Major adverse cardiovascular events related to phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors: analysis of real-life data from Eudra-Vigilance database.

BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are the standard medical treatment for erectile dysfunction. Aim of our study was to evaluate the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) reported during PDE5i treatment based on Eudra-Vigilance (EV) reports. METHODS: EV database is the system for managing and analyzing data on suspected adverse reactions to medicines which have been authorized or being studied in clinical trials in the European Economic Area. MACE are defined as non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal congestive heart failure, revascularization after aorto-coronary graft bypass and cardiovascular death. We recorded the number of MACE for sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, avanafil per category and severity until 1st July 2023. Pooled Relative Risk (PRR) was used to compare data between drugs. RESULTS: Overall, 951 MACE events were reported. Most of them were observed in younger patients <65 years old (452/951 events, 48%). Overall, 377/8939 (4%) MACE events were observed for sildenafil, 221/5213 (4%) for tadalafil, 50/1029 (4%) for vardenafil and no events for avanafil. No significative differences were reported comparing sildenafil and tadalafil (PRR 0.71-0.99, IQR 0.61-1.35, P>0.05), neither sildenafil vs. vardenafil (PRR 0.68-0.79, IQR 0.43-1.55, P>0.05), neither tadalafil vs. vardenafil (PRR 0.77-0.95, IQR 0.64-1.30. P>0.05) even when compared for age. Comparison between different classes of age showed MACE were more frequent in patients younger than 65 years old taking sildenafil and tadalafil when compared to patients older than 85 years old (PRR 0.02-0.11. IQR 0.01-0.40. P<0.01) and when compared to patients in 65-85 class of age (PRR 0.02-0.12, IQR 0.01-0.95, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Real life data is consistent with MACE related to PDE5i. PDE5is are infrequently (<5%) associated with MACE. However, risk seems higher in younger patients, particularly for sildenafil (452/951 events, 48%). Clinicians should consider these data when prescribing PDE5i especially in young patients.

Single-dose Tadalafil Reduces Opening Urethral Pressure: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Crossover Trial in Healthy Women.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Phosphodiesterase enzymes are widely distributed in female urogenital tissues. Yet, the understanding of their physiological roles and the impact of phosphodiesterase inhibitors on lower urinary tract symptoms in women remains limited. Current hypotheses are conflicting: one suggests that vasodilation might expand the periurethral vascular plexus, leading to increased urethral pressure, whereas the other proposes a relaxation of urethral musculature, resulting in decreased pressure. To further clarify this, we investigated the effect of tadalafil on the opening urethral pressure and voiding function in healthy women. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial involving 24 healthy women. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of tadalafil (40 mg) or placebo during their initial visit and then switched to the alternative treatment during their second visit. Opening urethral pressure was measured with urethral pressure reflectometry during both resting and squeezing conditions of the pelvic floor. Subsequently, voiding parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Compared with placebo, a single dose of tadalafil significantly reduced opening urethral pressure during both resting (-6.8 cmH20; 95% confidence interval [CI], -11.8 to -1.9; p = 0.009) and squeezing conditions (-8.8 cmH20; 95% CI, -14.6 to -3.1; p = 0.005). Voiding parameters did not show significant differences (average flow rate: -0.8 ml/s [95% CI, -2.0 to 0.4; p = 0.2]; maximum flow rate: -1.7 ml/s [95% CI, -4.8 to 1.5; p = 0.3]). CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of 40 mg tadalafil moderately reduced urethral pressure in healthy women, without affecting voiding parameters. The clinical implications of this are yet to be determined.

