Minimal clinically important differences in the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function scale

Bidstrup P, Hvarness H, Bagi P, Friis Lippert E, Permild R, Giraldi A, Lawaetz A, Krause E, Due U, Johansen C. Feasibility and acceptability of couple counselling and pelvic floor muscle training after operation for prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Radical prostatectomy is often followed by long-lasting erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, with adverse effects on the quality of life and intimate relationship of patients and partners. We developed the ProCan intervention to ameliorate sexual and urological dysfunction after radical prostatectomy and examined its feasibility, acceptability and changes in sexual function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between May 2014 and October 2014, seven couples attending the Department of Urology, Rigshospitalet, were included 3-4 weeks after radical prostatectomy in the ProCan intervention, which consists of up to six couple counselling sessions, group instruction in pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), up to three individual PFMT sessions and a DVD home training program. We examined its feasibility on the basis of the recruitment rate, adherence to and acceptability of the intervention, the response rate and changes in erectile and sexual functioning measured on the International Index of Erectile Function at baseline and at eight and 12 months.

RESULTS

The recruitment rate was 14%. One couple withdrew, six couples attended 1-4 counselling sessions, and all patients attended PFMT until continence was achieved. The response rate on outcomes was 85% for patients and 71% for partners. The couples reported that counselling improved their sex life but it did not improve their ability to talk openly about sex. Most patients found that the physiotherapist improved their motivation and the quality and intensity of PFMT. Erectile dysfunction improved from severe at baseline to moderate at eight months' follow-up, and mean sexual functioning improved from 18.4 to 37.1 points at eight months' follow-up, but decreased slightly to 31.4 at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the recruitment procedure should be adapted and minor revisions are needed in the intervention. The key components, couple counselling and PFMT, were well accepted and achievable for the patients.

Time of onset of vardenafil orodispersible tablet in a real-life setting - looking beyond randomized clinical trials

BACKGROUND

A rapid onset of action for phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) emerged to be of clinical importance in men treated for erectile dysfunction (ED). Data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) showed a rapid onset of action for vardenafil 10 mg orodispersible tablet (ODT). However, the effectiveness of vardenafil ODT has never been tested in a real-life setting. We assessed the efficacy and time to onset of action of vardenafil ODT in men seeking medical help for ED in the everyday real-life clinical practice.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients completed a baseline and follow-up International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), along with a 8-item self-administered questionnaire about onset of action and overall treatment outcomes. Descriptive statistics tested efficacy rates, patient timing of drug intake and time to post-dosing onset of action.

RESULTS

Overall, 118(59.9%) patients used vardenafil ODT. Satisfactory erections for vaginal penetration were reported in 39(34.5%) and 26(21.8%), patients in =15 and =30, minutes post-dosing, respectively. Minimal Clinically Important Differences (MCIDs) criteria and Yang's criteria for responders were obtained in 80(67.8%) and 72(60.8%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that one in three patients had satisfactory erection for vaginal penetration in less than 15 min post-dosing in the real-life setting.

Effects of Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT) has been proposed as an effective non-invasive treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED).

AIM

To use systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of Li-ESWT by comparing change in erectile function as assessed by the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) in men undergoing Li-ESWT vs sham therapy for the treatment of ED.

METHODS

Systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov for randomized controlled trials that were published in peer-reviewed journals or presented in abstract form of Li-ESWT used for the treatment of ED from January 2010 through March 2016. Randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion if they were published in the peer-reviewed literature and assessed erectile function outcomes using the IIEF-EF score. Estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in IIEF-EF score after treatment with Li-ESWT in patients treated with active treatment vs sham Li-ESWT probes.

RESULTS

Data were extracted from seven trials involving 602 participants. The average age was 60.7 years and the average follow-up was 19.8 weeks. There was a statistically significant improvement in pooled change in IIEF-EF score from baseline to follow-up in men undergoing Li-ESWT vs those undergoing sham therapy (6.40 points; 95% CI = 1.78-11.02; I² = 98.7%; P < .0001 vs 1.65 points; 95% CI = 0.92-2.39; I² = 64.6%; P < .0001; between-group difference, P = .047). Significant between-group differences were found for total treatment shocks received by patients (P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

In this meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials, treatment of ED with Li-ESWT resulted in a significant increase in IIEF-EF scores.

Clinical and Imaging Outcomes up to 1 Year Following Balloon Angioplasty for Isolated Penile Artery Stenoses in Patients With Erectile Dysfunction: The PERFECT-2 Study

PURPOSE

To assess the angiographic and clinical outcomes in patients with erectile dysfunction and isolated penile artery stenoses treated by balloon angioplasty.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 22 patients (mean age 61.0±7.6 years, range 50-79) with erectile dysfunction and 34 isolated penile artery stenoses (mean 74.9%±9.1%) were enrolled and underwent balloon angioplasty. The mean International Index for Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score at baseline was 10.3±4.5. The mean lesion length was 11.1±9.0 mm (mean reference vessel diameter 1.7±0.4 mm). The primary endpoint was in-segment restenosis ≥50% by pelvic computed tomography angiography (CTA) at 8 months. The 1-year sustained clinical success (IIEF-5 score ≥22 or a ≥4-point change in the IIEF-5 score and no later decline by ≥4) was the secondary outcome measure.

RESULTS

Procedural success was achieved in 31 (91%) of 34 stenotic lesions; there was 1 flow-limiting dissection and 2 arteries with >30% residual stenosis. At 8 months, 14 of 34 lesions in 13 of 22 patients had CTA-documented binary restenosis. At 1 year, sustained clinical success was achieved in 11 of 22 patients. Of the 9 patients not developing binary restenosis, 8 achieved sustained clinical success.

CONCLUSION

Our findings establish the safety and efficacy of penile artery angioplasty for patients with erectile dysfunction and isolated penile artery stenoses. They also highlight the unmet need for a more enduring treatment strategy for penile artery stenotic disease.

Long-Term Effects of a Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing High Protein or High Carbohydrate Weight Loss Diets on Testosterone, SHBG, Erectile and Urinary Function in Overweight and Obese Men

Introduction

Obesity is associated with reduced testosterone and worsened erectile and sexual function in men. Weight loss improves these outcomes. High protein diets potentially offer anthropometric and metabolic benefits, but their effects on reproductive and sexual outcomes is not known.

