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Papaverine topical gel for treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Intracavernous injection of vasoactive substances has been shown to be an effective means of treatment of organic erectile dysfunction. However, up to 50% of men eventually discontinue treatment often because of lack of spontaneity and needle phobia. This study was done as a phase I, placebo controlled, nonblinded investigation of the safety and efficacy of a topical papaverine gel in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Of 20 men with organic impotence 17 completed the trial and 13 of these patients had spinal cord injuries. After application of a 15% and 20% papaverine base gel to the scrotum, perineum and penis, cavernous artery diameter was significantly increased (36%, p < 0.001) as assessed by color flow Doppler ultrasound. Peak systolic flow velocity increased 26%. Only 3 of 14 patients achieved an increase in cavernous artery diameter of 75% or more and 2 of 14 had a peak systolic flow velocity of 25 cm. per second or more after application of a topical base gel. Similar findings were present when only the patients with spinal cord injury were analyzed. The effect of a papaverine base in producing flow alterations to the penis is dose-dependent. A diminution in blood pressure was present at 15 and 30 minutes after application to the forearm, and the heart rate diminished from 68 to 62 beats per minute after application to the genitalia. No patient was symptomatic. Serum papaverine levels were not elevated over pre-application values. No hepatotoxic effects were demonstrated. Full clinical erections (mean duration 38.7 minutes) were present in 3 patients but were also present with the placebo preparation (mean duration 8.0 minutes). In conclusion, topical papaverine gel appears to be safe and well tolerated after application to the genitalia, and increases blood flow to the penis with a 15% and 20% base preparation. Minimal systemic absorption occurs and, thus, effects are probably from local absorption. Topical therapy appears to augment reflex erections in the spinal cord injury patient and may be especially beneficial in this population. Further investigation is warranted at higher concentrations or in combination with different skin absorption enhancers.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Efficacy and tolerability of vardenafil for treatment of erectile dysfunction in patient subgroups.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether vardenafil would improve erectile function irrespective of etiology, baseline severity, or patient age. The consistency of the response over time was also evaluated. METHODS: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled at-home study of vardenafil treatment (5, 10, and 20 mg) was performed. This secondary analysis compared the mean International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) erectile function domain scores of various subgroups at 12 weeks of treatment. These populations included organic, psychogenic, or mixed etiologies; mild, moderate, or severe baseline severity; and four age groups (younger than 45, 45 to 55, 56 to 65, and older than 65 years). In addition, all IIEF domains were compared at sequential 4-week periods, before and during treatment. RESULTS: In the 580 men of the intent-to-treat population, the mean erectile function domain scores were statistically greater than placebo, irrespective of etiology, baseline severity, or age. This was seen at all dosages. Compared with placebo, vardenafil statistically improved the IIEF domain scores of erectile function, orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction after 4 weeks of treatment, and these improvements were maintained for 12 weeks. The rates of the most common adverse events (headache, flushing, and dyspepsia) were either constant or declined over time; they were generally mild to moderate and transient in nature. CONCLUSIONS: Vardenafil improved erectile function regardless of the general etiology, baseline severity of erectile dysfunction, or patient age. Improvements in erectile function and other key IIEF domains were consistently seen throughout the study.

