Early combination therapy: intracavernosal injections and sildenafil following radical prostatectomy increases sexual activity and the return of natural erections

Early pharmacological prophylaxis has been reported to increase the return of spontaneous erections following radical prostatectomy (RP). In this study, we evaluated the role of intracavernosal alprostadil (PGE1) combined with sildenafil in stimulating early recovery of spontaneous erections following RP. In this prospective study, we included 22 patients who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing RP after October 2004. Sildenafil dose of 50 mg/day was started at the time of hospital discharge. Of 22 patients, 18 started on PGE1-4 microg (1-8) and four started on low-dose Trimix (20 U) 2-3 times/week. These patients are followed up at regular intervals (3, 6, 9 and 12 months) with abridged version of the International Index for Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. Patient compliance, return of sexual activity and return of natural erection, adverse effects and reasons for discontinuation were recorded. Penile doppler studies were performed during followup visits to assess the vascular status. After a mean followup of 6 months (3-8 months), 11/22 (50%) patients had return of spontaneous partial erections. Of the 18 PGE1 users, six continued 4 microg PGE1, four increased the dose to 8 microg, six decreased the dose to 2 microg and two patients further reduced the dose to 1 microg. Of four low-dose Trimix users, three increased the dose to 30 U and one reduced the dose to 15 U. Of 22 patients, 21 were sexually active: 12/21 (57%) with the injections alone and 9/21 (42.9%) with combination therapy (injections (PGE1) and sildenafil). Penile doppler studies revealed arterial insufficiency in 77% (17/22) patients and venous insufficiency in one patient. Early intracavernosal injections following RP facilitated early sexual intercourse, patient satisfaction and potentially earlier return of natural erections. Early combination therapy with sildenafil allowed a lower dose of intracavernous injections, minimizing the penile discomfort.     

Sildenafil in the treatment of sexual dysfunction in spinal cord-injured male patients

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in spinal cord-injury (SCI) patients. Moreover, we looked for neurological conditions permitting therapeutic success and for the ideal dose needed to achieve sufficient erections. METHODS: 41 SCI patients were prospectively examined. Sexual dysfunction was assessed by means of anamnesis, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, and neurological examination. Psychogenic erection capacity was tested by audiovisual stimulation and reflexive erection using a vibrator device. Neurophysiological recordings and cystomanometry were performed in parallel to clinical examinations. Neurophysiological recordings included sympathetic skin responses (SSR), pudendus somatosensory evoked potentials (pSSEP), and bulbocavernous reflex (BCR). Urodynamics aimed at classifying the neurogenic bladder dysfunction (upper motoneuron lesion versus lower motoneuron lesion). Intracavernous injection tests with PGE1 were performed in all patients to exclude major organic disease. 50 mg sildenafil was first given 3 times. Thereafter, the doses were adapted according to patients' reports. RESULTS: Clinically, 28 subjects preserved either reflexive erections (24) or psychogenic erections (4), 11 had both types and only 2 presented with a complete loss of erection. 38 patients (93%) had a positive response to sildenafil and reached a penile rigidity sufficient to permit sexual intercourse. 3 patients dropped out because of non-response despite having increased the dosis up to 100 mg. 22 patients (58%) showed functional erections 1 h after 50 mg sildenafil, whereas 14 (37%) required higher doses of 75-100 mg. By comparing the IIEF questionnaire scores before and after therapy, there was a significant improvement in erectile function and intercourse satisfaction from 9.2+/-4.4 SD) and 4.5 (+/-2.5 SD) to 25.5 (+/-4.2 SD) and 10.5 (+/-2.1 SD) points, respectively (p<0.05). Nearly 10% (4/41) suffered from side effects such as headache or dizziness. Two of them stopped therapy because of the side effects. At least 36 patients (88%) continue treatment with sildenafil. Absence of both psychogenic (nonsomesthetic supraspinally elicited) and reflexive (somesthetic spinally elicited) erections, confirmed by urodynamical and electrophysiological findings (SSR perineum, BCR and pSSEP), seems to exclude a successful treatment. In contrast, SCI male patients with preserved function of at least one component of the erection phenomenon (psychogenic/reflexive) responded well to sildenafil and the dose required to achieve erections sufficient for sexual intercourse did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil proves to be a valuable and safe therapeutic management in ED of SCI patients. Therefore, patient acceptance and satisfaction are high. The most common dose required to achieve a satisfying erection is 50 mg. The efficacy of sildenafil depends on sparing of either sacral (S2-S4) or thoracolumbar (T10-L2) spinal segments which, in this study, have been shown to be of relevance in mediating psychogenic erections in male SCI patients. Complete disturbance of any neurogenic impulses excludes successful treatment.     