Aim

To examine the long-term effects of weight loss with a higher protein or carbohydrate diet on testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin, erectile dysfunction, lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual desire in overweight and obese men.

Methods

One-hundred and eighteen overweight or obese men (body mass index 27–40 kg/m², age 20–65 years) were randomly assigned to an energy restricted higher protein low fat (35% protein, 40% carbohydrate, 25% fat; n = 57) or higher carbohydrate low fat diet (17% protein, 58% carbohydrate, 25% fat, n = 61) diet for 52 weeks (12 weeks weight loss, 40 weeks weight maintenance). Primary outcomes were serum total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and calculated free testosterone. Secondary outcomes were erectile function as assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) (total score and erectile function domain), lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual desire.

Results

Total testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and free testosterone increased (P<0.001) and the total IIEF increased (P = 0.017) with no differences between diets (P≥0.244). Increases in testosterone (P = 0.037) and sex hormone binding globulin (P<0.001) and improvements in the total IIEF (P = 0.041) occurred from weeks 0–12 with a further increase in testosterone from week 12–52 (P = 0.002). Increases in free testosterone occurred from week 12–52 (p = 0.002). The IIEF erectile functon domain, lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual desire did not change in either group (P≥0.126).

Conclusions

In overweight and obese men, weight loss with both high protein and carbohydrate diets improve testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin and overall sexual function.

Trial Registration

Anzctr.org.au ACTRN12606000002583

Alprostadil cream in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: clinical evidence and experience

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a very common disorder with a deep impact on quality of life on both patients and partners. Several options are available for treating ED: oral pharmacotherapy with phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors currently represents the first-line option for many patients with ED. Alprostadil, a prostaglandin, has been marketed for many years as a urethral stick and an intracavernous injection for the treatment of ED. It is now available in the form of a cream (Vitaros/Virirec), a noninvasive treatment which combines an active drug (alprostadil, a synthetic prostaglandin E1) with a skin enhancer improving its local absorption directly at the site of action. Alprostadil has a favourable pharmacodynamic profile and is poorly absorbed in systemic circulation, which makes it suitable in a lot of circumstances and results in a reduced risk of adverse effects (AEs). Systemic AEs are reported in only 3% of the treated population. Clinical efficacy has been demonstrated in both phase II and III trials, showing a global efficacy up to 83% with the 300 μg dose in patients with severe ED, significantly better than placebo. Its fast onset of action and lack of interactions with other drugs makes alprostadil cream a possible first-line therapeutic option for some patients with ED: individuals who are reluctant to take systemic treatments or have AEs, patients who do not respond, cannot tolerate, or do not accept PDE5 inhibitor therapy, and patients treated with nitrates. Therefore, this new treatment for ED can be offered to patients and could help address the needs unmet by other treatments.

Long-term sexual outcomes after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: which patients could benefit the most?

Assess rate and predictors of erectile function (EF) outcomes at long-term follow-up (FU) after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Cross-sectional analyses were performed on 135 patients with a mean FU of 12 years post HoLEP. Patients completed both a baseline and a FU International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-EF domain and the International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS). Postoperative EF outcomes, including rate and predictors of EF improvement considering minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) criteria, were assessed. Logistic regression models tested the association between predictors and EF. At a mean (median) FU of 152.1 (163) months, patients showed a significant decrease in the IIEF-EF score P<0.01) and significant IPSS improvement (P<0.01). Overall, 50 (37%) patients worsened by at least one IIEF-EF category. Conversel, 23 (17%) patients reported an improvement in postoperative IIEF-EF score; 75 (55.6%) and 10 (7.4%) patients maintained and eventually improved their IIEF-EF category, respectively. Patients reporting a decrease in the postoperative IIEF-EF score were significantly older (P=0.03) and showed a significantly longer mean FU (P<0.01) than those reporting postoperative improvements of IIEF-EF. Nine (6.7%) patients showed significant EF improvement according to MCIDs criteria. Both higher IPSS scores (odds ratio (OR): 1.12; P=0.02) and lower IIEF-EF (OR: 0.88; P<0.01) at baseline, emerged as independent predictors of postoperative EF improvement. HoLEP was associated with a decrease in EF and a persistent amelioration of BPH-related urinary symptoms at long-term FU. Almost one third of patients worsened by at least one IIEF-EF category. However, a clinically meaningful EF improvement was observed in roughly 7% of the individuals. Patients with more severe preoperative urinary symptoms and ED benefited more from HoLEP in terms of EF.

Twelve-Month Efficacy and Safety of Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Who Do Not Respond to Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors

Introduction

Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LISWT) has recently emerged as a promising method in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To assess the long-term results of the effectiveness and safety of LISWT in patients with ED who are non-responders to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) treatment.

Methods

This open-label, longitudinal, and observational study investigated an uncontrolled population of 50 consecutive patients whose ED was unresponsive to PDE5i treatment. Patients were treated with a four-session LISWT protocol. During active treatment and follow-up, all patients remained on their regular high on-demand or once-daily PDE5i dosing schedules.

Main Outcome Measures

Effectiveness was assessed according to the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain, questions 2 and 3 of the Sexual Encounter Profile, Erection Hardness Scale, and Global Assessment Question scores at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment. Patients were considered responders whenever they showed improvement in erection parameters in all four assessments and responded positively to the Global Assessment Question. Adverse events were recorded. Statistical variables were applied and findings were considered statistically significant at a P value less than < .05.

Results

Eighty percent (mean age = 64.8 years) completed the 12-month follow-up. Positive response rates were 60% of available subjects at the end of the study and 48% of the intent-to-treat population. After the 12-month follow-up, 91.7% of responders maintained their responses. No patient reported treatment-related adverse events.

Conclusion

LISWT in patients with ED unresponsive to PDE5i treatment was effective and safe in 60% of patients treated. The efficacy response was maintained for 12 months in most patients.

Challenges in Testosterone Measurement, Data Interpretation, and Methodological Appraisal of Interventional Trials

INTRODUCTION

Male hypogonadism is a common condition, with an increasing body of literature on diagnosis, implications, and management. Given the significant variability in testosterone (T) from a physiologic and assay perspective, a thorough understanding of factors affecting T values and study methodology is essential to interpret reported study outcomes appropriately. However, despite the large number of publications on T, there are no reference materials consolidating all relevant and potentially confounding factors necessary to interpret T studies appropriately.