Aged↗

Comparison of efficacy, safety, and tolerability of on-demand tadalafil and daily dosed tadalafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare the efficacy of on-demand tadalafil and daily tadalafil in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 145 men with a mean age of 57.3 years (range 19-82 years) and mild to severe erectile dysfunction of various etiologies were randomized to receive on-demand tadalafil (20 mg) or daily tadalafil (10 mg) taken without food or alcohol restrictions in a trial lasting 26 weeks. The three primary outcome measures were changes from baseline in the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the proportion of "yes" responses to questions 2 and 3 of the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP). Additional efficacy instruments included a Global Assessment Question administered at completion of the study. RESULTS: Compared with baseline, on-demand and daily tadalafil enhanced all efficacy outcomes. Patients receiving on-demand tadalafil (20 mg) and daily tadalafil (10 mg) experienced a significant mean improvement of 8.3 and 11.9, respectively, in the erectile function domain of the IIEF from baseline (P < 0.001). The mean change from baseline was significantly higher for daily dosed tadalafil than for on-demand tadalafil (P < 0.05). Sexual intercourse was successfully completed (SEP3) in 69% and 84% of patients taking on-demand tadalafil and daily tadalafil, respectively, compared with 30% at baseline (P < 0.001). Successful completion of sexual intercourse was statistically higher for daily tadalafil than for on-demand tadalafil (P < 0.05). Treatment with on-demand tadalafil or daily tadalafil was well tolerated, and headaches, facial flushing, and dyspepsia were the most frequently observed adverse events. CONCLUSION: Tadalafil was effective and well tolerated in this patient population. Treatment with daily tadalafil was associated with a significantly higher IIEF erectile function domain score and completion of successful intercourse compared with on-demand tadalafil.

Adult↗

Efficacy and safety of vardenafil in men with erectile dysfunction caused by spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and tolerability of vardenafil in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) due to traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group 12-week study, 418 men aged 18 years and older with ED for more than 6 months consequent to SCI were randomized to vardenafil (n = 207) or placebo (n = 211) (10 mg for 4 weeks, then maintained or titrated to 5 or 20 mg at weeks 4 and 8). Efficacy assessments included the erectile function (EF) domain score of the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and diary questions regarding penetration, maintenance of erection to completion of intercourse, and ejaculation. RESULTS: Baseline patient characteristics were similar in the vardenafil (mean age 40 years) and placebo (mean age 39 years) groups. Mean baseline EF domain scores were 11.6 in the vardenafil group and 12.1 (moderate ED) in the placebo group. EF domain score in the vardenafil group improved to 22.0 (mild ED) at last observation carried forward vs 13.5 in the placebo group (p < 0.001). Over 12 weeks of treatment, mean per-patient penetration (76% vs 41%), maintenance (59% vs 22%), and ejaculation (19% vs 10%) success rates were significantly greater vs placebo (all p < 0.001). The most frequently reported drug-related adverse events were headache (vardenafil 15%, placebo 4%), flushing (vardenafil 6%, placebo 0%), nasal congestion (vardenafil 5%, placebo 0%), and dyspepsia (vardenafil 4%, placebo 0%). CONCLUSION: Vardenafil significantly improved erectile and ejaculatory function and was generally well tolerated in men with erectile dysfunction due to spinal cord injury.

Adult↗

[Effects of angiotensin II on male rats with diabetic erectile dysfunction].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes of angiotensin II (Ang II) and its receptors in male rats with diabetic erectile dysfunction (DED) so as to study its effects. METHODS: Out of 40 male SD rats, 30 were taken at random for diabetic models. After 8 weeks, the rats with erectile dysfunction were selected from these models. All the rats were divided into 3 groups: control ( n = 10), diabetes mellitus( DM, n = 9) and DED (n = 8). For each rat, the Ang II levels in the blood and homogenate prepared from part of the isolated penile tissues were determined respectively, and the Ang II receptors of the rest of the penile tissues were analyzed through immunohistochemical (IHC) assay. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, Ang II levels in the blood and penile tissues in the DM group, and that in the blood of the DED group were very high and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Ang II in the penile tissues of the DED increased sharply (P < 0.01). The receptors of Ang II changed contrariwise to the level of Ang ll. CONCLUSION: Ang II may play an important role in the pathogenesis of DED, and the Ang II antagonist or inhibitor of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACEI) may become a therapeutic method for DED in the future.