Medical Advancements in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatments.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to identify and summarize the current literature on the most recent therapeutic agents and combination strategies for the medical management of lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from benign prostatic hyperplasia. RECENT FINDINGS: The latest advancements in BPH therapy have been in combination strategies. Alpha blockers continue to be the mainstay of treatment, but research is exploring the synergistic benefits of combining them with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs), phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, and beta-3 agonists. The alpha-blocker + 5-ARI combination remains ideal for enlarged, significantly reducing clinical progression risk compared to monotherapy. Alpha-blocker + PDE5 inhibitor combinations appear safe and potentially beneficial for men with concomitant erectile dysfunction; sildenafil might hold an edge over tadalafil based on limited data. Beta-3 agonists show synergistic effects with alpha blockers for residual storage symptoms, offering similar efficacy to anticholinergics but with a better side effect profile.

Placenta-anchored tadalafil liposomes rescues intrauterine growth restriction through continuous placental blood perfusion improvement.

Physiological or pathological hypoperfusion of the placenta is one of the main causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) which poses a significant risk to the health of the fetus and newborn. Tadalafil, a 5-type phosphodiesterase inhibitor, has previously been found to improve the symptoms of IUGR in various clinical studies. Unfortunately, its clinical utility is hindered by its limited water solubility, rapid metabolism, and lack of specific distribution in target tissues rendering tadalafil unable to maintain long-term placental perfusion. In this study, iRGD-modified tadalafil-loaded liposomes (iRGD-lipo@Tad) featuring a size of approximately 480 nm were designed to rectify the shortcomings of tadalafil. The prepared iRGD-lipo@Tad exhibited superior stability, sustained drug release capacity, and low cytotoxicity. The fluorescence study, tissue slice study, and drug biodistribution study together demonstrated the placenta-anchored ability of iRGD-modified liposomes. This was achieved by a dual approach consisting of the iRGD-mediated placenta-targeting effect and special particle size-mediated placenta resident effect. The pharmacokinetic study revealed a significant improvement in the in vivo process of tadalafil encapsulated by the iRGD-modified liposomes. In comparison to the tadalafil solution, the peak plasma concentration of iRGD-lipo@Tad was significantly increased, and the area under the curve was increased by about 7.88 times. In the pharmacodynamic study, iRGD-lipo@Tad achieved a continuous and efficient improvement of placental blood perfusion. This was achieved by decreasing the ratio of plasma soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase to placental growth factor and increasing the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate and nitric oxide. Consequently, iRGD-lipo@Tad resulted in a significant increase in embryo weight and a reduction in the miscarriage rate of N-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-induced IUGR pregnant mice without detectable toxicity. In summary, the nanotechnology-assisted therapy strategy presented here not only overcomes the limitations of tadalafil in the clinical treatment of IUGR but also offers new avenues to address the treatment of other placenta-originated diseases.

Treatment preferences of patients with erectile dysfunction: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: Patients' treatment preferences (PTP) depend on the complex interaction of numerous patient- and treatment-related factors; their assessment can guide therapy and promote compliance of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). We aimed to systematically describe the literature evaluating the treatment preferences of patients with ED, published in the last 25 years. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive bibliographic search of multiple databases was conducted in June, 2023. The literature search was limited to the articles published since 1998. Articles were deemed eligible if they described male patients with ED (P) undergoing treatment for this condition (I) compared with other treatments, placebo or sham therapy (C), and reported PTP (O). Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and post-hoc analyses of RCTs were selected (S). The data were presented in a narrative fashion. The risk of bias (RoB) was evaluated using the RoB 2 tool and the Mulhall-Montorsi model. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total 14 RCTs evaluating 6,841 patients and 4 post-hoc analyses of RCTs were included. All RCTs were considered to be at high RoB. No validated tool was used to investigate PTP. Sildenafil was the most frequently evaluated ED treatment (9 RCTs). Sildenafil was chosen over placebo by 78-100% of subjects and over ICI in 70% of patients due to its easier route of administration. No significant difference in patient preference was recorded between Sildenafil tablets and orodispersible (53% vs. 47%, P>0.05). Tadalafil was preferred over Sildenafil by 66-73% of patients (P<0.05), mainly because it allowed an erection long after taking the drug (55-67%). Tadalafil as-needed was chosen over Tadalafil 3 times/week by 57-59% of the patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The available RCTs support the preference of ED patients for Sildenafil over ICI, Tadalafil over Sildenafil, and Tadalafil as-needed over Tadalafil 3 times/week. However, these findings should be considered at high RoB.

