The COUPLES-project: a pooled analysis of patient and partner treatment satisfaction scale (TSS) outcomes following vardenafil treatment

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of vardenafil on treatment satisfaction in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and their female partners. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a pooled analysis of three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week studies of flexible-dose vardenafil vs placebo, in men with ED for >/=6 months (n = 788) and their untreated female partners. Measures of efficacy included the Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS), International Index of Erectile Function, Erectile Function domain (IIEF-EF), and Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) questions 2 and 3 (SEP-2, 'Were you able to insert your penis into your partner's vagina?'; and SEP-3, 'Did your erection last long enough for you to have sexual intercourse?'). In addition to the overall analysis, there was a subgroup analysis for potential moderators of response, e.g. whether patients who had undergone previous phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) treatment. RESULTS: At baseline, least-squares (LS) mean scores for all TSS domains were similar in the vardenafil and placebo groups. After 12 weeks of treatment, vardenafil significantly improved the LS mean score for all domains compared with placebo, among both patients and their female partners (P < 0.0001, 'last'-observation-carried- forward analysis). Absolute between- group differences in LS mean TSS scores (vardenafil - placebo) were: ease of erection (patients 23.4, partners 24.9), erectile function satisfaction (36.7 and 32.9), pleasure from sexual activity (23.0, 23.7), satisfaction with orgasm (27.6, 21.8), confidence to complete sexual activity (28.2, 32.5), and satisfaction with medication (37.4, 35.6). The benefits of vardenafil were greater in men who had undergone previous PDE-5-inhibitor treatment and men aged <45 years, while the overall pattern of benefit was similar in all examined subgroups. There were significant benefits with vardenafil in all other variables (IIEF-EF scores and positive response rates to SEP-2 and SEP-3). CONCLUSIONS: Vardenafil significantly improved treatment satisfaction in men with ED, and in their partners. The results provide further evidence of the validity of the TSS.     

Safety and efficacy of vardenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction: Result of a bridging study in Japan

AIM: Vardenafil is a selective and highly potent phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), with improved selectivity for PDE5 and demonstrated efficacy for improving sexual function in men with ED. The current study investigated the safety and efficacy of this new PDE5 inhibitor in Japanese men with ED. METHODS: This was a prospective, double blind, randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vardenafil. Following a 4-week treatment-free observation period, 283 eligible patients were randomized to 12 weeks treatment with vardenafil 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, or placebo. Primary efficacy responses were assessed using the scores of Q3 and Q4 of the international index of erectile function (IIEF). RESULTS: All three vardenafil doses showed significantly better improvement than the placebo group in Q3 and Q4 scores of the IIEF questionnaire, either at 12 weeks or at the 'last observation carried forward' (LOCF, P < 0.0001). Q3 scores were improved to 4.06 with vardenafil 5 mg, 4.53 with vardenafil 10 mg, and 4.64 with vardenafil 20 mg, versus 3.17 with placebo. Comparable scores for Q4 were 3.47, 4.15 and 4.31 versus 2.31 for placebo. Up to 86% of patients achieved improved erections as assessed by the global assessment question (GAQ). Reported adverse event rates were 35.3%, 45.3% and 54.5% with vardenafil 5 mg, 10 mg and 20 mg, respectively, versus 21.1% in the placebo group. No serious adverse drug reactions were reported. The most common treatment-emergent adverse events were transient headache, flushing and rhinitis, which were mostly mild. CONCLUSION: Vardenafil is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for ED and provides improvement in key indices of erectile function among Japanese men with ED. The results of our trial show that up to nearly 90% of patients achieve improved erections with the administration of vardenafil.     

