Effects of sildenafil treatment on patients with Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction

Ir J Med Sci. 2014 Sep;183(3):449-53. doi: 10.1007/s11845-013-1036-5. Epub 2013 Nov 5.

Abstract

Introduction: It has been shown on experimental rat models that type 5-phosphodiesterase isoenzyme (PDE5) inhibitors have anti-fibrotic effects for Peyronie's disease (PD); however, this issue has not been addressed clinically. The aim of this study was to document the effects of PDE5 inhibitors used for erectile dysfunction (ED) seen in PD patients on the main course of the PD clinically.

Methods: A total of 39 PD patients with ED were divided into two groups. Patients in Group 1 (n = 18) served as controls and received 400 IU vitamin E per day. Those in Group 2 (n = 21) received 50 mg sildenafil per day for 12 weeks. Penile plaque volume was assessed by palpation and by duplex ultrasound. Erectile capacity, penile deformity and plaque characteristics were assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire form (IIEF-5) and penile duplex ultrasound.

Results: Statistically significant improvement in all parameters was observed within both groups except for IIEF score in Group 1 when compared with the initial values. Significant reduction in plaques and pain were observed in 7 (33.3 %) and 14 (66.6 %) patients in Group 2 and 6 (33.3 %) and 9 patients (42.8 %) in Group 1, respectively. At the end of the therapy, improvement in IIEF score and reduction in pain were statistically significant in Group 2 compared with Group 1 (p = 0.028 and p = 0.045, respectively).

Conclusion: We conclude that continuous administration of oral PDE5 inhibitors may be a candidate for medical treatment of PD; however, more controlled studies are needed.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Comorbidity
  • Erectile Dysfunction / diagnostic imaging
  • Erectile Dysfunction / drug therapy
  • Erectile Dysfunction / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penile Induration / diagnostic imaging
  • Penile Induration / drug therapy*
  • Penile Induration / epidemiology
  • Penis / diagnostic imaging
  • Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Piperazines / administration & dosage
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Purines / administration & dosage
  • Purines / therapeutic use
  • Rats
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones / administration & dosage
  • Sulfones / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex

Substances

  • Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors
  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Sildenafil Citrate