The association of tadalafil exposure with lower rates of major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality in a general population of men with erectile dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Tadalafil is a long-acting phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE-5i) indicated for erectile dysfunction (ED). HYPOTHESIS: Our hypothesis was that tadalafil will reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE: composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, coronary revascularization, unstable angina, heart failure, stroke) and all-cause death in men with ED. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in a large US commercial insurance claims database in men with a diagnosis of ED without prior MACE within 1 year. The exposed group (n = 8156) had ≥1 claim for tadalafil; the unexposed group (n = 21 012) had no claims for any PDE-5i. RESULTS: Primary outcome was MACE; secondary outcome was all-cause death. Groups were matched for cardiovascular risk factors, including preventive therapy. Over a mean follow-up of 37 months for the exposed group and 29 months for the unexposed group, adjusted rates of MACE were 19% lower in men exposed to tadalafil versus those unexposed to any PDE-5i (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.81; 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.70-0.94; p = .007). Tadalafil exposure was associated with lower adjusted rates of coronary revascularization (HR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.52-0.90; p = .006); unstable angina (HR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.37-0.81; p = .003); and cardiovascular-related mortality (HR = 0.45; CI = 0.22-0.93; p = .032). Overall mortality rate was 44% lower in men exposed to tadalafil (HR = 0.56; CI = 0.43-0.74; p < .001). Men in the highest quartile of tadalafil exposure had the lowest rates of MACE (HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.28-0.58; p < .001) compared to lowest exposure quartile. CONCLUSION: In men with ED, exposure to tadalafil was associated with significant and clinically meaningful lower rates of MACE and overall mortality.

Tadalafil versus tamsulosin as combination therapy with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors in benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary and sexual outcomes.

PURPOSE: To compare the urological and sexual outcomes of using either tamsulosin/finateride or tadalafil/finasteride as combination therapies in patients with large prostate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Selection criteria included prostate volume > 40 ml and IPSS > 7. Patients with severe erectile dysfunction (IIEF-erectile functions ≤ 10) were excluded. Patients were randomized into group I (tamsulosin/finasteride) and group II (tadalafil/finasteride). The primary endpoint was to define urinary and sexual function changes (IPSS, IPSS-quality of life, urinary flow rates and IIEF domains) within each group. The secondary endpoint was to compare the treatment induced changes between both groups. RESULTS: At 4th and 12th weeks, 131 and 127 patients were available in both groups, respectively. Both groups showed significant LUTS improvement (IPSS changes: - 4.9 ± 2.7 and - 4.3 ± 2.9 at 4th week and - 6.1 ± 3 and - 5.4 ± 2.8 points by the 12th week in both groups, respectively). Group I had better average flow rates at both follow-up visits. Meanwhile, maximum flow rates were comparable in both groups at 12th week (13.5 ± 3.9vs. 12.6 ± 3.7, p > 0.05). In group I, all IIEF domains were significantly lowered at both visits (p < 0.05). Group II showed significant increase in IIEF-erectile function scores (1.3 ± 1.1 and 1.8 ± 1.2 at the 4th and 12th weeks) with a transient significant reduction of IIEF-orgasm and sexual desire noted only by the 4th week (- 0.8 ± 0.4 and - 0.6 ± 0.4, respectively). CONCLUSION: Within three months, both combinations are comparably effective in improving BPH related LUTS. Tamsulosin/finasteride provided significantly better Qmax only at 4th week. Tadalafil/finasteride had the advantage of improving sexual performance over the other combination.