口服伐地那非治疗勃起功能障碍疗效和安全性的临床研究

目的 :评价伐地那非对男性勃起功能障碍 (ED)患者的疗效和安全性。　方法 :应用随机、双盲、安慰剂平行对照、剂量固定 (5、1 0和 2 0mg)方法 ,对 88例ED患者进行 1 2周的临床研究。　结果 :5、1 0和 2 0mg伐地那非使ED患者达到和维持勃起的临床主要和次要指标均明显高于安慰剂 (P <0 .0 1 ) ;伐地那非各剂量组不良事件发生率高于安慰剂组 ,均为轻至中度 ,呈一过性。　结论 :伐地那非是治疗各种病因导致ED的安全、有效的药物。     

Vardenafil improved patient satisfaction with erectile hardness, orgasmic function and sexual experience in men with erectile dysfunction following nerve sparing radical prostatectomy

PURPOSE: Nerve sparing radical retropubic prostatectomy (NS-RRP) results in erectile dysfunction in a significant number of patients. Vardenafil, a potent and selective phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor, is generally safe. It improves International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain scores, and penetration and erection maintenance success rates in patients who have undergone NS-RRP. We report additional parameters important to patient perceptions regarding erection quality and satisfaction with sexual experience following NS-RRP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 440 men at 58 centers throughout the United States and Canada participated in this randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial with 3 phases, namely baseline (4-week untreated period), treatment (12 weeks) and followup (7 days). Participants received placebo (145), 10 mg vardenafil (146) or 20 mg vardenafil (149) at home on demand but no more than once per calendar day. Efficacy and satisfaction with erection quality and sexual experience were determined during the trial. RESULTS: The 10 and 20 mg vardenafil doses were significantly superior to placebo for the International Index of Erectile Function domains for intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function and overall satisfaction with sexual experience (vs placebo p <0.0009). Significant improvement in the satisfaction rate with erection hardness were demonstrated for each vardenafil dose compared with placebo (p <0.0001). Vardenafil was generally well tolerated. Common adverse events were headache, vasodilatation and rhinitis. CONCLUSIONS: In this difficult to treat population of men with erectile dysfunction subsequent to NS-RRP on demand treatment with vardenafil during a 3-month period significantly improved key aspects of the sexual experience important to patient quality of life.     

Up-titration of vardenafil dose from 10 mg to 20 mg improved erectile function in men with spinal cord injury

AIM: Vardenafil is a highly selective phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). Efficacy of vardenafil has been demonstrated in various ED populations, but that in Japanese patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been assessed. METHODS: This was an open-label, multicenter, flexible dose, 12-week study in patients with ED due to SCI. Following a 4-week observation period, patients received vardenafil 10 mg for 4 weeks, and based on efficacy, tolerability and patient preference, doses for the remaining 8 weeks were decided by investigators. The primary efficacy parameter was erectile function domain score of the International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS: Ten patients took 10 mg all through the study, while 22 patients took 20 mg after completing 4 weeks' treatment with 10 mg. The erectile function domain score increased from 12.2 at baseline to 25.0 at Last Observation Carried Forward (LOCF) in the former group and from 10.3 to 22.5 in the latter group, respectively. Importantly, there was a 5.0 point increase in erectile function domain score after up-titration in the latter group. Drug-related adverse events were observed in 22% of patients including hot flushes (9%) and headache (6%), but these were transient and mild in intensity. Serious adverse events and adverse events leading to discontinuation of the study drug were not reported. CONCLUSIONS: Vardenafil 10 and 20 mg was well tolerated and improved erectile function in patients with SCI. Of interest, erectile function was further improved by 20 mg in patients who were not sufficiently treated with 10 mg.     

Efficacy and tolerability of vardenafil in Asian men with erectile dysfunction

Aim： To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of vardenafil, a phosphodiesterase type-5 （PDE-5） inhibitor, in men of Asian ethnicity with erectile dysfunction （ED）. Methods： In this prospective, double-blind, multinational study, Asian men were randomized to receive vardenafil （10 mg） or placebo （4：1 ratio） for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy variables were the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain （IIEF-EF）, and Sexual Encounter Profile （SEP） questions related to penetration and intercourse completion. Significant mean improvements were required in all three measures to show positive benefits of vardenafil treatment. Secondary efficacy variables included the Global Assessment Question （GAQ） on erection improvement. Results： Least-squares mean baseline IIEF-EF domain scores （vardenafil 14.6, placebo 13.4） were consistent with moderate ED. After 12 weeks, vardenafil treatment was associated with significant increases from the baseline in IIEF-EF domain scores compared with the placebo （22.4 vs. 14.3; P 〈 0.001）. Vardenafil was associated with significant improvements from baseline in least squares （LS） mean success rates for SEP-2 （vardenafil 82.2 vs. placebo 43.6; P 〈 0.001） and SEP-3 （vardenafil 66.1 vs. placebo 24.0; P 〈 0.001）. Positive GAQ responses were reported by 81.8% of vardenafil recipients vs. 24.3% of placebo recipients. Adverse events were reported by 25.4% of the vardenafil group, the majority mild and transient. Conclusion： Vardenafil （10 mg） is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment for moderate ED in Asian men. These results add to the increasing amount of data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of vardenafil for the treatment of ED in a range of patient populations.     