Angiotensin II↗

Efficacy of oral sildenafil in hemodialysis patients with erectile dysfunction.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral sildenafil to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in chronic renal failure in patients on hemodialysis (HD). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of oral sildenafil (50 mg) administered as required in HD patients with ED was designed. Patients on HD for at least 6 mo and who had a stable relationship with a female sexual partner were included. Patients older than 70 yr with penile anatomic abnormalities, cirrhosis, diabetes, angina, severe anemia, and those who were on nitrate treatment or with a recent history of stroke or myocardial infarction were not included. The International Index of Erectile Dysfunction (IIEF) was employed to evaluate ED and treatment response. Forty-one patients were evaluated (21 received placebo, and 20 sildenafil). Baseline clinical and demographic parameters were similar in both groups. Sildenafil was associated with improvement in the score of all questions and domains of the IIEF, except those related to sexual desire. Using the erectile function domain to evaluate primary efficacy, improvement was observed in 85% of the sildenafil patients compared with 9.5% of placebo patients. Sildenafil use resulted in normal EF scores in 35% of sildenafil patients. Sildenafil was well tolerated. Headaches and flushing occurred in both groups. Dyspepsia was reported by two patients in the sildenafil group. In conclusion, oral sildenafil seems to be an effective and safe treatment for ED in selected patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis.

Administration, Oral↗

Counseling the patient with erectile dysfunction: a primary care physician perspective.

Primary care physicians might be tempted to avoid addressing the topic of erectile dysfunction because they mistakenly believe that hectic work schedules, unforeseen reimbursement issues, or complexity of disease management preclude effectively dealing with this important disorder. Yet, it is eminently possible to complete a targeted history and physical examination within the constraints of the typical ambulatory visit. The pertinent typical medical, sexual, and psychosocial history should take about 4 to 6 minutes, and a physical examination can be done in approximately 2 to 4 minutes. Whenever feasible, partner input can be a highly valuable asset for correctly diagnosing erectile dysfunction and treating the patient. Inclusion of the partner can provide additional information, identify obstacles to success, and ensure partner readiness for resumption of coital activity. In addition, evaluation tools such as the Sexual Health Inventory for Men can be highly effective in initiating discussion on an uncomfortable subject.

Counseling↗

An open-label, randomized, flexible-dose, crossover study to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of sildenafil citrate and apomorphine hydrochloride in men with erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of sildenafil and apomorphine in the treatment of men with erectile dysfunction (ED). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 139 men with ED who were naïve to treatment were entered into an open-label crossover trial with two treatment periods, each of 8 weeks, separated by a 2-week washout period. Men were randomized to receive either sildenafil then apomorphine or apomorphine then sildenafil, and were allowed to titrate the dose on both drugs. The primary endpoint was the erectile function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and other endpoints included diary data, the other domains of the IIEF, overall assessment questions and the Erectile Dysfunction Index of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire. RESULTS: The EF domain score after treatment was 25.2 for sildenafil and 15.9 for apomorphine. The treatment difference of the adjusted means was 9.3 points (95% confidence interval 7.6-11.1; P < 0.001). After sildenafil the successful intercourse rate was 75%, vs 35% for apomorphine (P < 0.001), and the EDITS scores were 82.5 for sildenafil and 46.8 for apomorphine (P < 0.001). Of the men, 96% expressed a preference for sildenafil as a treatment for their ED. The side-effect profiles for both drugs were in keeping with published data. CONCLUSION: By all measurable endpoints sildenafil was superior to apomorphine in this open-label crossover study of men with ED who were naïve to therapy

Adult↗

Radiographic diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Within the past 10 years, the study of erectile function has witnessed a rapid expansion of knowledge. New anatomic and physiologic theories, diagnostic procedures, and treatments have all been developed. As with all new medical concepts, there is active and healthy controversy. The papers reviewed demonstrate an early consensus of opinion for some ideas and a difference of opinion for others. Published ideas and conclusions have been strongly influenced by the incomplete evolution of the diagnostic methods, by patient psychologic inhibition interfering with objective testing, and by particular perspectives of the investigator biasing the final interpretation. This update of the radiologic assessment and therapy of erectile dysfunction presents recently published works and background related to their development.