AIMS

To create a resource document that reviews sources of T variability, free vs total T, assay techniques and questionnaires, and study methodology relevant to interpreting outcomes.

METHODS

A PubMed search was performed of all the T literature published on T variability, assay techniques, and T-specific questionnaires. Results were summarized in the context of their impact on interpreting T literature outcomes and methodology.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Effect of various factors on T variability and their relevance to study methodology and outcomes.

RESULTS

Several factors affect measured T levels, including aging, circadian rhythms, geography, genetics, lifestyle choices, comorbid conditions, and intraindividual daily variability. The utility of free T over total T is debatable and must be compared using appropriate threshold levels. Among various assay techniques, mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis are gold standards. Calculated empirical estimates of free T also are commonly used and accepted. Hypogonadism-specific questionnaires have limited utility in screening for hypogonadism, and their role as objective end points for quantifying symptoms remains unclear. Numerous aspects of study methodology can directly or indirectly affect reported outcomes, including design (randomized, prospective, retrospective), duration, populations studied (age, comorbid conditions), low T threshold, therapeutic agent used, objective measurements and end points selected, and statistical interpretation.

CONCLUSION

Critical appraisal of the T literature requires an understanding of numerous factors resulting in T variability, study design and methodology, and limitations of assay techniques and objective measurement scales.

Low-intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Treatment Improves Erectile Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

As a novel therapeutic method for erectile dysfunction (ED), low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave treatment (LI-ESWT) has been applied recently in the clinical setting. We feel that a summary of the current literature and a systematic review to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of LI-ESWT for ED would be helpful for physicians who are interested in using this modality to treat patients with ED.

OBJECTIVE

A systematic review of the evidence regarding LI-ESWT for patients with ED was undertaken with a meta-analysis to identify the efficacy of the treatment modality.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A comprehensive search of the PubMed and Embase databases to November 2015 was performed. Studies reporting on patients with ED treated with LI-ESWT were included. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) were the most commonly used tools to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of LI-ESWT.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

There were 14 studies including 833 patients from 2005 to 2015. Seven studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs); however, in these studies, the setup parameters of LI-ESWT and the protocols of treatment were variable. The meta-analysis revealed that LI-ESWT could significantly improve IIEF (mean difference: 2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99-3.00; p<0.0001) and EHS (risk difference: 0.16; 95% CI, 0.04-0.29; p=0.01). Therapeutic efficacy could last at least 3 mo. The patients with mild-moderate ED had better therapeutic efficacy after treatment than patients with more severe ED or comorbidities. Energy flux density, number of shock waves per treatment, and duration of LI-ESWT treatment were closely related to clinical outcome, especially regarding IIEF improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

The number of studies of LI-ESWT for ED have increased dramatically in recent years. Most of these studies presented encouraging results, regardless of variation in LI-ESWT setup parameters or treatment protocols. These studies suggest that LI-ESWT could significantly improve the IIEF and EHS of ED patients. The publication of robust evidence from additional RCTs and longer-term follow-up would provide more confidence regarding use of LI-ESWT for ED patients.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We reviewed 14 studies of men who received low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave treatment (LI-ESWT) for erectile dysfunction (ED). There was evidence that these men experienced improvements in their ED following LI-ESWT.

Finasteride, not tamsulosin, increases severity of erectile dysfunction and decreases testosterone levels in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

5α-reductase inhibitors (5α-RIs) (finasteride and dutasteride) have been proven useful in treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, these inhibitors exert undesirable sexual side effects and, in some cases, these effects are persistent. There is considerable disagreement with regard to whether the adverse side effects resolve with continuous treatment.

AIM

To investigate the long-term adverse effects of finasteride treatment in men with BPH on erectile function and to compare these adverse effects in men treated with the α1-adrenergic receptor blocker, tamsolusin.

METHODS

In this retrospective registry study, a cohort of 470 men aged between 47 and 68 years (mean 57.78±4.81) were treated with finasteride (5 mg/day). A second cohort of 230 men aged between 52 and 72 years (mean 62.62±4.65) were treated with tamsulosin (0.4 mg). All men were followed up for 45 months. At intervals of 3 months and at each visit, plasma testosterone (T) levels and the international index of erectile function (IIEF-EF) questionnaire scores were determined.

RESULTS

Long-term treatment with finasteride therapy is associated with worsening of erectile dysfunction (ED) as shown by the significant decrease in the IIEF-EF scores in men treated with finasteride. No worsening of ED was observed in men treated with tamsulosin. The increase in ED due to finasteride did not resolve with continued treatment with finasteride. Most importantly, long-term finasteride therapy resulted in reduction in total T levels, contributing to a state of hypogonadism. On the contrary, no changes in T levels were noted in men treated with tamsolusin.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that in men with BPH, long-term finasteride therapy but not tamsulosin results in worsening of ED and reduces total T concentrations. Clinicians are urged to discuss the impact of 5α-RIs therapy on sexual function with their patients before commencing this therapy.

Testosterone undecanoate improves sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes and severe hypogonadism: results from a 30-week randomized placebo-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the sexual function response to 30 weeks' treatment with long-acting testosterone undecanoate (TU) or placebo in 199 men with type 2 diabetes and either severe or mild hypogonadism (HG).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Men with HG were identified from seven primary care type 2 diabetes registers. A 30-week randomized placebo-controlled study of TU was carried out in 199 of these men (placebo, n = 107, TU, n = 92). The patient-reported outcome measure was the 15-item International Index of Erectile Function score. Men completing the study (n=189) were stratified, firstly, by baseline total testosterone (TT) or free testosterone (FT) into mild HG (TT 8.1-12 nmol/L or FT 0.18-0.25 nmol/L) and severe HG groups (TT ≤8 nmol/L and FT ≤0.18 nmol/L), and secondly, by intervention (placebo or TU), thereby creating four groups: mild HG/placebo; mild HG/TU; severe HG/placebo and severe HG/TU.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Changes in sexual function score (a secondary outcome of the study) at each visit within group (from baseline) and between groups (TU vs placebo) at each assessment (6, 18 and 30 weeks) were compared using a Wilcoxon signed-rank and Wilcoxon rank-sum test, respectively.