同期内使用3种PDE5抑制剂治疗ED的经验

目的:观察与比较同期内使用3种PDE5抑制剂治疗ED患者的疗效,满意情况和不良反应。分析影响患者疗效、接受度、倾向性的因素。方法:11个月在门诊应用3种PDE5抑制剂治疗ED患者331例。使用西地那非134例,他达拉非88例,及伐地那非109例。医师详细指导药物的应用,注意事项,观察的内容等,并互留电话,列表登记、随访。结果:复诊或电话随访时间,结果为:①获得良好的疗效及满意率为西地那非72例(79.12%),他达拉非52例(78.78%),伐地那非63例(81.81%)。②PDE5抑制剂单纯或交叉应用的资料分析显示:青年患者或新婚者,偏好伐地那非;③中青年患者倾向于他达拉非;中老年及较长期应用PDE5抑制剂的患者多选用西地那非。3种PDE5抑制剂用于早泄均有一定疗效。④对不能继续用此类药治疗ED的原因进行了分析,分别为:价高,不治本,效果差,耽心不良反应。结论:①同期3种PDE5抑制剂治疗ED的疗效基本相近。亦各有一些优势和特点。②3种PDE5抑制剂的安全性均好,一般、轻度不良反应相近,中度、特殊的不良反应少,严重不良反应均无发生。③PDE5抑制剂的疗效观察,目前众多的问卷、量表实际均仍以主观的感受为主。对同一个人以相同形式、相同问题、繁简一致阐述,获得的有关疗效满意情况、感受等简易回答是有可比性、可信度和实用性的。     

伐地那非治疗高血压患者勃起功能障碍的有效性和安全性

勃起功能障碍(erectile dysfunction,ED)在高血压患者中的发病率明显高于非高血压人群,由于担心联合用药会出现严重不良反应,医生往往不愿为该类患者处方治疗ED的药物。伐地那非是一种新型高选择性磷酸二酯酶5型抑制剂,它对心血管系统的安全性已被多项临床试验所证实。最近进行的一项大型临床研究表明,对于同时服用多种降压药的高血压合并ED患者,伐地那非能够显著改善患者的勃起功能,并且使用安全,尤其对于血压或心率等项指标均未见临床意义的改变。     

Vardenafil (Levitra) for erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trial reports

Trials of the efficacy and safety of vardenafil in the treatment of male erectile dysfunction (ED) were meta-analysed. All available databases were searched (January 1, 2001-November 30, 2003). Trials were eligible if they included men with ED, compared vardenafil with placebo, were randomized, were at least of 12 weeks duration, and assessed clinically relevant outcomes. Two reviewers independently evaluated study quality and extracted data in a standardized fashion. Nine trials (6809 men) met the inclusion criteria. In results pooled from seven fixed-dose trials, vardenafil increases the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire by 6.18 units (weighted mean difference (WMD)). Vardenafil also increases the percentage of erections firm enough to allow vaginal penetration (WMD: 26) and the percentage of sexual attempts that were successful per participant (WMD: 29.8). The percentage of men agreeing with the statement that 'the treatment they have been taking over the past 4 weeks improved their erections', is also in favour of vardenafil (relative risk (RR): 3). These efficacy variables appeared greater at higher doses, although there are no significant differences between 10 and 20 mg dose. The same results were extracted for the two flexible 'as needed' dosing trials. Discontinuations are greater at the vardenafil groups compared to placebo (RR: 2.25). Specific adverse events with vardenafil included flushing, dyspepsia, headache, and rhinitis. Vardenafil was not significantly associated with serious cardiovascular events or death. Vardenafil, in all treatment regimens, shows to possess superior efficacy to placebo in the treatment of patients with erectile dysfunction. More data is needed on patients' subgroups.     