Angiography↗

Age dependent secretion of LH and ACTH in healthy men and patients with erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: Age dependent secretion of testicular and adrenal androgens was examined in healthy men and patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: In 95 healthy men (age 20-74 years) and 739 patients with ED, luteineizing hormone (LH, n = 739), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, n = 480) and the secretion products of testis and adrenal gland testosterone (T, n = 750), free testosterone (fT, n = 718), dehydroepiandrosteronesulfate (DHEAS, n = 598) and cortisol (n = 538) were measured. RESULTS: In healthy men, LH was measured from 0.75-8.58 mIU/ml and ACTH from 10.59-121.7 pg/ml. Statistically, age was not correlated to LH (P = 0.573) and ACTH (P = 0.833) in healthy men. The secretion products T (P < 0.05), fT (P < 0.001), DHEAS (P < 0.001) and cortisol (P < 0.05) declined significantly with age in healthy persons. In patients with ED, a significant age dependent increase of LH (P < 0.05, n = 739), but not ACTH (P = 0.469, n = 480) was found. T (P < 0.001, n = 736), fT (P < 0.001, n = 718) and DHEAS (P < 0.001, n = 598), but not cortisol (P = 0.307, n = 538) declined in age dependent patients with ED. Age matching revealed a statistical significant elevation (P < 0.05) only for LH (n = 659) in comparison to healthy men (n = 94), all other hormones were not different in both groups. CONCLUSION: An LH-increase in patients with erectile dysfunction underlines the importance of Leydig cell degeneration in this disease, but age dependent decline of T secretion was comparable to healthy men, demonstrating a working hypophyseal-testicular-axis. Indication of androgen replacement is therefore limited to selected cases.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

Treatment program for erectile dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular diseases.

The present study assesses the effectiveness of our progressive treatment program for erectile dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular diseases. The study sample included 453 patients aged 36 to 91 years. Therapy in all patients was begun with sildenafil citrate 25 to 100 mg. Those with contraindications, drug adverse effects, or a negative response (erection insufficient for vaginal penetration) were given intracavernous injections of a cocktail of vasoactive drugs (dimix, trimix, or quadmix), followed by the addition of sildenafil citrate to the trimix in case of failure, and then a penile prosthesis. Patients were followed for 2 years; in cases of treatment ineffectiveness during follow-up, drug dosages were increased or a penile prosthesis was suggested. Sildenafil citrate was offered to 417 patients of whom 205 (49.2%) responded positively. The remaining 248 patients received intracavernous injections: 135 (54.4%) had a positive response to the dimix, 85 (75.2%) to the trimix, and 16 (57.1%) to the quadmix. Four of the other 12 patients (0.9%) responded to sildanefil citrate + trimix, and 2 (0.4%) agreed to a penile prosthesis. At the 2-year follow-up of 447 patients, 131 (29.3%) were successfully treated with sildanefil citrate, 92 (20.6%) with dimix, 122 (27.3%) with trimix, 12 (2.7%) with quadmix, and 2 (0.4%) with sildanefil citrate + trimix; 5 patients (1.1%) had a penile implant. Forty-eight patients (10.7%) achieved spontaneous erection, of whom 46 were taking aspirin. Twenty-six patients (5.8%) stopped treatment because of health and family reasons and 9 (2%) had a negative response. Our progressive treatment program for erectile dysfunction has a high success rate in patients with cardiovascular disease: Overall, 98.7% achieved an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration immediately after the trial and 92.2% on follow-up; 10.7% achieved spontaneous erections.