RESULTS

Significant improvement in erectile function was evident only in the severe HG group after 30 weeks of TU treatment; this finding persisted when TU was compared with placebo. Intercourse satisfaction and sexual desire scores were also improved at 6, 18 and 30 weeks in the severe HG group after TU treatment; this increase in scores was also evident when compared with placebo. TU did not appear to alter orgasmic function significantly in any of the patient groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that benefit in sexual symptoms after TU treatment is evident principally in patients with HG with TT levels ≤8 nmol/L and FT levels ≤0.18 nmol/L. We also suggest that 30 weeks of treatment is necessary before evaluating improvement in erectile function.

Safety and efficacy of low intensity shockwave (LISW) treatment in patients with erectile dysfunction

The primary goal in the management strategy of a patient with ED would be to determine its etiology and cure it when possible, and not just to treat the symptoms alone. One of the new therapeutic strategies is the use of low intensity extracorporeal shockwave (LISW) therapy. The mechanism of shockwave therapy is not completely clear. It is suggested that LISW induces neovascularization and improvement of cavernosal arterial flow which can lead to an improvement of erectile function by releasing NO, VEGF and PCNA.

Erectile Function Recovery After Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer: Is Back to Baseline Status Enough for Patient Satisfaction?

INTRODUCTION

Several definitions of erectile function (EF) recovery after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP) have been proposed based on the results of the International Index of EF (IIEF).

AIM

We aimed at evaluating overall satisfaction (OS) after BNSRP according to the ability to achieve the pretreatment EF.

METHODS

We evaluated data of 652 patients treated with BNSRP for clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa). Erectile dysfunction (ED) was classified according to the IIEF-EF domain score. Return to baseline EF was defined as patients who reached the same preoperative ED category during the 3-year follow-up. Cox regression analyses were fitted to predict return to baseline IIEF-EF and to predict OS defined according to the IIEF-OS in the overall population. Logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze OS in men who reached the back to baseline status.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The outcome of the study was to evaluate back to baseline EF status and to correlate it with postoperative OS.

RESULTS

Preoperative satisfaction was reported by 218 (33.4%) patients. Postoperative satisfaction was achieved by 103 patients. Overall, 383 patients were able to achieve the preoperative IIEF-EF score. However, only 26.9% reported being satisfied. Age and preoperative IIEF-EF score were significantly associated with baseline IIEF-EF recovery (all P ≤ .02). Patients who were able to return to baseline IIEF-EF were more likely to be satisfied (P < .001). Time elapsed between surgery and achievement of baseline IIEF-EF was significantly associated with OS (P < .001). Among patients who were able to achieve the baseline IIEF-EF score, a preoperative IIEF-EF of 22-25 and 26-30 was significantly associated with postoperative satisfaction (all P < .001).

CONCLUSION

After BNSRP, reaching the baseline IIEF-EF score is not always sufficient to obtain patient satisfaction. Only patients with a preoperative IIEF-EF ≥22 who reached the baseline score after surgery considered themselves satisfied. This should be taken into account in preoperative patient counseling.

Impact of Baseline Total Testosterone Level on Successful Treatment of Sexual Dysfunction in Men Taking Once-Daily Tadalafil 5 mg for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: An Integrated Analysis of Three Randomized Controlled Trials

INTRODUCTION

Controversy exists as to whether erectile response to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors is compromised in men with low total testosterone (TT) levels. This is amplified by reports of improved response to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy after coadministration of testosterone replacement therapy in hypogonadal men unresponsive to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

AIM

To determine whether TT and luteinizing hormone levels influence efficacy of tadalafil for erectile dysfunction in men with concomitant lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

METHODS

This integrated analysis included 1,075 men randomized to once-daily tadalafil 5 mg (n = 540) or placebo (n = 535) for 12 weeks in three prospective clinical trials who had not received concomitant testosterone replacement therapy. Subjects were categorized at baseline by low vs normal TT levels (n = 1,049; <300 vs ≥300 ng/dL) and normal vs high luteinizing hormone levels (n = 1,058; ≤9.4 vs >9.4 mIU/mL). Treatment-group differences in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) by hormone subgroups were assessed using analysis of covariance.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in IIEF erectile function domain and other domain scores.

RESULTS

The overall study population was comprised primarily of white men (>86%) with a mean age range of 64 to 70 years. Median baseline TT level in the integrated population was 355 ng/dL; levels were lower than 300 ng/dL (cutoff for normal) in 32.4% of men. Men with low TT levels reported diabetes (21.8%), cardiovascular disease (54.1%), and hypertension (49.1%) numerically more often than men with normal TT levels (10.6%, 43.2%, and 36.7%, respectively). Low TT and high luteinizing hormone levels were associated with numerically, but not statistically significantly, lower 12-week IIEF domain scores compared with those with normal levels. Changes in most 12-week IIEF domain scores showed that tadalafil was significantly more effective than placebo (P < .02).

CONCLUSION

Low TT levels at baseline did not negatively influence response to tadalafil in men of advancing age with concomitant lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction.

Simplified Interpretation of the Erectile Function Domain of the International Index of Erectile Function

INTRODUCTION

This report describes a post hoc analysis of data from a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose, sildenafil trial in men with erectile dysfunction.

AIMS

To simplify interpretation of erectile function (EF) domain scores of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).

METHODS

Men at least 18 years old with erectile dysfunction were randomized to receive sildenafil or placebo for 12 weeks. Men taking nitrates or nitric oxide donors were excluded. Responses for each IIEF EF domain question (questions 1-5 and 15) were combined into two broad categories ("success" for responses of the two most favorable categories of a question and "no success" for other responses). Each question was expressed in a logistic regression model (sildenafil and placebo groups combined) as a function of overall EF domain score.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

IIEF EF domain score and items.

RESULTS

A four-point increase in the IIEF EF domain score was associated with an odds ratio of success of 6.1 for getting an erection, 29.2 for having a firm erection, 10.0 for able to penetrate,12.8 for maintaining erection, 4.0 for maintaining erection to completion, and 3.7 for erection confidence. An EF domain score of 22 was associated with a probability of success of 81% for getting an erection, 86% for having a firm erection, 89% for able to penetrate, 67% for maintaining an erection, 70% for maintaining an erection to completion, and 32% for erection confidence. For an EF domain score of 16, the corresponding probabilities of success were 22%, 4%, 20%, 4%, 22%, and 6%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

These results provide stakeholders with a simplified and meaningful interpretation of IIEF EF domain scores based on six key aspects of EF.