A simplified pharmacologic erection program for patients with spinal cord injury

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Intracavernosal injection (ICI) of vasoactive agents has been successfully used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The authors' pharmacologic erection program, using a fixed combination of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and papaverine, is notable for its simplicity and acceptance by patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries (SCIs). METHODS: Patients undergo baseline questionnaire, physical examination, and hormone profile followed by instruction and injection of a fixed combination of PGE1 and papaverine. On successive visits, the patient injects himself and the dosage is titrated until a satisfactory erection is obtained. Patients who do not respond to injection of 1.0 cc are considered treatment failures. Patients return periodically for routine follow-up. RESULTS: From May 1994 to March 1997, 37 patients with SCI underwent initial evaluation and 28 (76%) responded to injection therapy and were successfully using self-injection therapy at 3-month follow-up. Twenty-three patients are still on injection therapy. Five patients have dropped out for several reasons including a lack of a current sexual partner (60%) and pain with injection (40%). Patient age ranges from 24 to 72. The dosage range was 0.10 to 0.50 cc (mean = 0.29 cc). The average duration of erection was 43 minutes. At 3-month follow-up, 85% of the patients rated their erections as good or excellent. Forty-three percent of patients are using ICI 1 or more times per week. Seventy-seven percent of patients are moderately or extremely satisfied with their treatment and 89% said that they would recommend this program to a friend. CONCLUSIONS: This simplified pharmacologic erection program offers safe, well accepted, and effective therapy for ED to a SCI population with very high patient satisfaction.     

A Simplified Pharmacologic Erection Program for Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Intracavernosal injection (ICI) of vasoactive agents has been successfully used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The authors’ pharmacologic erection program, using a fixed combination of prostaglandin El (PGE1) and papaverine, is notable for its simplicity and acceptance by patients who have suffered spinal cord injuries (SCIs).

Methods: Patients undergo baseline questionnaire, physical examination, and hormone profile followed by instruction and injection of a fixed combination of PGE1 and papaverine. On successive visits, the patient injects himself and the dosage is titrated until a satisfactory erection is obtained. Patients who do not respond to injection of 1.0 cc are considered treatment failures. Patients return periodically for routine follow-up.

Results: From May 1994 to March 1997, 37 patients with SCI underwent initial evaluation and 28 (76%) responded to injection therapy and were successfully using self-injection therapy at 3-month follow-up. Twenty-three patients are still on injection therapy. Five patients have dropped out for several reasons including a lack of a current sexual partner (60%) and pain with injection (40%). Patient age ranges from 24 to 72. The dosage range was 0.10 to 0.50 cc (mean = 0.29 cc). The average duration of erection was 43 minutes. At 3-month follow-up, 85% of the patients rated their erections as good or excellent. Forty-three percent of patients are using ICI 1 or more times per week. Seventy-seven percent of patients are moderately or extremely satisfied with their treatment and 89% said that they would recommend this program to a friend.

Conclusions: This simplified pharmacologic erection program offers safe, well accepted, and effective therapy for ED to a SCI population with very high patient satisfaction.     

Efficacy and safety of fixed-dose oral sildenafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction of various etiologies

