Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
• To review the evidence in support of the effectiveness of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).


METHODS
• Relevant studies were identified by performing a literature search using MEDLINE® and The Cochrane Library®. The criteria used during the search included randomized, placebo-controlled trials of treatment for LUTS secondary to BPH using the International Prostate Symptom Score as an outcome measure.


RESULTS
• Four trials that included a total of 1928 patients met the inclusion criteria. All four studies showed a statistically significant difference in the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life and erectile function in favour of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. • No study showed a statistically significant improvement of the maximum urinary flow. • Meta-analysis of the results was not possible because of heterogeneity across the studies.


CONCLUSIONS
• Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors used in the clinical setting can significantly improve LUTS secondary to BPH, erectile function and quality of life. Maximum urinary flow improvement is not statistically significant. • Future research should focus on pathophysiological principles and cost analysis.
Laydner
Humberto K
HK
Roberto Santos General Hospital, Salvador, Brazil. dr.1berto@terra.com.br
Oliveira
Paulo
P
Oliveira
Carlos Roberto A
CR
Makarawo
Tafadzwa P
TP
Andrade
Weslley S
WS
Tannus
Matheus
M
Araújo
José Luciano R
JL
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D053448:Prostatism / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D058986:Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors