIEF. Nocturnal penile tumescence testing using the Rigiscan (Timm Medical Technologies Inc., USA) was performed in these patients after completion of the IIEF. The median IIEF-6 score was 9 of 30 (range, 1-25; mean, 11/30). Rigiscan results were abnormal in six patients (19%), normal in 25 patients (78%), and unable to interpret in one patient (3%). IIEF-6 scores were subdivided by severity along with Rigiscan results. There was no correlation between age, IIEF score, or Rigiscan results. In conclusion, the IIEF is a useful tool and is helpful for follow-up of a patient to evaluate efficacy of treatments for ED, but should not replace objective testing to diagnose the quality of ED.     

Sexual dysfunction in male patients on hemodialysis: assessment with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)

In this study we determine the sexual problems and the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in male hemodialysis patients by means of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). A total of 187 male patients were included in the study. All of the patients who underwent hemodialysis were asked to complete the IIEF questionnaire. The IIEF domain scores were calculated and erectile dysfunction grading was determined on erectile function domain. Patients were also asked to report whether they had disclosed their sexual problems to physicians or not.The mean age was 49.3+/-13.2 y and the duration of hemodialysis was 38.1+/-8.4 months. By means of the IIEF, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction of any degree was 80.7%. The prevalence of any ED for the patients <50 y and >or=50 y was 74.5% and 86.6%, respectively. The prevalence and the severity of ED was significantly higher in patients >or=50 y. The frequency of intercourse attempts during the last four weeks was 1-2 in 130 (69.5%) of patients. Only 1% of patients disclosed their erectile problems and sought medical assistance prior to our study.Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in hemodialysis patients. The prevalence and the severity of ED increased with age. Evaluations for ED should be included in routine assessment of hemodialysis patients.     

伐地那非治疗老年糖尿病性勃起功能障碍疗效分析

目的:观察伐地那非治疗老年糖尿病(DM)性勃起功能障碍(ED)患者的临床疗效和安全性。方法:选择男性科门诊100例老年ED患者,其中DMED40例,非DMED60例。2组均使用伐地那非,首次剂量20mg,以后维持剂量10mg,1次/周,连续8周。采用国际勃起功能问卷勃起功能评分(IIEF-5)和勃起质量量表问卷(EQS)对患者勃起功能状况进行评估。结果:治疗前后,DMED组患者IIEF-5和EQS评分值分别为(8.1±0.5)分,(18.9±0.2)分(P<0.01);(9.1±1.3)分,(25.1±1.4)分(P<0.01);非DMED组患者评分值分别为(10.1±0.3)分,(21.1±0.2)分(P<0.01),(10.1±1.7)分,(34.2±1.2)分(P<0.01),2组间统计学处理差异有显著性(P<0.05)。DMED组显效17例(42.5%),有效9例(22.5%),总有效率65%。非DMED组显效28例(46.7%),有效16例(26.7%),总有效率73.3%。DMED和非DMED2组间统计学处理差异有显著性(P<0.05)。结论:伐地那非治疗能显著改善老年DMED患者的勃起能力,提高生活质量。     

Bulbocavernosus reflex to somatic and visceral nerve stimulation in normal subjects and in diabetics with erectile impotence

Bulbocavernosus reflex to stimulation of the vesicourethral junction and glans penis was recorded in 14 normal controls and 24 diabetic men complaining of erectile impotence. In all normal subjects the bulbocavernosus reflex to stimulation of these sites could be obtained, and mean latencies were 59.2 +/- 8.0 msec. and 33.3 +/- 3.7 msec., respectively (p less than 0.00001). A total of 66 per cent of the diabetics (16 patients) exhibited abnormal (delayed or absent) bulbocavernosus reflex to stimulation of the vesicourethral junction, while only 12.5 per cent (3 patients) had delayed response to glans penis stimulation. The latter tended to remain within normal limits, although the mean latency was significantly different from that of normal subjects (p less than 0.05). Abnormalities of the bulbocavernosus reflex to stimulation of the vesicourethral junction correlated strongly with the presence of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, diabetes and organogenic impotence. Our results indicate that this is an informative test for the evaluation of visceral afferents arising from the bladder neck and, hence, in the differential diagnosis of organogenic versus psychogenic erectile impotence.     

Severity of erectile dysfunction in married impotent patients: Interrelationship with anthropometry, hormones, metabolic profiles and lifestyle

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effects of risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED) or cardiovascular disease on the disease severity in impotent men. METHODS: A total of 87 men, 25-75 years old (mean age, 53.4) were included in the study. Patients were evaluated with anthropometry, hormones, metabolic profiles and lifestyle. Baseline erectile function (EF) was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The severity of ED was classified into the following four grades based on the six-item EF domain of the IIEF: severe (6-10); moderate (11-16); mild to moderate (17-21); and mild (22-25). Patients were deemed to have metabolic syndrome (MS) if they had three or more of five criteria according to National Cholesterol Education Program, with some modification. RESULTS: Of 87 patients, 15 patients (17.2%) had mild, 11 (12.6%) had mild to moderate, 33 (37.9%) had moderate and 28 (32.3%) had severe ED. There was no correlation between scores of IIEF or EF domain and continuous parameters. On the multivariate model used, hypertensive patients had 26-fold higher risk (odds ratio, 26.195; 95% confidence interval, 1.463-46.072; P = 0.027) of severe ED than those without hypertension. Other factors were not significant. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that MS might not influence the severity of ED in impotent men. However, our findings suggest that hypertension plays a role in the disease severity in these patients.