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of fixed-dose oral sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) of various etiologies. METHODS: In a 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose study, 514 men (mean age 56 years) with ED were randomized to receive 25, 50, or 100 mg of sildenafil or placebo. The primary etiology of ED was determined to be organic in 32% of men, psychogenic in 25%, or mixed in 43%. Sildenafil or placebo was taken in the home setting approximately 1 hour before sexual activity, not more than once daily. Efficacy was determined by responses to question 3 (ability to achieve an erection) and question 4 (ability to maintain an erection) of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Other measures of efficacy included the five sexual function domains of the IIEF, a global efficacy question, event log data, and a partner questionnaire. RESULTS: Sildenafil significantly increased patients' ability to achieve and maintain erections (P <0.0001), with efficacy increasing with increasing dose. Significant improvements were also observed in the IIEF domains for erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall sexual satisfaction (P <0.0001). The proportion of subjects who felt that treatment with sildenafil improved their erections was significantly greater (67% to 86%) than that with placebo treatment (24%, P <0.0001). The proportion of successful attempts at sexual intercourse also increased significantly with sildenafil treatment (P <0.001). Partner responses corroborated patient reports. Sildenafil was well tolerated at the three doses studied. CONCLUSIONS: Oral sildenafil is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for ED of various etiologies.     

Anxiety and high plasma catecholamines do not impair pharmaco-induced erection of psychogenic erectile dysfunctional patients

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of anxiety and plasma catecholamines on the pharmaco-induced erection of psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) patients. A total of 23 patients with psychogenic ED aged from 19 to 43 y were submitted to: (1) anxiety evaluation by the Spielberger's State and Trait Anxiety Inventory-STAI; (2) intracavernous injection of PGE1 10 microg+phentolamine 1 mg with the response monitored by Rigiscan; (3) blood sampling from cavernous bodies and cubital vein for adrenaline and noradrenaline levels determination by high performance liquid chromatography. The whole procedure was done in a single clinical setting at the same day. We found no significant correlation between the erection rigidity and the cavernous or peripheral catecholamines or between erection rigidity and anxiety scores. Some patients showed rigid erections despite high anxiety scores or penile catecholamine levels while others, with incomplete erections, had much smaller levels. These results are suggestive of a more complex mechanism controlling the penile sympathetic responsiveness in psychogenic ED patients.     

Prostaglandin E1 in erectile dysfunction

Of 447 presenting with erectile dysfunction, 322 (72%) responded to intracavernous injection of PGE1 with erections that were adequate for sexual intercourse. A multidisciplinary comparative study of PGE1 and other vasoactive drugs, e.g., papaverine or the combination of papaverine and phentolamine, was performed in 249 patients. Whereas 180 of the 249 patients (72.3%) showed adequate erections after 10 or 20 micrograms PGE1, only 79 of them (31.3%) did so after papaverine. A further 72 of the 249 patients (29%) had adequate erections after papaverine/phentolamine; thus, a total of 151 of 249 patients (60.3%) developed good erections after papaverine/phentolamine. Whereas after PGE1 no patients at all suffered from priapism lasting more than 6 h, this occurred in 13 of 249 patients (5.2%) after papaverine or papaverine/phentolamine. After intracavernous injection of PGE1, 9.4% of the patients complained of uncomfortable penile sensations during erection interfering with sexual intercourse. Since the initial study, 60 patients have been instructed in self-injection therapy and a further 45 patients obtain intracavernous PGE1 injections periodically, with very promising results. In vitro studies of cavernosal tissue samples obtained from potent men with penile deviations showed both the excellent relaxation of the smooth muscles of cavernous bodies by PGE1 and the antiadrenergic effect of the drug.     

Reasons of dropout from short- and long-term self-injection therapy for impotence

OBJECTIVE: To define the satisfaction rate and the dropout causes of intracavernous self-injection therapy in impotent patients. METHODS: A total of 250 impotent patients treated with intracavernous injection of drugs from 1991 to 1997 were mailed a questionnaire about their experience with this method. If the patient discontinued therapy, eight possible explanations for discontinuation were tested to identify reasons for terminating therapy (multiple choices were allowed). The causes of impotence were correlated with the rates of patients continuing or discontinuing therapy. RESULTS: 144 of 250 patients (57.6%) returned the questionnaire. Of the 106 non-responding patients, 50% could not be reached due to relocation. The patients were divided into three groups according to the duration of injection use. In group I, 35 of 144 patients (24%) did not continue therapy at home because either they felt it was unnatural (20%), they were dissatisfied (20%), or they experienced improvement of spontaneous erections (15%). In group II, 57 of 144 patients (40%) continued therapy at home and dropped out after a mean duration of 6.9 (range 0.5-48) months due to dissatisfaction (22%), cost reasons (20%), or insufficient erection for penetration (19.4%). In group III, 52 of 144 patients (36%) were continuing therapy with a mean follow-up period of 19.8 (range 2-72) months. The mean ages were not statistically different in the three groups. Also the aetiologies of impotence were similar: 35% psychogenic, 25% organic, and 40% mixed psychogenic/organic. Patients with psychogenic aetiology seem to continue therapy more frequently than others. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term follow-up revealed a high attrition rate of intracavernous self-injection therapy. Patient dissatisfaction, cost, and insufficient erection for penetration were the major causes of dropout.     