Dietary flavonoid intake and incidence of erectile dysfunction

BACKGROUND

The predominant etiology for erectile dysfunction (ED) is vascular, but limited data are available on the role of diet. A higher intake of several flavonoids reduces diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk, but no studies have examined associations between flavonoids and erectile function.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the relation between habitual flavonoid subclass intakes and incidence of ED.

DESIGN

We conducted a prospective study among 25,096 men from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. Total flavonoid and subclass intakes were calculated from food-frequency questionnaires collected every 4 y. Participants rated their erectile function in 2000 (with historical reporting from 1986) and again in 2004 and 2008.

RESULTS

During 10 y of follow-up, 35.6% reported incident ED. After multivariate adjustment, including classic cardiovascular disease risk factors, several subclasses were associated with reduced ED incidence, specifically flavones (RR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.97; P-trend = 0.006), flavanones (RR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83, 0.95; P-trend = 0.0009), and anthocyanins (RR = 0.91; 95% CI: 0.85, 0.98; P-trend = 0.002) comparing extreme intakes. The results remained statistically significant after additional adjustment for a composite dietary intake score. In analyses stratified by age, a higher intake of flavanones, anthocyanins, and flavones was significantly associated with a reduction in risk of ED only in men <70 y old and not older men (11-16% reduction in risk; P-interaction = 0.002, 0.03, and 0.007 for flavones, flavanones, and anthocyanins, respectively). In food-based analysis, higher total intake of fruit, a major source of anthocyanins and flavanones, was associated with a 14% reduction in risk of ED (RR = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.79, 0.92; P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that a higher habitual intake of specific flavonoid-rich foods is associated with reduced ED incidence. Intervention trials are needed to further examine the impact of increasing intakes of commonly consumed flavonoid-rich foods on men's health.

The efficacy of udenafil in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently observed in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis (HD) compared to non-uremic patients. This situation causes severe psychogenic problems in patients and disrupts the quality of life. Different phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have been used, and efficacies revealed, for the treatment of ED in HD patients; however, there are no studies related to udenafil use or results for HD patients. This study retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and reliability of udenafil for HD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The laboratory findings, side effects after treatment, and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores before and after treatment were compared and evaluated for HD patients who applied to our urology clinic with ED complaints and were treated with udenafil.

RESULTS

The results showed that in the HD patient group with ED, apart from ED, there were severe rates of other sexual dysfunction. In our patient group, there was a statistically significant improvement in all scores for erectile function (p = 0.033), orgasmic function (p < 0.001), sexual desire (p < 0.001), relationship satisfaction (p < 0.001), and general satisfaction (p < 0.001) after treatment. The reported side effects were headache in one patient and dyspepsia in one patient.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that udenafil is an effective and reliable treatment approach for HD patients; however, our results require support from prospective randomized crossover studies with sildenafil.

Determinants of sexual dysfunction and interventions for patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a systematic review

AIMS

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) may negatively affect a couple's sexual relationship. This systematic review evaluated what characteristics are determinants of sexual function and dysfunction in women and men with OSA, and what interventions are shown to be effective.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane and TRIP, and articles published between January 2004 and December 2014 in English; original research; adults ≥ 18 years; and both experimental and non-experimental designs. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to assess study quality. Of 21 studies, six studies (no randomised control trials, RCTs) included women and 15 (with six RCTs) studies included men. Extracted data were scrutinised and adjusted until consensus was reached; suitable quantitative data were pooled in statistical meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Sexual function was affected similarly in both genders, but effective interventions were reported only for men. In some studies, OSA severity and medications contributed to greater sexual dysfunction. In women, menopausal status, hormone levels and SaO2 < 90% were determinants of sexual dysfunction, while for men factors included BMI, hormonal status and inflammatory markers. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) not only improved clinical measures such as excessive daytime sleepiness but also the erectile and orgasmic function. Nevertheless, sildenafil was superior CPAP with regard to erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings illustrate important contributors to sexual dysfunction; however, firm generalisations cannot be made. There were limited RCTs and none for women, indicating further RCTs are needed to determine how OSA affects sexual function.

Penile Low Intensity Shock Wave Treatment is Able to Shift PDE5i Nonresponders to Responders: A Double-Blind, Sham Controlled Study

PURPOSE

We performed sham controlled evaluation of penile low intensity shock wave treatment effect in patients unable to achieve sexual intercourse using PDE5i (phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham controlled study was done in patients with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction who stopped using PDE5i due to no efficacy. All patients had an erection hardness score of 2 or less with PDE5i. A total of 58 patients were randomized, including 37 treated with low intensity shock waves (12 sessions of 1,500 pulses of 0.09 mJ/mm(2) at 120 shock waves per minute) and 18 treated with a sham probe. In the sham group 16 patients underwent low intensity shock wave treatment 1 month after sham treatment. All patients were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after the end of treatment using validated erectile dysfunction questionnaires and the flow mediated dilatation technique for penile endothelial function. Erectile function was evaluated while patients were receiving PDE5i.

RESULTS

In the low intensity shock wave treatment group and the sham group 54.1% and 0% of patients, respectively, achieved erection hard enough for vaginal penetration, that is an EHS (Erection Hardness Score) of 3 (p <0.0001). According to changes in the IIEF-EF (International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function) score treatment was effective in 40.5% of men who received low intensity shock wave treatment but in none in the sham group (p = 0.001). Of patients treated with shock waves after sham treatment 56.3% achieved erection hard enough for penetration (p <0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Low intensity shock wave treatment is effective even in patients with severe erectile dysfunction who are PDE5i nonresponders. After treatment about half of them were able to achieve erection hard enough for penetration with PDE5i. Longer followup is needed to establish the place of low intensity shock wave treatment in these challenging cases.

Tadalafil 5 mg once daily for the treatment of erectile dysfunction during a 6-month observational study (EDATE): impact of patient characteristics and comorbidities

BACKGROUND

To explore the impact of patient-characteristics and relevant comorbidities on treatment continuation rates, effectiveness, and satisfaction in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) who started or switched to tadalafil 5 mg once daily (TAD-OaD) at baseline.

METHODS

In the EDATE observational study, phosphodiesterase-type-5 (PDE5)-inhibitor pretreated or naïve ED patients who started or switched to TAD-OaD were prospectively followed for 6 months. Time to discontinuation of TAD-OaD was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier product-limit method at Months 2, 4, and 6 in subgroups stratified by age (18 - 65 years and >65 years), PDE5-inhibitor pretreatment, ED-severity (mild, moderate, severe), and presence or absence of relevant comorbidities (BPH, diabetes, CVD, hypertension, dyslipidemia). LSmean change from baseline in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) scores and associated 95 % CIs were assessed using a mixed-model for repeated measures. Visit, ED etiology, and subgroups were included as fixed-effects.