Administration, Oral↗

Intraurethral alprostadil for treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of intraurethral prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil, MUSE) in treating erectile dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: Intraurethral alprostadil was tested in 15 patients with SCI to evaluate its effectiveness in treating SCI-associated erectile dysfunction. All patients were at least 1 year after injury, and all had previously used intracavernosal injections successfully (Schramek's grade 5 erection). The intraurethral drug was administered in the office, in the presence of a physician, with monitoring of blood pressure. If effective, the patient was then able to use MUSE at home. The first 3 patients underwent gradual dose escalation starting with 125 microg, without the use of a constriction ring. Because of hypotension, the remaining 12 patients all used a penile constriction ring prior to intraurethral drug administration using 1000 microg. The quality of the erection was compared with that achieved with intracavernosal injections using Schramek's grading. RESULTS: The dose escalation (titration) in the first 3 patients demonstrated that the 1000-microg dose was the most effective in creating an erectile response. Transient hypotension was noted in these first 3 patients in whom the constricting band was not used. The highest dose of MUSE (1000 microg) was, therefore, used in the remaining 12 patients, with the constriction band. The quality of the erection varied and appeared to be less rigid in all patients (12 patients with grade 1 to 3; 3 patients with grade 4) than that noted with intracavernosal injection therapy (1 5 patients with grade 5). There was no incidence of priapism. The 3 patients with grade 4 erections tried the MUSE at home. All 3 patients were dissatisfied with the quality of the erection and did not continue to use the MUSE at home and returned to intracavernosal injection therapy. CONCLUSIONS: MUSE appears to be somewhat effective in creating erections; however, these were less rigid erections than those obtained with intracavernosal therapy and provided less overall satisfaction. It should always be used in the patient with SCI after placement of a constriction ring to prevent hypotension. Its ultimate use depends on the patient's level of satisfaction with the quality of the erection compared with intracavernosal injections.

Adult↗

Prevalence and risk factors for erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes, hypertension, or both diseases: a community survey among 1,412 Israeli men.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease share common risk factors and may be further aggravated by medical treatment for reducing them. HYPOTHESIS: The study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of ED in patients with diabetes (DM), hypertension (HTN), or both diseases, and to evaluate the effect of patient age, medical treatment, and disease duration and control on the prevalence of ED in this population. METHODS: A group of 150 primary practitioners who had patients with known DM and/or HTN conducted a survey, utilizing IIEF-15, a 15-item multidimensional, self-administered questionnaire used for the clinical assessment of ED. RESULTS: In all, 1,412 patients were included: 37% had DM, 38% had HTN, and 25% had both diseases. Their mean age was 55, 58, and 60 years, and 62, 46, and 67% had some degree of ED, respectively. The prevalence of ED increased with age and disease duration in each age group and was higher in subjects with DM than in those with HTN, especially in those aged < 65 years. Poor glycemic control was associated with a higher prevalence rate of ED early in the course of the disease. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of ED according to type and number of antihypertensive drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Erectile dysfunction is common among patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease because of diabetes and/or HTN. Diabetic men are affected earlier than those with HTN. Given the high frequency of ED in young patients with these risk factors, physicians should encourage an open discussion on the subject during routine visits to promote early detection and treatment.

Age Factors↗

A prospective study of the beneficial effects of dose optimization and customized instructions on patient satisfaction with sildenafil citrate (Viagra) for erectile dysfunction.

Our objective was to assess the effects of customized instructions and dose optimization on treatment satisfaction and improvement in erectile function (EF) with sildenafil citrate in men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who had not been previously treated with a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. This 8-week, multicenter, open-label, flexible-dose (25, 50, or 100 mg sildenafil) study included 2 phases. During phase 1, patients took 50 mg sildenafil and followed the sildenafil sample package instructions. In phase 2, sildenafil dose could be adjusted on the basis of efficacy and tolerability, and investigators provided additional customized instructions. The primary efficacy variable was the satisfaction rate (defined as patients responding "very" or "somewhat" satisfied to the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction [EDITS] Question 1). Other efficacy assessments included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the percentage of successful sexual intercourse attempts. Of 1109 men (mean age, 54+/-13 years) treated, 867 completed the study. In phase 1, 75% of patients were very or somewhat satisfied with treatment. Mean EF domain score on the IIEF increased from 14.3 at baseline to 23.5, and 79% of sexual intercourse attempts were successful. In phase 2, 53% of patients increased their sildenafil dose to 100 mg and 2% decreased to 25 mg. Satisfaction with sildenafil increased to 86%, 91% of sexual intercourse attempts were successful, and mean IIEF EF domain score increased to 25.7. Of the 196 men who were not initially satisfied at the end of phase 1, 64% became very or somewhat satisfied with treatment by the end of phase 2. Initially high levels of efficacy and satisfaction with sildenafil were achieved when patients were provided with only the sample package instructions and the recommended 50-mg starting dose. These results were enhanced with dose optimization, individual patient counseling, and customized instructions.