Efficacy and safety of fixed-dose oral sildenafil in the treatment of sexual dysfunction in depressed patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: The efficacy and safety of oral Sildenafil, a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase type 5, were evaluated in depressed men with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and erectile dysfunction. Thirty-three men were enrolled in a 4-month prospective, open-label, fixed-dose study, and received 50mg of Sildenafil in the home setting approximately 1 hour before sexual activity, not more than once daily. Efficacy was determined by responses to question 3 (ability to achieve an erection) and question 4 (ability to maintain an erection) of the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Other measures of efficacy included the five sexual function domains of IIEF, a global efficacy question, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-21 (HDRS-21). RESULTS: At the end of the study, improved erections were reported by 84.8% of patients. Sildenafil significantly increased patients' ability to achieve and maintain erections. Significant improvements were also observed in the IIEF domains for erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction and overall sexual satisfaction. BDI and HDRS scores improved from baseline to the end of the study. A clear improvement of depressive symptoms was observed in 75% of patients. Sildenafil was well tolerated in all the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with oral Sildenafil improves erectile function and, indirectly, depressive symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease stages 1-3, and is well tolerated.     

Prostaglandin E1 versus sex therapy in the management of psychogenic erectile dysfunction

The treatment for psychogenic erectile dysfunction has been previously managed by non-medical methods consisting of counseling with a psychiatrist, psychologist or sex therapist. The success rate for treatment with counseling has not been uniformly successful. This paper compares the treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction using standard sex therapy and self-injection therapy using low-dose PGE1. Fifty men with psychogenic impotence were divided into two groups: standard sex therapy for twelve weeks or treatment using low-dose (2.5 - 5.0 microg) of PGE1. The results showed that men treated with low-dose PGE1 had a 47% improvement of obtaining an unaided erection compared to 58% improvement rate with sex therapy. 69% of patients in the PGE1 group were satisfied with their treatment compared to 75% receiving sex therapy. The frequency of intercourse reported in patient diaries for the two groups was similar (20.5 per month for PGE1 vs 20.0 per month for sex therapy. The reported duration of erection by patients receiving PGE1 therapy was longer than that reported by those receiving sex therapy (35 min vs 10 min). The comparison of the cost of treatment of the two treatment groups reveals that the sex therapy is approximately 25% more expensive than the PGE1 treatment. This pilot study demonstrates that the efficacy of PGE1 was numerically, though not statistically, less than sex therapy in the treatment of psychogenic impotence. The cost per positive outcome with PGE1 treatment is lower than that of sex therapy treatment making PGE1 more cost-effective.     

Long-term efficacy and compliance of MUSE for erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy: SHIM (IIEF-5) analysis

Baseline and follow-up data of 54 patients from a single surgical series (1998-2001), who used medicated urethral system for erection (MUSE) for the erectile dysfunction (ED) associated with radical prostatectomy (RP), were obtained. Patients were surveyed using the abridged five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, commonly referred to as the Sexual Health Inventory of Men (SHIM), to determine presence and severity of ED and efficacy of ED treatment modalities. The mean patient age was 63.7+/-5.6 y and the mean follow-up period was 2.3+/-1.2 y. All patients experienced ED for at least 6 months after their surgery before starting MUSE therapy. Overall, 55% of the patients achieved and maintained erections sufficient for sexual intercourse while on MUSE and 48% continued long-term therapy with a mean use of 2.32+/-1.2 y. The mean presurgery SHIM score in these patients was 19.2+/-1.3, which decreased to 5.2+/-0.5 after surgery and increased to 16.3+/-1.3 after MUSE treatment. A total of 28 patients (52%) discontinued treatment after a mean use of 8+/-1.4 months. The reasons for discontinuation were insufficient erections (n = 16, mean SHIM score of 10.5+/-4.4), switch to other ED therapies (n = 4), natural return of erections (n = 4) and urethral pain and burning (n = 4). Excluding the patients (n = 8) who preferred other therapies and return of natural erections, the compliance to MUSE was 63%. There were no significant differences in the IIEF-5 responses between the patients who had a nerve-sparing technique (n=34) and those who did not (n = 20) or among patients who used different doses (250, 500 or 1000 microg) of MUSE. The results of the current trial indicate that MUSE is a successful treatment option in RP patients with established ED. It appears that a post-treatment SHIM score of > or = 16 defines a successful outcome with MUSE therapy.     