Insights on Protective Effect of Platelet Rich Plasma and Tadalafil on Testicular Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats Exposed to Testicular Torsion/Detorsion.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ischemic reperfusion (I-R) injury is greatly influenced by the testicular torsion/detorsion process (TDP). In this instance, the anti-inflammatory properties of plateletrich plasma (PRP) combined with tadalafil (Td) significantly promote tissue healing in the I-R injury model. METHODS: Five groups of rats were created: the control group, the I-R group not receiving any therapy, the I-R group receiving a single dosage of Td (0.25 mg/kg, I.P.), the I-R group receiving a single dose of PRP (80 l, intratesticular), and the I-R group receiving both Td and PRP. Sperm morphology, motility, and histology were assessed. The levels of TNF-, BAX, antioxidant status, and testosterone were measured. Additionally, E-selectin expression was done. RESULTS: PRP reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis while also boosting testosterone levels, which alleviated I-R injury. Otherwise, PRP reduces E-selectin expression, which modifies the pathways that control endothelial function. Td also partially demonstrated its testicular-protective activity at the same time. CONCLUSION: PRP's proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic potentials make it a natural treatment for testicular harm caused by tadalafil. For the first time, it was demonstrated that PRP therapy restored the functionality of the vascular endothelium, specifically the control of E-selectin expression. Combining Td and PRP therapy may be a promising strategy for improving response to PDE5 inhibitors.

Efficacy of low-intensity shockwave therapy with different tadalafil regimens in patients with PDE5 inhibitor-resistant erectile dysfunction: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: Currently, there is a lack of research comparing tadalafil treatment protocols recommended during low-intensity shock wave therapy (LI-SWT) for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED) who are unresponsive to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i). The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of only LI-SWT versus LI-SWT plus 5 mg tadalafil daily versus LI-SWT plus 20 mg tadalafil alternate-day in PDE5i -resistant ED. MATERiALS AND METHODS: In this study, a cohort of 105 patients with PDE5i-resistant ED was recruited and divided into three groups labeled as A (only LI-SWT), B (LI-SWT plus 5 mg tadalafil daily), and C (LI-SWT plus 20 mg tadalafil alternate-day), comprising 27, 42, and 36 patients, respectively. The patients' International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) scores and the Erection Hardness Score (EHS) were evaluated at the baseline, three months and six months following the treatment. RESULTS: After three months post-treatment, the IIEF-5 scores in group A, B, and C increased by 4.1 ± 0.6, 7.3 ± 0.6, and 8.2 ± 0.6, respectively. These improvements were maintained at six months with IIEF-5 scores increasing by 3.7 ± 0.6, 7.3 ± 0.6, and 8.5 ± 0.7 in groups A, B, and C, respectively. At 3 and 6 months post-treatment, groups B and C showed significant improvement in IIEF-5 scores and EHS values compared to group A (p < 0.001). The rate of patients with EHS ≥ 3 and IIEF-5 ≥ 17 was significantly higher in groups B and C compared to group A, while there was no significantly different between groups B and C. CONCLUSiON: In patients with PDE5i-resistant ED, PDE5i combined with LI-SWT is superior to LI-SWT monotherapy. The statistical analysis failed to demonstrate any difference between two distinct tadalafil regimens when administered with LI-SWT treatment.

Comparison of Monotherapies and Combination Therapy of Tamsulosin and Tadalafil for Treating Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with or without Erectile Dysfunction: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is limited research into the efficacy and safety of tadalafil combined with tamsulosin for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), with or without erectile dysfunction (ED). Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy compared to that of monotherapy. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang Data Service Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify eligible studies. A total of 639 articles were retrieved, of which 12 were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published as of February 2023 and included in this meta-analysis. RESULTS: After screening 639 articles, 12 RCTs including 1,531 subjects were considered eligible for the meta-analysis. The results showed that the total International Prostate System Score (total IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and quality of life (QoL) in tadalafil combined with tamsulosin were significantly better than those in monotherapy. Compared with tadalafil monotherapy, combination therapy mainly improved IPSS voiding. As for postvoid residual urine (PVR), the combination therapy did not improve PVR compared to the tadalafil group, but significantly improved PVR compared to the tamsulosin group. For the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the curative effect of the combined group was better than that of the tamsulosin group but not better than that of the tadalafil group. In terms of safety, the adverse reactions (AEs) in the combined treatment group were significantly higher than those in the monotherapy group. None of the 12 RCTs reported serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Tadalafil combined with tamsulosin was more effective in the treatment of male LUTS/BPH, with or without ED, on the improvement of total IPSS, QoL, and Qmax. However, the benefits of combination therapy for ED remain unclear. However, combination therapy seemed to have a higher incidence of adverse reactions.