RESULTS

Overall, 778 patients received prescriptions for initiating or switching to TAD-OaD at baseline. At Month 2, >90 % of patients remained on TAD-OaD, except those aged >65 years (86.7 %) and patients with severe ED (89.0 %). More than 80 % of patients in all subgroups, except those aged >65 years (75.0 %), continued TAD-OaD at Month 6. There was a significant LSmean negative effect on IIEF- EF domain-score improvement for BPH (LSmean effect [95 % CI]: -2.77 [-4.98, -0.55], p = 0.014), previous PDE5-inhibitor treatment (-2.13 [-3.33,-0.94], p < 0.001), and mild vs moderate ED (-2.00 [-3.54,-0.46], p = 0.011); the latter possibly linked with a bigger treatment-effect in those with more severe ED at baseline. The LSmean effect on change in IIEF-EF was significantly positive for diabetes (2.28 [0.64,3.92], p = 0.007), most likely because those with diabetes had more severe ED at baseline. For all other parameters, no statistically significant LSmean effects in IIEF-EF changes were observed. No comorbidity or baseline-characteristic except age (18 - 65 years vs >65 years: 11.25 [2.96,19.54], p = 0.008) affected changes in EDITS.

CONCLUSIONS

Under routine clinical conditions, treatment continuation rate or satisfaction does not seem to be significantly affected by the presence of comorbidities in men who choose ED-treatment with TAD-OaD. The magnitude of treatment effectiveness was affected by certain baseline characteristics and comorbid conditions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study (H6D-EW-LVIU) is registered in the German VfA Registry of Non-Interventional Studies (Verband Forschender Arzneimittelhersteller) since 06 December 2011; available at: http://www.vfa.de/de/arzneimittel-forschung/datenbanken-zu-arzneimitteln/nisdb/nis-details/_741 .

Pelvic floor muscle training for erectile dysfunction and climacturia 1 year after nerve sparing radical prostatectomy: a randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to determine whether patients with persistent erectile dysfunction (ED), minimum 12 months after radical prostatectomy (RP), experienced a better recovery of erectile function (EF) with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) compared with patients without this intervention. Second, we aimed to investigate the effect of PFMT on climacturia. All patients, who underwent RP, with persistent ED of minimum 1 year post operation were eligible. The treatment group started PFMT immediately at 12 months post operation and the control group started at 15 months after RP. All patients received PFMT during 3 months. The sample size needed to detect with 80% power a 6 points-difference regarding the EF-domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), was at least 12 subjects per group. Patients were evaluated using the IIEF and questioned regarding climacturia. Differences between groups at 15 months were evaluated with Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher's exact test. As a result, the treatment group had a significantly better EF than the control group at 15 months after surgery (P=0.025). Other subdomains of the IIEF remained constant for both groups. The effect of PFMT was maintained during follow-up. At 15 months, a significantly higher percentage of patients in the treatment group showed an improvement regarding climacturia (P=0.004).

Linear shock wave therapy in the treatment of erectile dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Linear Shock Wave Therapy (LSWT) is a new noninvasive therapy that uses low-intensity shock waves to induce local angiogenesis promising modality in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED).

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of LSWT in men with vasculogenic erectile dysfunction (ED), in a Tertiary Care Center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Included 15 men aged 45-70 years, sexually active with mild and moderate vascular ED evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). The study was conducted in three stage: screening, treatment and results. Treatment stage: 4 weekly sessions LSWT (RENOVA ®) 5000 waves (.09mJ/mm(2)). Erectile function was assessed with IIEFF-EF, SEP (Sexual Encounter Profile) and GAQ (Global Assessment Questions) at one and six months after treatment.

RESULTS

The rate of success was 80% (12/15). Patients with mild ED (6/15) 40% and moderate ED (9/15) 60%. We found a positive association between IIEF-Basal (average 14.23 pts) and IIEF at one month and six months after therapy (19.69 pts) a difference of 5.46 pts. (P<.013).

CONCLUSIONS

The feasibility and tolerability of this treatment, and rehabilitation potential features, make it this an attractive new treatment option for patients with ED.

Health-related quality of life in robotic versus open radical prostatectomy

INTRODUCTION

It is unclear whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes are superior in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compared to open prostatectomy (ORP).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed records from men who received ORP or RARP at our institution between January 2009 and December 2012. Patients completed a demographics questionnaire and the Patient-Oriented Prostate Utility Scale (PORPUS), a validated disease-specific HRQoL instrument prior to surgery and every 3 months up to 15 months after surgery.

RESULTS

In total, 974 men met the inclusion criteria (643 ORP and 331 RARP patients). At baseline, RARP patients were significantly younger (p < 0.001), had lower body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), lower preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (p < 0.001), fewer comorbidities (p < 0.004), and higher baseline PORPUS scores (p = 0.024). On follow-up, unadjusted PORPUS scores were significantly higher in the RARP group at each point. On multivariable analysis adjusting for age, ORP versus RARP procedure, Gleason score, BMI, first PSA, comorbidity, ethnicity, and baseline PORPUS scores, PORPUS score was higher for the RARP group at 3 months (p = 0.038) and 9 months (p = 0.037), but not at 6, 12, and 15 months (p = 0.014). No difference met pre-defined thresholds of clinical significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Though unadjusted HRQoL outcomes appeared improved with RARP compared to ORP differences, adjusted differences were seen at only 2 of 5 postoperative time points, and did not meet pre-defined thresholds of clinical significance. Further randomized trials are needed to assess whether one treatment option provides consistently better HRQoL outcomes.