伐地那非治疗勃起功能障碍的有效性和安全性

伐地那非是一种有效的、高选择性的口服磷酸二酯酶 (PDE5 )抑制剂。它对各种病因、各种程度、各年龄段的男性勃起功能障碍 (ED)患者均有良好疗效 ,可显著改善勃起功能。该药口服后最快 10min即可起效 ,长期使用仍能保持疗效 ,不良反应少 ,耐受性好。因此 ,伐地那非是治疗男性ED患者的有效、安全的药物。     

伐地那非的药效学和药代动力学

伐地那非是一种强效、高选择性的 5型磷酸二酯酶 (PDE5 )抑制剂 ,对PDE5的抑制作用约为西地那非的 10倍。该药能显著增强阴茎勃起功能 ;而且起效迅速 ,患者口服后最早 10min即可充分勃起完成性交 ,是迄今为止起效最快的PDE5抑制剂。伐地那非口服绝对生物利用度为 15 % ,可被迅速吸收 ,血浆清除半衰期约为 4～ 5h。药效学、药代动力学、安全性及耐受性研究表明 ,伐地那非是一个治疗ED的安全、有效的口服药物。     

伐地那非对肾阳虚、肾阴虚及肝气郁结型勃起功能障碍的疗效分析

目的:观察伐地那非对肾阳虚、肾阴虚及肝气郁结型勃起功能障碍(ED)的临床疗效。方法:将124例ED患者按中医辨证分为肾阳虚型ED(44例)、肾阴虚型ED(41例)、肝气郁结型ED(39例),所有患者每天服用伐地那非5 mg,总疗程为8周。结果:伐地那非能显著提高各型ED患者的勃起功能问卷-5(IIEF-5)和勃起质量表(EQS)评分,且各组间比较差别有统计学意义(P<0.01);伐地那非显著提高肾阳虚和肾阴虚型ED患者性交成功百分率(P<0.01),肝气郁结型ED在治疗后性交成功百分率也有明显提高(P<0.05);伐地那非还能显著提高各型ED患者阴茎勃起硬度,3组治疗后总体有效率分别为81.82%、73.17%、43.59%。结论:伐地那非对肾阳虚和肾阴虚型ED患者疗效优于肝气郁结型ED患者。     

多剂量伐地那非治疗男性勃起功能障碍的临床研究

目的评估不同剂量新型磷酸二酯酶5（PED5）抑制剂伐地那非治疗男性勃起功能障碍（ED）的有效性和安全性。方法采用随机、双盲、安慰剂平行对照、3个药物剂量（5、10和20mg）的方法，对88例ED患者进行为期12周的临床研究。结果伐地那非5mg、10mg和20mg组均能改善患者国际勃起功能指数（IIEF）中勃起功能部分的得分、患者日记中插入和保持勃起的成功率，改善程度优于安慰剂组。伐地那非20mg组对IIEF问卷中勃起功能部分得分的改善优于伐地那非5mg组。伐地那非组不良事件的发生率高于安慰剂组，但多为轻中度，且可自行缓解。结论伐地那非是治疗男性勃起功能障碍的安全、有效药物。     

Vardenafil 20-mg demonstrated superior efficacy to 10-mg in Japanese men with diabetes mellitus suffering from erectile dysfunction