Rationale for combination therapy of intraurethral prostaglandin E(1) and sildenafil in the salvage of erectile dysfunction patients desiring noninvasive therapy

Corpus cavernosum smooth muscle relaxation and hence penile erection are regulated in part by increases in smooth muscle synthesis of the second messengers cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). The object of this study was to determine 30-month follow-up results in motivated patients desiring noninvasive medical therapy using sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in combination with intraurethral prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1)) (Medicated Urethral System for Erection [MUSE]). Twenty-eight patients (mean +/- s.d. age, 59 +/-7.3 y; 17 who had undergone radical prostatectomy and 11 who had a diagnosis of organic erectile dysfunction) were included in this study. Detailed history taking and physical examinations were performed and vascular risk factors noted. In these patients, treatment with either 100 mg of sildenafil citrate and/or 1000 microg of MUSE had failed. None of these patients desired intracavernosal injection. Duplex Doppler ultrasonography after redosing was carried out on all patients. Dynamic infusion corpus cavernosography/cavernosometry was obtained in 17 of 28 patients, and combination therapy was initiated using 100 mg of sildenafil citrate orally 60 min before intercourse and 500 microg of MUSE intraurethrally immediately before intercourse. Independently, either 100 mg of sildenafil citrate or 1000 microg of MUSE was not efficacious in inducing an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration in any of the 28 patients. After initiating a combination therapy, at 30 months, all 28 patients were reporting erections sufficient for vaginal penetration, with 3.6 intercourse episodes per month. None of the patients crossed over to intracavernosal therapy or penile prosthesis. During therapy, eight of 28 patients reduced the dose of sildenafil citrate to 50 mg. Combination therapy with MUSE and sildenafil may be more efficacious in the salvage of patients who desire noninvasive therapy but in whom single-treatment modalities fail. Although both cAMP- and cGMP-mediated vasodilation can lead to penile erection, combining therapies that incorporate both pathways may succeed when single therapies fail.     

Are consecutive nightly recordings required for valid evaluation of sleep-associated erections?

We questioned the need for more than one RigiScan recording for accurate assessment of sleep-associated penile erections and determine the necessity of consecutive nightly recordings for valid evaluation of sleep-associated erections. Men complaining of erectile dysfunction (ED) and referred to RigiScan evaluation for the first time participated. Recordings were performed at the patient's home during two consecutive nights, and data on test time, number of erections, erection duration, minimal and maximal base and tip tumescence and rigidity were retrieved for both nights. Normal erectile function was defined with the recording of at least one erection (70 out of 100% tip rigidity lasting for at least 10 min during either night). The main outcome measures were RigiScan recordings. Group 1 consisted of 29 men (mean age 42.4+/-13.8 years, range 22-71) who had normal erections, all during the first night. Group 2 consisted of 26 men (mean age 48.6+/-13.5 years, range 25-70) who failed to fulfill both criteria for normal erection. In Group 2, only the values for penile base rigidity and erection duration were normal during the first night: the parameters of maximal base tumescence, tip rigidity, number of effective erections and duration of effective erections that were impaired during the first night were significantly worse (P<0.01) during the second night. The required information for the diagnosis of psychogenic ED was obtained during the first night in >50% of the participants. Men with normal erections during the first night can be spared the inconvenience and cost of re-testing. Consecutive night recording should be reserved for patients whose recorded data during the first night did not fulfill the criteria for normal erection.     

