The efficacy of sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in male peritoneal dialysis patients.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of sildenafil in male peritoneal dialysis patients with erectile dysfunction.


METHODS
Sixteen peritoneal dialysis patients were recruited to this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study of sildenafil during a period of 8 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by using the International Index of Erectile Function and a Global Assessment Question. Penile arterial supply was assessed by means of Doppler ultrasound in all patients, and adverse events were recorded.


RESULTS
Three patients failed to complete the study (1 patient received a renal transplant, 1 patient died unrelated to the study, and 1 patient withdrew for personal reasons). In the remainder, there was a significant improvement in erectile function with sildenafil compared with placebo (P = 0.01) and the baseline assessment (P = 0.002). There were also significant improvements in intercourse satisfaction (P = 0.002) and overall satisfaction (P = 0.005) compared with baseline. In response to the Global Assessment Question, 75% of patients reported improvement in erections. Only 1 adverse event was reported: a headache, which resolved after the third dose of sildenafil.


CONCLUSIONS
Sildenafil caused a significant improvement in erectile function in peritoneal dialysis patients, with a success rate at least as high as that reported in other patient groups. The drug was well tolerated, with few adverse events.
Mahon
Althea
A
Department of Renal Medicine, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
Sidhu
Paul S
PS
Muir
Gordon
G
Macdougall
Iain C
IC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D010530:Peritoneal Dialysis / Q000379:methods; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011687:Purines; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate; D013450:Sulfones; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography
D010879:Piperazines; D011687:Purines; D013450:Sulfones; D000068677:Sildenafil Citrate