AIM: Vardenafil is a highly selective and potent phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The efficacy of vardenafil has been demonstrated in a broad range of ED populations, but has not yet been assessed in Japanese patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), although DM is frequently associated with difficult-to-treat ED. This is the first study to investigate whether high-dose vardenafil (20 mg) can demonstrate superior efficacy to the usual dose (10 mg) in this subpopulation in Japan. METHODS: The study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multi-centre, parallel group comparison 12-week study. Following 4 weeks observation period, 778 patients aged 26-64 years old with ED and DM (HbA1c >12% at screening was excluded) both of more than 3 years duration were randomly allocated to one of the three groups, vardenafil 10 mg, 20 mg, or placebo (randomization ratio 3:3:1). Erectile function (EF) domain score of the International Index of Erectile Function was estimated as the primary efficacy parameter. RESULTS: Vardenafil 10 and 20 mg both significantly improved the EF domain score from 13.6 and 13.9 at baseline to 21.8 and 22.9 at last observation carried forward (LOCF), respectively, compared to placebo (13.7 at baseline to 16.3 at LOCF; p<0.0001). In addition, vardenafil 20 mg demonstrated superior efficacy to 10 mg (p<0.05), and the difference was more evident in severe ED patients (baseline EF domain score <11). The safety profile was comparable between these two doses (drug-related adverse events: 6.6, 22.0 and 24.2% in placebo, vardenafil 10 mg, and 20 mg arms, respectively). The most common adverse events were hot flush, headache and nasal congestion, which were mild in intensity and transient, and are known to be common to PDE5 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: In Japanese men with DM and ED, vardenafil 10 mg and 20 mg were effective in improving erectile function with comparable safety profiles. Vardenafil 20 mg demonstrated superior efficacy compared with 10 mg, suggesting incremental clinical benefit in using the higher dose in this difficult-to-treat population.     

伐地那非的心血管安全性研究

伐地那非 (vardenafil,艾力达 )是新的选择性磷酸二酯酶 5型抑制剂 (PDE5I) ,通过选择性PDE5抑制作用(IC50 :0 .0 1nmol/L)而增强勃起功能 ,国际和国内临床研究已经表明其治疗勃起功能障碍 (ED)安全有效。艾力达和其他PDE5I一样由于具有轻度血管扩张作用 ,引起一过性头痛、头晕、颜面潮红、鼻塞等不良反应。本文对最近有关艾力达对心血管系统安全性的研究进行综述。研究显示 ,艾力达对处于心脏功能代偿期的心血管疾病患者、无活动性心绞痛或已控制好的冠心病患者ED治疗安全有效。治疗剂量的艾力达平均降低外周动脉血压幅度 <10mmHg ,除了与有机亚硝酸类药物具有协同降血压作用之外 ,与其他降压药物没有显著协同降血压作用。艾力达对心肌复极间期 (QTc)有轻微延长作用 ,但是目前临床研究没有发现艾力达引起的心律失常。 5项安慰剂对照的临床研究资料表明 ,服用艾力达后发生心血管不良事件的种类以及发生几率与安慰剂无显著差异。目前 ,研究结果表明 ,艾力达在临床治疗剂量下 ,对心血管功能具有较好的安全性和耐受性 ,是一种安全有效的治疗ED的一线药物。     

伐地那非治疗糖尿病患者的勃起功能障碍

勃起功能障碍 (erectiledysfunction ,ED)在糖尿病患者中发生率要高于非糖尿病人群 ,而且更难治疗。伐地那非是一种高选择性的新型磷酸二酯酶 5抑制剂 ,是广泛ED人群的一线治疗药物。最近发表的大型临床试验表明 ,无论糖尿病合并ED的患者基线时的病情严重程度如何 ,也无论他们的血糖控制情况如何 ,伐地那非都能有效地改善其勃起功能 ,而且使用安全 ,耐受性良好     

磷酸二酯酶5抑制剂治疗勃起功能障碍的疗效和安全性比较

磷酸二酯酶 5 (PDE 5 )抑制剂西地那非的问世使男性勃起功能障碍 (ED)的治疗手段发生了根本性的改变。1998年以来有 10 0多个国家的 2 0 0 0多万患者使用了西地那非 ,患者的死亡率与总体人群的死亡率差异无显著性。西地那非治疗ED平均有效率达 80 %以上 ,成为治疗ED的首选手段。随着新的PDE 5抑制剂伐地那非和泰地那非在国外先后进入临床使用 ,药物治疗ED有了更多的选择。本文通过比较 3种PDE 5抑制剂的药效学、药动学及不良反应以评价其疗效和安全性。     