Hemodynamic study on erection induced by intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1

Penile blood flow (PBF) was measured by the Xe-133 clearance method. In 16 patients, complete erection was obtained by visual sexual stimulation (VSS). Their mean PBF before and after erection were 1.95 ml/100 g/min and 10.71 ml/100 g/min, respectively. In 69 patients, full erection was obtained by intracavernous injection of 20 micrograms prostaglandin E1 (PGE1). Their mean PBF before and after administration were 2.00 ml/100 g/min and 6.28 ml/100 g/min, respectively. The mechanism of erection by intracavernous PGE1 was different from that of physiological erection, since the mean PBF after PGE1 was apparently lower than VSS. In diabetic and geriatric patients, the mean PBF before PGE1 was lower than that of cerebrospinal disorder patients. This result indicated that arterial lesion was the main cause of impotence in diabetic and geriatric patients. In some patients, while mean PBF after PGE1 injection was considered to be sufficient, full erection was not obtained. A venous impotence was suspected in such cases. Thus, vasculogenic impotence could be diagnosed by investigating PBF before and after PGE1 injection.     

Initial experiences with prostaglandin E1 and PGE1 prepared injections]

Between April and August 1989 we treated 50 patients with an erectile dysfunction. 23 patients (46%) had an organic, 17 (34%) a psychogenic and 7 patients (14%) a mixed origin of their impotence. In 3 patients the diagnosis has yet to be made. To induce pharmacological erections we used 20 micrograms of prostaglandin-E1 in a ready to use syringe. 64% (32 patients) achieved a full erection. Of the 18 patients insufficiently responding, 12 (67%) had an organic (in 11 patients vascular), 4 a psychogenic and 1 patient a mixed erectile dysfunction. In one patient the diagnosis has not been established at present. 14% (7) of the patients complained to have painful erections disturbing intercourse. The mean erection time was 2.5 hours (range 0.5-5.5). In one patient the intracavernous injection of prostaglandin-E1 resulted in a prolonged erection of more than seven hours, which was successfully treated by aspiration of blood from the corpora cavernosa and intracavernous injection of phenylephrine-hydrochloride. Nevertheless prostaglandin-E1 appears to be more physiological and to have less side-effects than papaverin-chloride.     

Early experience with sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with renal failure, but is not always alleviated following kidney transplant. The objective of the present study was to assess the feasibility in renal transplant patients of sildenafil citrate treatment, an agent with proven efficacy in the management of ED. METHODS: This was a phase IV, open, multicentre, 3 month, dose-escalation study. All patients meeting the inclusion criteria were prescribed a dose of 50 mg sildenafil at the first visit. Thereafter the dose could be increased to 100 mg or reduced to 25 mg based on efficacy or tolerability. The primary efficacy parameter assessed the ability of patients to achieve erections sufficient for intercourse and to maintain erections after penetration. Secondary endpoints assessed patient satisfaction with sildenafil and the effect of sildenafil on their quality of life. Patients were carefully monitored throughout the study for adverse events, interactions with immunosuppressive therapy and effect on graft function. RESULTS: The study included 50 patients in the intent-to-treat population. Sildenafil significantly improved patient's erection ability and the frequency of their erection maintenance. Analysis of the secondary efficacy parameters revealed that 66% of patients believed treatment had improved their erections. Patients reported improvements in their sexual life and partner relationships and a high level of satisfaction with treatment. There were no interactions between sildenafil and the immunosuppressive drugs and there was no significant adverse effect of sildenafil on graft function. CONCLUSIONS: Sildenafil is an effective and well-tolerated agent for the treatment of ED in renal transplant recipients.     

Current sexual functioning in 106 patients with Peyronie's disease treated with radiotherapy 9 years earlier

