The Clinical Effects of Sildenafil for Erection in Patients after Kidney Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: With the wide use of sildenafil in kidney-transplanted patients, it is vital to recognize the effectiveness and safety in clinical practice. METHODS: Full-text articles involving the application of sildenafil after renal transplantation searched out in multiple databases were reviewed. All the meta-analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.0 software and bias analysis of the studies were conducted to examine the quality of articles. In addition, to estimate possible publication bias, funnel plot and the Egger's test were used. RESULT: Finally 7 articles eventually satisfied the inclusion criteria. The penetration ability and maintenance frequency in sildenafil group were much larger than those of control group. Except orgasmic function, domains of the International Index of Erectile Function have showed larger scores in sildenafil group than those of control group. No significant difference of the concentration of cyclosporine was observed between sildenafil and control group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study showed that treatment with sildenafil in renal allograft recipients with erectile dysfunction is a valid and safe option.