Adult↗

Downregulation of androgen, estrogen and progesterone receptor genes and protein is involved in aging-related erectile dysfunction.

We hypothesize that downregulation of sex hormone receptors (androgen, estrogen and progesterone receptors) is involved in aging-related erectile dysfunction. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the expression of sex hormone receptors in penile crura of aging rats. A total of 40 rats were divided into four groups based on age (6, 12, 18 and 24 months), and the erectile function was analyzed by the measurement of intracavernous pressure. Gene and protein expressions of sex hormone receptors were analyzed by RT-PCR and immunostaining, respectively. The mean intracavernous pressures of 6-, 12-, 18- and 24-month-old rats were 110.1, 89.6, 73.5 and 42.7 cm H(2)O, respectively. Gene and protein expressions for androgen receptor, estrogen receptor-beta and progesterone receptor were present in similar levels in 6-, 12- and 18-month-old rat crura, but significantly lower or absent in 24-month-old crura. This is the first study to demonstrate that downregulation of sex hormone receptors in aging rat crura is associated with erectile dysfunction.

Aging↗

Efficacy, safety, and treatment satisfaction of tadalafil versus placebo in patients with erectile dysfunction evaluated at tertiary-care academic centers.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy, safety, and treatment satisfaction of tadalafil 20 mg for erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients evaluated at tertiary-care academic centers. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients were randomly allocated to receive fixed-dose tadalafil 20 mg (n = 146) or placebo (n = 49) for 12 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP), and Global Assessment Question (GAQ); patient and partner treatment satisfaction by the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) and SEP; and safety by adverse events, laboratory values, and vital signs. RESULTS: Mean baseline IIEF erectile function (EF) domain was 12.98. Fifty-one percent of enrolled patients had severe baseline ED, and 82% had organic ED. Pre-existing, ED-associated comorbid conditions were common. When compared with patients treated with placebo, those receiving tadalafil reported significant improvement from baseline in the IIEF EF domain (P <0.001), successful penetration attempts (SEP question 2; P <0.001), successful intercourse (SEP question 3; P <0.001), and all secondary efficacy outcomes (P <0.001). Patients and their sexual partners were also significantly more satisfied with tadalafil treatment (P <0.001), including overall satisfaction (P <0.001) and length of time the treatment worked (P <0.001). Mild or moderate headache, dyspepsia, and myalgia were the most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events reported. CONCLUSIONS: Tadalafil significantly improved erectile function and patient and partner satisfaction and was well tolerated. These results were observed in a tertiary-care, academic center population with a high incidence of severe, organic ED, and comorbid medical conditions, factors known to compromise erectile function and treatment outcome.

Aged↗

Erectile dysfunction in hypertensive men: sleep-related erections, penile blood flow and musculovascular events.

To explore how hypertension affects penile erection, we studied erectile hemodynamics during nocturnal penile tumescence in 3 groups of middle-aged men: hypertensive patients with and without erectile dysfunction, and normotensive controls without erectile problems. The hypertensive patients were not taking antihypertensive medication. Evaluations included standard monitoring of penile circumference change as well as noninvasive monitoring of penile segmental pulsatile blood flow and activity in the bulbocavernosus-ischiocavernosus muscles. Variables differed in how they discriminated among groups. Median amplitude of penile blood flow during rapid eye movement sleep differed significantly among all 3 study groups: controls had the highest amplitudes, patients without erectile problems had lower values and patients with erectile complaints had the lowest values. By contrast, standard measures of nocturnal penile tumescence (that is based on penile circumference change during sleep) only distinguished the patients with erectile problems from the 2 other groups. Density of musculovascular event clusters during rapid eye movement sleep (nearly simultaneous muscle activity burst, blood flow burst and circumference pulsation) distinguished the 2 groups of hypertensive men from controls. The sensitivity of the blood flow measure to changes in the hypertensive men without erectile complaints may indicate that the measure can reveal subclinical signs of developing vasculogenic erectile dysfunction.

Hemodynamics↗