Objectives. To analyze retrospectively the sexual functioning and treatment outcome in patients after radiotherapy (RT) for Peyronie’s disease.Methods. During 1982 to 1997, 179 patients with Peyronie’s disease were treated at our radiation oncology department. One hundred thirty patients whose address could be traced were sent a questionnaire about their symptoms before RT, treatment outcome, and current sexual functioning (the past 4 weeks). One hundred six patients, mean age 59 years, responded.Results. Before RT, 44% reported painful erections, 97% penile curvature, and 18% erectile dysfunction. Sixty-nine percent reported that after RT, penile pain was diminished and 29% that penile curvature was decreased; 13% reported improved erections. With respect to their current sex life, 51% reported sometimes or always having problems getting an erection and 61% in maintaining an erection; 36% never experienced spontaneous erections. Fifty-four percent reported not having erections rigid enough for sexual activity. Since RT (mean 9 years), there had been a moderate or severe decrease in sexual interest (17%), sexual activity (41%), and sexual pleasure (32%). Overall, 49% of patients were dissatisfied with their current sexual functioning.Conclusions. Low-dose external RT resulted in relief of pain in two thirds of patients with Peyronie’s disease. An improvement in penile curvature was reported in one third of patients. One half of men reported problems in getting an erection. The rigidity of erections was satisfactory in only 54%. There was a moderate to severe decrease in sexual interest, activity, and pleasure after RT; however, this was associated with age, although comorbidity or medications cannot be excluded.     

Efficacy, safety and predictive factors of therapeutic success with sildenafil for erectile dysfunction in patients with different spinal cord injuries.

STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, open, prospective, before-after study. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of sildenafil therapy for erectile dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury, and the association between the response to sildenafil and factors such as causes and levels of spinal cord injury, grade of ASIA deficit, time since injury, orgasmic perception, and degree of baseline erection. SETTING: Homes of outpatients of 16 spinal cord injury units in Spain. METHOD: One hundred and seventy patients with erectile dysfunction secondary to spinal cord injury, from whom baseline data were collected on their sexual function, and who started treatment with sildenafil 50 mg. An efficacy assessment was made by the patient and his partner, and the score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was recorded. RESULTS: It was reported by 88.2% of the patients and 85.3% of their partners that treatment with sildenafil had improved their erections, regardless of the baseline characteristics of the spinal cord injury and erectile function. In responders, this improvement was confirmed by an increase from 12.5 to 24.8 points (P<0.001) of the Erectile Function Domain of IIEF. A significant improvement was also seen in patients' satisfaction with sexual activity and general satisfaction derived from sexual life. Preservation of orgasmic perception and a baseline degree of erection of 3 or 4 (P=0.006) were predictors of therapeutic success. No serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil is an effective, well-tolerated treatment for erectile dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury, regardless of the cause, neurological level, ASIA grade, and time since injury. SPONSORSHIP: Spanish Society of Paraplegia.     

前列腺素E1与西地那非治疗ED的比较

目的 :比较口服西地那非与阴茎海绵体内注射前列腺素E1(PGE1)治疗勃起功能障碍 (ED)的疗效。　方法 :5 4例ED病人随机分为两组 ,A组口服西地那非 ,B组行海绵体内注射PGE1,均治疗 4～ 9个月 ,平均 6个月。结果 :A、B两组的有效率分别为 80 0 %和 83 3% ,两者差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 )。A组 6例无效病人经海绵体内注射PGE1治疗 ,2例获得满意勃起 ;而B组 4例无效病人经口服西地那非治疗 ,无 1例勃起。　结论 :口服西地那非与海绵体内注射PGE1对各种病因所致的ED均有良好的治疗作用 ,对西地那非治疗无效者 ,可试用海绵体内注射PGE1,有时也能获得满意的效果     

The value of penile duplex in the prediction of intracavernous drug-induced priapism

The aim of this work is to assess the value of penile duplex in the prediction of intracavernous drug-induced ischemic priapism. A total of 400 patients with erectile dysfunction were evaluated before and after diagnostic intracavernous injection of a trimix solution (papaverine+phentolamine+PGE1) using color Doppler sonography. In all, 29 patients experienced sustained rigid erections for more than an hour. Patients were further divided into two groups. Group A included patients with spontaneous resolution of their rigid erection within 3 h (10/29) and group B included patients with priapism (19/29) that did not resolve within 3 h. In group A, patients had minimal cavernous artery blood flow within the first hour postinjection, that increased with relief of their erection. Group B patients had no blood flow in their cavernous artery an hour after intracavernous injection and for 6 h later. The disappearance of blood flow in the cavernous artery after an hour of sustained rigid erection predicted priapism with 100% specificity and sensitivity. The persistent absence of cavernous artery blood flow for more than an hour, as detected by color Doppler ultrasound, is an objective predictor of priapism. This may guide early intervention to resolve the prolonged erection.