Effect of vardenafil on nitric oxide synthase expression in the paraventricular nucleus of rats without sexual stimulation

Vardenafil hydrochloride (HCl) is a potent and selective phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor that enhances nitric oxide (NO)-mediated relaxation of human corpus cavernosum and NO-induced rabbit penile erection, and enhances erectile function in patients. In the present study, the effect of vardenafil on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and neuronal NOS expressions in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of rats without sexual stimulation was investigated using nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry and neuronal NOS (nNOS) immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. The present results showed that NOS and nNOS expression in the PVN was increased by vardenafil treatment as the dose- and duration-dependently without sexual stimulation. The phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor, vardenafil, augmented NOS expression in the brain without sexual stimulation. The present study suggests that sexual behaviour can be directly modulated by neurotransmitters such as nitric oxide.     

Endothelial rehabilitation: the impact of chronic PDE5 inhibitors on erectile function and protein alterations in cavernous tissue of diabetic rats

BACKGROUND: Diabetic men generally have reduced efficacy with PDE-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether chronic vardenafil exposure alters cavernous protein expression predicting improved erectile function in diabetes. DESIGN: Forty-two adult male Sprague Dawley rats with streptozotocin-induced (50mg/kg IP) diabetes for 4 wk, were exposed to either vehicle or vardenafil for 6 wk. Assessments compared the impact of vardenafil given at 1h and 20 h to erectile function and cellular alterations and downstream translation of cavernous protein profiles were aimed. INTERVENTION: Vehicle or vardenafil 0.5mg/kg/day by oral gavage for 6 wk. MEASUREMENTS: Erectile function, penile tissue morphology, protein expression and surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI) protein profiling were determined. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A significant increase of intracavernous pressure was seen in both treatment arms compared to diabetic rats not receiving vardenafil. Immunohistochemical staining showed improved endothelial and smooth muscle cell staining with chronic vardenafil use. Western blot analysis demonstrated increased endothelial cell eNOS and smooth muscle alpha-actin protein content. SELDI protein profiling showed enhanced proteins expression at molecular weights of 14.7, 20, 41.9, 66.2, and 83.9 kDa in the chronically treated vardenafil group. CONCLUSIONS: Vardenafil was effective in treating diabetic-induced ED with the greatest effect achieved through chronic dosing, with no additive effect measured with the final acute dose. Changes noted in the histology and protein expression indicate that vardenafil may have a protective effect in this disease state. This finding may serve as a basis for further work evaluating the utility of chronic vardenafil dosing in diabetic men.     

A randomised, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of twice-daily vardenafil in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is associated with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and reduced patient quality of life (QoL). Phosphodiesterase (type) 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as vardenafil are commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), but have also been shown to improve the symptoms of BPH. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of vardenafil on LUTS and QoL in men with BPH/LUTS, with or without concomitant ED. METHODS: Men aged 45-64 yr with BPH/LUTS and an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) > or =12 were randomised to receive either 10mg vardenafil or placebo twice daily. LUTS were assessed with the use of two primary efficacy parameters, IPSS score and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), as well as postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume; ED was measured with the use of the erectile function (EF) domain score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF); and QoL was assessed with the Urolifetrade mark QoL-9 questionnaire. RESULTS: After 8 wk of treatment, there was a significant improvement in the IPSS total score in the vardenafil group compared with placebo (-5.9 and -3.6, respectively; p=0.0013). Nominally significant improvements in irritative and obstructive IPSS subscores (p=0.0017 and p=0.0081, respectively), EF (p=0.0001), and Urolife QoL-9 (p<0.0001) were also associated with vardenafil treatment. Qmax and PVR urine volume did not change significantly with treatment, although baseline values were already considered close to normal. Vardenafil was generally well tolerated, with most adverse events considered mild or moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS: Vardenafil treatment significantly improved LUTS, EF, and QoL in men with BPH/LUTS. Vardenafil may be considered a promising treatment option for men with symptoms secondary to BPH.