Impact of Left Heart Disease Risk Factors on Outcomes in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines recommend initial monotherapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) with cardiopulmonary comorbidities, despite limited available evidence to guide management. RESEARCH QUESTION: Do left heart disease (LHD) risk factors have an impact on treatment response and influence applicability of risk assessment in a real-world cohort of patients with PAH? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The Ambrisentan and Tadalafil in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (AMBITION) trial criteria was used to define the phenotype of patients with PAH with risk factors for LHD. Treatment strategy, functional outcome, long-term survival, and risk discrimination were compared with a reference PAH cohort using the Pulmonary Hypertension Society of Australia and New Zealand Registry. RESULTS: A total of 487 incident patients with PAH diagnosed between 2011 and 2020 were included. Of these, 103 (21.1%) fulfilled the definition of PAH with LHD risk factors, with 384 (78.9%) remaining as the reference group. Patients in the PAH with LHD risk factors group were older (66 ± 13 vs 58 ± 19 years; P < .001), had lower pulmonary vascular resistance (393 ± 266 vs 708 ± 391 dyn.s/cm5; P = .031), and had worse 6-min walk distance (286 ± 130 vs 327 ± 136 m; P = .005) at diagnosis. The PAH with LHD risk factors group was less likely to receive initial combination therapy (27% vs 44%; P = .02). Changes in 6-min walk distance at 12 months were similar in both groups (43 ± 77 m in the PAH with LHD risk factors group and 50 ± 90 m in the reference group; P = .50), including when stratified by initial treatment strategy (PAH with LHD risk factors group vs reference PAH group: monotherapy: 40 ± 81 vs 38 ± 95 m, P = .87; combination therapy: 53 ± 78 vs 64 ± 106 m, P = .511). Functional class improvements were also similar in both groups. REVEAL Registry 2.0 risk score effectively discriminated risk in both populations (C statistic = 0.756 for the PAH with LHD risk factors group and C statistic = 0.750 for the reference PAH group). There was no difference in survival between the two groups (log-rank test, P = .29). INTERPRETATION: In a real-world cohort, patients with PAH with LHD risk factors were less likely to be exposed to initial combination therapy. Nevertheless, selected patients with PAH with LHD risk factors who were treated with initial combination therapy derived similar functional response compared with the reference group. Further studies are needed to phenotype patients with PAH with cardiopulmonary comorbidities who may benefit from initial combination therapy.

Two-dimensional phase-contrast MRI reveals changes in uterine arterial blood flow in pregnant women administered tadalafil for fetal growth restriction.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to examine the effect of uterine arterial (UtA) blood flow changes after tadalafil treatment for fetal growth restriction (FGR) using two-dimensional (2D) phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). METHODS: We recruited 14 pregnant women with FGR aged 20-44 years, at ≥20 weeks' gestation, between May 2019 and July 2020. They underwent 2D PC-MRI for UtA blood flow measurement 3 days (interquartile range: 2-4) after diagnosis. This group (FGR group) was compared with 14 gestational age (GA)-matched healthy pregnant women (control group). Six patients in the FGR group received treatment with tadalafil administered at 20 mg twice daily after the first MRI until delivery. They underwent a second MRI a week later. RESULTS: The median total UtA blood/body surface area was 420 mL/min/m2 (290-494) in the FGR group and 547 mL/min/m2 (433-681) in the control group (p = 0.01). Percent increase in blood flow were significantly different between the FGR cases treated with tadalafil and control at 15.8 % (14.3-21.3) and 4.2 % (3.6-8.7), respectively (p = 0.03). DISCUSSION: UtA blood flow in pregnant women with FGR was significantly lower than that in healthy pregnant women. Tadalafil is expected to improve UtA blood flow, thereby improving placental function in pregnant patients with FGR.

