Stuttering priapism--a review of the therapeutic options.
BACKGROUND
Priapism is a urological emergency which is commonly classified into low-flow and high-flow priapism. Immediate intervention is required for low-flow cases as the development of ischaemia ultimately leads to long-term erectile dysfunction. Stuttering or recurrent priapism is less well understood. This subtype is characterised by short-lived painful erections and is commonly encountered in patients with sickle cell disease.


METHODS
A systematic review of the treatment options available for stuttering priapism is presented combined with our own experience in managing this condition over a period of 25 years.


RESULTS
Although numerous medical treatment options have been reported, the majority are through small trials or anecdotal reports.


CONCLUSIONS
Stuttering priapism is a condition which is still not well understood and there is no standardised algorithm for the management of this condition. A multicentre randomised trial is required to evaluate the treatment options.
Muneer
A
A
University College London Hospitals, London, UK. asif@amuneer.co.uk
Minhas
S
S
Arya
M
M
Ralph
D J
DJ
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications; D004077:Digoxin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D005039:Etilefrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006728:Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009919:Orchiectomy / Q000379:methods*; D015917:Penile Prosthesis; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011317:Priapism / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D011352:Procyclidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D054199:Pseudoephedrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006728:Hormones; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D004077:Digoxin; D054199:Pseudoephedrine; D011352:Procyclidine; D013726:Terbutaline; D005039:Etilefrine