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a trade-off network meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a major health care problem worldwide and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is) are the pharmacological treatment of choice. However, the optimal PDE5I for ED treatment is not known.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate trade-offs between efficacy and adverse events for various PDE5Is in treating ED.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement. Medline, Scopus, reference lists of relevant articles, and systematic reviews were searched. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials comparing at least one PDE5I for treating ED with placebo or another PDE5I.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

We included 82 trials (47 626 patients) for efficacy analysis and 72 trials (20 325 patients) for adverse event analysis. In the trade-off analysis of starting dosages, sildenafil 50mg had the greatest efficacy but also had the highest rate of overall adverse events. Tadalafil 10mg had intermediate efficacy but had the lowest overall rate of all adverse events. Vardenafil 10mg and avanafil 100mg had similar overall adverse events than sildenafil 50mg but a markedly lower global efficacy. Udenafil 100mg had similar global efficacy to that of tadalafil 10mg but its overall adverse event rates were higher.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first trade-off analysis of the different PDE5Is currently available. For individuals who prioritize high efficacy, sildenafil 50mg appears to be the treatment of choice. Men wishing to optimize tolerability should take tadalafil 10mg or switch to udenafil 100mg in the case of insufficient efficacy.

PATIENT SUMMARY

For patients with erectile dysfunction who wish to prioritize high efficacy, sildenafil 50mg appears to be the treatment of choice. Men who wish to optimize tolerability should take tadalafil 10mg or switch to udenafil 100mg in the case of insufficient efficacy.

Does alprostadil cream hit the spot?

Alprostadil, a prostaglandin, has been marketed for many years as a urethral stick and an intracavernous injection for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.(1) It is now available in the form of a cream (Vitaros-Takeda). Adverts for the product declare: "Sex with no pills, pellets or needles. Spot on." In this article, we consider the evidence for alprostadil cream, and its place in the management of erectile dysfunction.

The role of statins in erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the effect of statins for erectile dysfunction (ED), a systematic review of the literature was conducted in the Cochrane Library, Embase and PubMed from the inception of each database to June 2013. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing treatment for ED with statins were identified. Placebo RCTs with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) as the outcome measure were eligible for meta-analysis. A total of seven RCTs including two statins with a total of 586 patients strictly met our criteria for systematic review and five of them qualified for the meta-analysis. A meta-analysis using a random effects model showed that statins were associated with a significant increase in IIEF-5 scores (mean difference (MD): 3.27; 95% confidential interval (CI):1.51 to 5.02; P < 0.01) and an overall improvement of lipid profiles including total cholesterol (MD: −1.08; 95% CI: −1.68 to −0.48; P < 0.01), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (MD: −1.43; 95% CI: −2.07 to −0.79; P < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (MD: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.13 to 0.35; P < 0.01) and triglycerides (TGs) (MD: −0.55; 95% CI: −0.61 to −0.48; P < 0.01). In summary, our study revealed positive consequences of these lipid-lowering drugs on erectile function, especially for nonresponders to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is). However, it has been reported that statin therapy may reduce levels of testosterone and aggravate symptoms of ED. Therefore, larger, well-designed RCTs are needed to investigate the double-edged role of statins in the treatment of ED.

Continuation and effectiveness of tadalafil once daily during a 6-month observational study in erectile dysfunction: the EDATE study

AIMS

This was the first observational study evaluating treatment continuation, effectiveness and tolerability of tadalafil 5 mg once daily (TAD-OaD) in patients who chose and paid for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in routine clinical practice.

METHODS

Men ≥ 18 years with ED, treated previously with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5)-inhibitor on-demand (PRN) or treatment-naïve, were enrolled at 59 sites. For patients prescribed TAD-OaD at baseline (T1), change in erectile function (IIEF-EF and GAQ) was documented after 1-3 (T2) and 4-6 (T3) months. The primary outcome was the probability to switch/discontinue from TAD-OaD, estimated by Kaplan-Meier (KM) product-limit method. Changes in IIEF-EF were evaluated using a mixed model for repeated measures adjusting for patient baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Of 975 men enrolled (median age 56.8 years, 33.7% with previous PDE5-inhibitor use), 778 were prescribed TAD-OaD, 135 TAD-PRN and 62 sildenafil or vardenafil PRN. During the 6-month longitudinal observation, 107 patients (13.8% of 778) switched or discontinued TAD-OaD-treatment. KM-rates (95%CI) for continuing TAD-OaD at 2, 4 and 6 months were 94.0% (92.3, 95.7), 88.3% (85.9, 90.6) and 86.3% (83.7, 88.9), respectively. The 25th percentile of time to switch/discontinuation of TAD-OaD was estimated as 31.1 weeks (lower 95%CI 30.3 weeks). At T3, IIEF-EF scores had increased by 7.1 (LSmean; 95%CI 5.8, 8.5) points; 91.3% of patients reported improved erections. The most frequently reported AE was headache (10 patients; 1.3%); no new/unexpected safety signals were observed.

CONCLUSION

Under routine conditions, and when patients were involved in treatment decision-making, more than 86% of men starting/switching to tadalafil once daily (OaD) at baseline continued tadalafil OaD treatment for ≥ 6 months.

Effects of tadalafil once daily or on demand versus placebo on time to recovery of erectile function in patients after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy

Purpose

We report time to erectile function (EF)-recovery data from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial evaluating tadalafil started after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (nsRP).

Methods

Patients ≤68 years were randomized post-nsRP 1:1:1 to 9-month double-blind treatment (DBT) with tadalafil 5 mg once daily (OaD), 20 mg tadalafil on demand (“pro-re-nata”; PRN), or placebo, followed by 6-week drug-free washout (DFW) and 3-month open-label OaD treatment. Secondary outcome measures included Kaplan–Meier estimates of time to EF-recovery (IIEF-EF ≥ 22) during DBT (Cox proportional hazard model adjusting for treatment, age, and country).

Results

A total of 423 patients were randomized to tadalafil OaD (N = 139), PRN (N = 143), and placebo (N = 141); 114/122/155 completed DBT. The proportion of patients achieving IIEF-EF ≥22 at some point during DBT with OaD, PRN, and placebo was 29.5, 23.9, and 18.4 %, respectively. DBT was too short to achieve EF-recovery (IIEF-EF ≥ 22) in >50 % of patients; median time to EF-recovery was non-estimable. Time for 25 % of patients to achieve EF-recovery (95 % CI) was 5.8 (4.9, 9.2) months for OaD versus 9.0 (5.5, 9.2) and 9.3 (9.0, 9.9) months for PRN and placebo, respectively. Showing a significant overall treatment effect (p = 0.038), the probability for EF-recovery was significantly higher for OaD versus placebo [hazard ratio (HR); 95 % CI 1.9; 1.2, 3.1; p = 0.011], but not for PRN versus placebo (p = 0.140). Of 57 OaD patients (41.0 %) with ED improved (by ≥1 IIEF-EF severity grade) at the end of DBT, 16 (28.1 % of 57) maintained this improvement through DFW and 27 (47.4 %) declined but maintained improvement from baseline after DFW.