Dapagliflozin improves erectile dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: An open-label, non-randomized pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: The role of dapagliflozin on erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition widely affecting patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has not yet been studied. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of dapagliflozin alone or in combination with tadalafil on ED in patients with T2DM. METHODS: This was an open-label, non-randomized pilot study involving 30 Caucasian male patients with T2DM and severe ED. They were equally divided into three groups, assigned to treatment with tadalafil 5 mg/day (Group 1), tadalafil 5 mg/day plus dapagliflozin 10 mg/day (Group 2) and dapagliflozin 10 mg/day (Group 3) for 3 months. The presence and the severity of ED were evaluated at enrolment and after treatment, by the International Index of Erectile Function 5-item (IIEF-5) questionnaire and the dynamic penile echo colour Doppler ultrasound (PCDU) examination. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, the three groups showed a significant improvement in IIEF-5 score, by 294%, 375% and 197%, in Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. PCDU evaluation showed a significant increase in peak systolic velocity by 178.9%, 339% and 153%; acceleration time was significantly shortened in Group 2 (-26.2%) and was significantly lower than in Group 1 and 3 (-7.2% and -6.6%), while no significant difference was found in end-diastolic velocity after treatment. The greatest rates of improvement were observed in Group 2 for all the end points. CONCLUSIONS: Dapagliflozin improves ED in patients with T2DM and enhances the efficacy of tadalafil. Further studies are needed to confirm our results explain the mechanism(s) by which dapagliflozin exerts its effects on ED.

A randomized controlled trial study on effectiveness between tadalafil versus combination mirabegron and solifenacin on treatment of ureteral stent-related symptoms.

Introduction: ureteral stents have common complications like ureteral stent-related symptoms (SRSs). This study investigated the effectiveness of tadalafil compared to mirabegron and solifenacin combination therapy in patients with ureteral SRSs after double-J (DJ) stent insertion. Methods: this double-blind, randomized clinical trial used consecutive random sampling in participants with SRSs after double-J stent insertion. The study was conducted at four different hospitals in Makassar, Indonesia, from July to December 2020. Ureteral stent-related morbidity indices which analyzed include urinary symptoms, pain, general health, quality of work, and sex scores. All of the indices were measured by ureteral symptom score questionnaire for the first, second, third, and fourth weeks after drug consumption, either tadalafil 10 mg/day (group A, n=25) and a combination of mirabegron 25 mg/day and solifenacin 5 mg/day (group B, n=28). Results: before the treatment procedure, the groups were comparable in age, gender, body mass index, DJ stent procedures, type, and indication. In general, the score in all parameters declined over the follow-up time for both groups. Group A had a lower urinary symptom score than group B at week III and week IV (all p-value < 0.001). In addition, group A had a lower pain score, general condition, work activity, and other complaints than group B at week II, week III, and week IV (all p-value <0.001). The sexual activity score is comparable between the group, except in week I. Conclusion: according to our results, we suggest tadalafil to minimize stent-related urinary symptoms and improve general health in patients with double J stent.

Non-invasive alternative for phosphodiesterase inhibitor-refractory erectile dysfunction: Real-life experience with low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy.

