Pilot study of intra-cavernous injections of platelet-rich plasma (P-shot®) in the treatment of vascular erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Introduction: Intracavernosal injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or P-shot® are increasingly proposed as a curative treatment for organic sexual dysfunction despite the lack of evidence of effectiveness.

Objectives: We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intracavernous PRP injections in patients with vascular erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods: Three intracavernosal injections of PRP were performed 15days apart in 15 patients with vascular ED unresponsive to medical treatment with 5-phosphodiesterase inhibitors and/or prostaglandin E instillations or injections. Questionnaires assessing erectile function (IIEF-EF, EHS, SEP, Sexual discomfort score) were completed prior to treatment and 1, 3 and 6 months after the last injection.

Results: No side effects were noted during the study period. The IIEF-EF score was significantly improved after treatment (P<0.001) with a gain of 5 points at 1month, 4 points at 3months and 3 points at 6months (respectively P=0.001, P=0.003 and P=0.022). The other questionnaires did not change significantly. In total, 20% of patients considered that the erection lasted long enough to have a sexual intercourse (SEP score) before P-shot® versus 26.7% after the treatment (P=1).

Conclusion: This study suggests that the effect of P-Shot® remains moderate in cases of ED with vascular origin. Larger clinical studies are needed to determine the real effectiveness of this therapeutic strategy.

Level of proof: 2.

Keywords: Dysfonction érectile; Erectile dysfunction; P-shot®; Plasma riche en plaquettes; Platelet-rich plasma.