Objective. To investigate the effects of prolonged inhibition of phosphodiesterase type-5, using once- daily long-acting phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (tadalafil) on erectile function and biomarkers of endothelial function in male patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods. In an open-label study, 14 nonconsecutive male patients with SSc with different degrees of ED were enrolled into the study irrespective of their clinical response to tadalafil, and received once- daily tadalafil 10 mg for 12 weeks. Primary endpoints were variations from baseline of penile arterial inflow [peak systolic velocity (PSV, cm/s); measured with dynamic color duplex ultrasound] and the erectile function domain score (measured with the International Index of Erectile Function question- naire). Secondary endpoints were variations from baseline of morning erections (determined by modi- fied question 13 of the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction® questionnaire) and plasma con- centrations of endothelin-1 (ET1). Results. The PSV and the erectile function domain score were significantly improved by once-daily tadalafil (from 21.3 ± 6.4 to 30.0 ± 7.0 cm/s and from 13.0 ± 6.8 to 17.0 ± 9.0 vs baseline, respective- ly; p < 0.05). Question 13 scores decreased dramatically after treatment compared with baseline (from 2.2 ± 0.2 to 0.8 ± 0.5 arbitrary units; p < 0.001), and plasma ET1 levels decreased (from 24 ± 15 to 9.8 ± 7.4 pg/ml; p < 0.05). Conclusion. In men with SSc-related ED, once-daily tadalafil improved both erectile function and vas- cular measures of cavernous arteries. Increases in morning erections and decreases in plasma ET1 levels were found, which may play a potential role in preventing progression of penile fibrosis and erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction in Systemic Sclerosis: Effects of Longterm Inhibition of Phosphodiesterase Type-5 on Erectile Function and Plasma Endothelin-1 Levels.
MERLA, Arcangelo;
2007-01-01
Abstract
Objective. To investigate the effects of prolonged inhibition of phosphodiesterase type-5, using once- daily long-acting phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitor (tadalafil) on erectile function and biomarkers of endothelial function in male patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods. In an open-label study, 14 nonconsecutive male patients with SSc with different degrees of ED were enrolled into the study irrespective of their clinical response to tadalafil, and received once- daily tadalafil 10 mg for 12 weeks. Primary endpoints were variations from baseline of penile arterial inflow [peak systolic velocity (PSV, cm/s); measured with dynamic color duplex ultrasound] and the erectile function domain score (measured with the International Index of Erectile Function question- naire). Secondary endpoints were variations from baseline of morning erections (determined by modi- fied question 13 of the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction® questionnaire) and plasma con- centrations of endothelin-1 (ET1). Results. The PSV and the erectile function domain score were significantly improved by once-daily tadalafil (from 21.3 ± 6.4 to 30.0 ± 7.0 cm/s and from 13.0 ± 6.8 to 17.0 ± 9.0 vs baseline, respective- ly; p < 0.05). Question 13 scores decreased dramatically after treatment compared with baseline (from 2.2 ± 0.2 to 0.8 ± 0.5 arbitrary units; p < 0.001), and plasma ET1 levels decreased (from 24 ± 15 to 9.8 ± 7.4 pg/ml; p < 0.05). Conclusion. In men with SSc-related ED, once-daily tadalafil improved both erectile function and vas- cular measures of cavernous arteries. Increases in morning erections and decreases in plasma ET1 levels were found, which may play a potential role in preventing progression of penile fibrosis and erectile dysfunction.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