This retrospective study assessed the efficacy of low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients unresponsive to phosphodiesterase inhibitors (PDE5is). Between May 2020 and December 2022, we retrospectively analyzed the records of 126 ED patients who underwent Li-ESWT post unsuccessful PDE5is trials, defined as inadequate response following at least 6 consistent trials with correct dosage (preference given to 20 mg tadalafil). Patients with neurogenic disorders were excluded. Patients' ED severity was determined using the IIEF-5 score and further categorized into 2 groups. The Li-ESWT treatment protocol consisted of 12 weeks. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired t-tests. In the cohort of 126 patients, the mean age was 50.5 ±â€…12.4 years, with a BMI of 29.18 ±â€…3.49. Notably, 74.6% had ED for more than 12 months. Before Li-ESWT, 55.6% used sildenafil and 44.4% used tadalafil. Post 3 months of Li-ESWT, the average IIEF score rose significantly from 10.19 ±â€…7.71 to 14.29 ±â€…0.92 (P < .01). Particularly, Group 2 exhibited a significant improvement in their mean IIEF score from 13.78 ±â€…1.38 pretreatment to 21 ±â€…2.31 post-treatment. However, Group 1 (with higher diabetes prevalence) showed a marginal rise from 5.8 ±â€…1.47 to 6.1 ±â€…3.2 (P = .14). Similarly, the overall EHS score progressed significantly from 1.34 ±â€…0.8 to 2.3 ±â€…1.17 post-treatment. Post-treatment, while Group 1 showed no changes in successful vaginal penetration, Group 2 reported a dramatic increase in successes, from 16 before treatment to 68 after. This study demonstrated the efficacy of Li-ESWT for PDE5is-refractory ED, particularly in patients with moderate to mild ED. However, patients with severe ED and comorbidities did not show significant improvement. Further research with larger sample sizes, control groups, longer follow-up periods, and standardized protocols is required to confirm the effectiveness and limitations of Li-ESWT in ED treatment.

[Dumai moxibustion combined with low-dose tadalafil for erectile dysfunction: Evaluation of therapeutic effect].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of dumai (governor meridian) moxibustion combined with low-dose tadalafil in the treatment of ED with decline of vital gate fire. METHODS: We enrolled in this study 130 ED patients with decline of vital gate fire who met the inclusion criteria and equally randomized them into a control and an experimental group, the former treated with low-dose tadalafil tablets at 5 mg once a day while the latter by dumai moxibustion once a week in addition, all for 4 weeks. Of the total number of subjects, 62 in the control group and 63 in the experimental group completed the experiment. We recorded the scores on IIEF-5, Erection Quality Scale (EQS), Erection Hardness Scale (EHS), TCM symptoms and Treatment Satisfaction Scale (TSS) as well as the penile hemodynamic parameters peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance index (RI) before and after treatment and compared them between the two groups. RESULTS: The total response rate was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control (87.30% vs 66.13%, P < 0.05). IIEF-5, EQS, EHS and TSS scores, PSV and RI were markedly increased while TCM symptoms and EDV remarkably decreased in both groups after treatment (P < 0.05), even more significantly in the experimental than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dumai moxibustion combined with low-dose tadalafil can improve erectile function, increase penile blood flow velocity and alleviate clinical symptoms in ED patients with decline of vital gate fire, with definite clinical effect and safety.

A case-control study of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor use and Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among male and female patients aged 65 years and older supporting the need for a phase III clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) have been evaluated as a novel treatment for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), but two recent cohort studies have offered opposing conclusions. METHODS: We performed an unmatched case-control study using electronic medical records from a large healthcare system to evaluate the association of PDE5i use and ADRD in patients ≥65 years old. RESULTS: Odds of PDE5i exposure were 64.2%, 55.7%, and 54.0% lower in patients with ADRD than controls among populations with erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary hypertension, respectively. We observed odds ratios less than unity among males and females and with exposure to the PDE5i sildenafil (Viagra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). We also evaluated the odds of exposure to two other common treatments for pulmonary hypertension: endothelin receptor antagonists (ERA) and calcium channel blockers (CCB). The odds of ERA exposure were 63.2% lower, but the odds of CCB exposure were 30.7% higher, in patients with ADRD than controls among the population with pulmonary hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reconcile the opposing conclusions from the previous observational studies and support further research into using PDE5i for prevention and treatment of ADRD.