Conclusions

Data suggest that the use of tadalafil OaD can significantly shorten the time to EF-recovery post-nsRP compared with placebo.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00345-014-1377-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of once-daily tadalafil on confidence and perceived difficulty in performing sexual intercourse in men who were incomplete responders to as-needed PDE5 inhibitor treatment

INTRODUCTION

For men with erectile dysfunction (ED), the expectation of difficulty and level of confidence in achieving and maintaining an erection have an impact on sexual performance.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

This 12-week, double-blind study investigated once-daily tadalafil (2.5 mg titrated to 5 mg or 5 mg) (n = 176) or placebo (n = 79) on confidence and perceived difficulty in performing sexual intercourse in men with ED who were incomplete responders to as-needed phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy. The Confidence in Performing Sexual Intercourse Questionnaire (CPSIQ) and Difficulty in Performing Sexual Intercourse Questionnaire (DPSIQ) were administered at baseline and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The mean change in CPSIQ for the tadalafil group was 1.8, which represents a shift from 'very low' to 'moderate' sexual confidence vs. a mean change of 0.5 in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). The mean change in DPSIQ for tadalafil was 1.6, which represents a shift from 'very difficult' to 'moderately' or 'slightly difficult' sexual performance vs. a mean change of 0.4 in the placebo group (p < 0.0001). Among men receiving tadalafil with an International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) end-point score of ≥ 26 or who achieved a minimal clinically important difference in IIEF-EF score at end-point, the mean changes in CPSIQ were 3.0 and 2.4, respectively (both p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Once-daily tadalafil vs. placebo improves confidence and decreases difficulty in performing sexual intercourse for men with ED who were incomplete responders to as-needed PDE5 inhibitor therapy.

Degarelix as an intermittent androgen deprivation therapy for one or more treatment cycles in patients with prostate cancer

BACKGROUND

Guidelines for prostate cancer treatment suggest that intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) can be considered for certain patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of degarelix as IAD for one or more treatment cycle(s) in prostate cancer patients requiring androgen deprivation.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This open-label uncontrolled multicenter study included patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >4 to 50 ng/ml or PSA doubling time <24 mo. Induction included 7-mo treatment. Off-treatment period started when PSA was ≤4 ng/ml and lasted up to 24 mo based on PSA and testosterone levels. Treatment was reinitiated when PSA was >4 ng/ml.

INTERVENTION

Each induction period included a starting dose of degarelix 240mg, and thereafter 80mg once a month for 6 mo, followed by off-treatment periods.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The primary end point was time to PSA >4 ng/ml. Secondary end points were subgroup analysis of the primary end point, time to testosterone >0.5 and >2.2 ng/ml, quality of life (QoL), and sexual function during the first off-treatment period.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Of 213 patients in the first induction period, 191 entered the first off-treatment period, 35 patients entered the second induction, and 30 entered the second off-treatment period. Only two patients entered the third cycle. Median time to PSA >4 ng/ml and duration of first off-treatment period was 392 d each. Significant differences in time to PSA >4 ng/ml were observed between subgroups stratified by prognostic factors (previous curative treatment, cancer stage, PSA levels, and Gleason scores). Time to testosterone >0.5 and >2.2 ng/ml was 112 and 168 d, respectively. Change in QoL remained nonsignificant, and sexual function gradually improved during the off-treatment period. Adverse events were fewer during the off-treatment period and subsequent treatment cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

IAD with degarelix resulted in an improvement in sexual function commensurate with increased testosterone levels while PSA remained suppressed. The treatment for one treatment cycle or more was well tolerated.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Guidelines for prostate cancer treatment suggest that intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) can be considered for certain patients. IAD with degarelix resulted in improved sexual function commensurate with increased testosterone levels while prostate-specific antigen remained suppressed. The treatment for one treatment cycle or more was well tolerated.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT00801242.

The Testosterone Trials: Seven coordinated trials of testosterone treatment in elderly men

Background The prevalence of low testosterone levels in men increases with age, as does the prevalence of decreased mobility, sexual function, self-perceived vitality, cognitive abilities, bone mineral density, and glucose tolerance, and of increased anemia and coronary artery disease. Similar changes occur in men who have low serum testosterone concentrations due to known pituitary or testicular disease, and testosterone treatment improves the abnormalities. Prior studies of the effect of testosterone treatment in elderly men, however, have produced equivocal results. Purpose To describe a coordinated set of clinical trials designed to avoid the pitfalls of prior studies and to determine definitively whether testosterone treatment of elderly men with low testosterone is efficacious in improving symptoms and objective measures of age-associated conditions. Methods We present the scientific and clinical rationale for the decisions made in the design of this set of trials. Results We designed The Testosterone Trials as a coordinated set of seven trials to determine if testosterone treatment of elderly men with low serum testosterone concentrations and symptoms and objective evidence of impaired mobility and/or diminished libido and/or reduced vitality would be efficacious in improving mobility (Physical Function Trial), sexual function (Sexual Function Trial), fatigue (Vitality Trial), cognitive function (Cognitive Function Trial), hemoglobin (Anemia Trial), bone density (Bone Trial), and coronary artery plaque volume (Cardiovascular Trial). The scientific advantages of this coordination were common eligibility criteria, common approaches to treatment and monitoring, and the ability to pool safety data. The logistical advantages were a single steering committee, data coordinating center and data and safety monitoring board, the same clinical trial sites, and the possibility of men participating in multiple trials. The major consideration in participant selection was setting the eligibility criterion for serum testosterone low enough to ensure that the men were unequivocally testosterone deficient, but not so low as to preclude sufficient enrollment or eventual generalizability of the results. The major considerations in choosing primary outcomes for each trial were identifying those of the highest clinical importance and identifying the minimum clinically important differences between treatment arms for sample size estimation. Potential limitations Setting the serum testosterone concentration sufficiently low to ensure that most men would be unequivocally testosterone deficient, as well as many other entry criteria, resulted in screening approximately 30 men in person to randomize one participant. Conclusion Designing The Testosterone Trials as a coordinated set of seven trials afforded many important scientific and logistical advantages but required an intensive recruitment and screening effort.