Clinical Practice Patterns for Surgical Shunts and Penile Prosthesis Placement in Men With Priapism: A Retrospective Large Claims Database Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to assess the rates of surgical shunting and prosthesis placement for acute ischemic priapism using a large multi-institutional claims database. METHODS: A US claims database network (TriNetX Diamond Network) was queried from 2010 to 2020. We constructed a cohort of men ages ≥ 16 years who (1) had a diagnosis of priapism and (2) underwent an irrigation of the corpora cavernosa for priapism. We assessed the number of men who then had a surgical penile shunt or penile prosthesis placement. Demographics, time to surgical procedure, and order of procedures were collected. RESULTS: A total of 6392 men were identified with the diagnosis of priapism and the procedure of corpora cavernosal irrigation. Of these men, 693 (11%) proceeded to surgical shunt. One hundred forty-four men (2%) underwent initial penile prosthesis placement. Of the men undergoing initial penile prosthesis, only 17 of 144 (12%) cases occurred within the first month of corpora cavernosal irrigation. Finally, when assessing choice of initial shunts vs initial penile prosthesis before and after 2015, overall rates of initial shunt (10.0% vs 8.5%, P < .0001) and initial prosthesis (3.1% vs 2.1%, P < .0001) were lower after 2015 when compared with rates prior to 2015. CONCLUSIONS: In this US claims-based analysis of men presenting with ischemic priapism and treated with initial irrigation, a small percentage (11%) of men went on to receive surgical shunting, and only 2% received an initial prosthesis. Men receiving initial prostheses were more likely to have more comorbidities, and overall surgical management of priapism has decreased over time.

Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and priapism: A VigiBase analysis.

PURPOSE: To explore the differences of priapism events among a diverse cohort taking erectogenic medicines (i.e., phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors [PDE5i] and intracavernousal drugs). METHODS: We queried the World Health Organization global database of individual case safety reports (VigiBase) for records of the adverse drug reactions (ADR) with sildenafil, tadalafil, avanafil, vardenafil, papaverine, and alprostadil. Disproportionality analyses (case/non-case approach) were performed to assess the reporting odds ratio (ROR) of priapism reporting in PDE5i consumers compared to intracavernousal drug recipients. RESULTS: From a total of 133 819 ADR events for erectogenic medications, 632 were priapism (PDE5is: n = 550, 0.41%; intracavernousal drugs: n = 82, 9.92%). Priapism disproportionality signals from intracavernousal drugs were 25 times stronger than PDE5is (ROR = 34.7; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 27.12-43.94 vs. ROR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.24-1.54). For all PDE5i agents, the 12-17 years age group had the highest ROR (9.49, 95% CI: 3.76-19.93) followed by 2-11 years (4.31, 95% CI: 1.57-9.4). Disproportionality signals for consumers under 18 for both all PDE5is as a whole (ROR = 4.57, 95% CI: 2.48-7.73) and sildenafil (ROR = 4.89, 95% CI: 2.51-8.62) were stronger than individuals 18 or older (ROR = 1.06, 95% CI: 0.93-1.21 and ROR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.91-1.26, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PDE5i use shows disproportionate priapism signals which are higher in young patients.

Association between priapism and HIV disease and treatment.

BACKGROUND: Priapism, a urologic emergency, has known associations with certain medical conditions. Many cases are idiopathic, suggesting an opportunity to identify novel risk factors. AIM: We sought to identify medical conditions and pharmaceutical treatments that are associated with priapism using data-mining techniques. METHODS: Using deidentified data in a large insurance claims database, we identified all men (age ≥20 years) with a diagnosis of priapism from 2003 to 2020 and matched them to cohorts of men with other diseases of male genitalia: erectile dysfunction, Peyronie disease, and premature ejaculation. All medical diagnoses and prescriptions used prior to first disease diagnosis were examined. Predictors were selected by random forest, and conditional multivariate logistic regressions were applied to assess the risks of each predictor. OUTCOMES: We identified novel relationships of HIV and some HIV treatments with priapism and confirmed existing associations. RESULTS: An overall 10 459 men with priapism were identified and matched 1:1 to the 3 control groups. After multivariable adjustment, men with priapism had high associations of hereditary anemias (odds ratio [OR], 3.99; 95% CI, 2.73-5.82), use of vasodilating agents (OR, 2.45; 95% CI, 2.01-2.98), use of HIV medications (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.36-2.79), and use of antipsychotic medications (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.52-2.38) as compared with erectile dysfunction controls. Similar patterns were noted when compared with premature ejaculation and Peyronie disease controls. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: HIV and its treatment are associated with priapism, which may affect patient counseling. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify risk factors for priapism utilizing machine learning. All men in our series were commercially insured, which limits the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSION: Using data-mining techniques, we confirmed existing associations with priapism (eg, hemolytic anemias, antipsychotics) and identified novel relationships (eg, HIV disease and treatment).

Epidemiology and treatment of priapism in sickle cell disease.

Ischemic priapism is a common but underrecognized morbidity affecting about 33% of adult men with sickle cell disease (SCD). The onset of priapism occurs in the prepubertal period and tends to be recurrent with increasing age. Significantly, priapism is associated with an unrecognized high burden of mental duress and sexual dysfunctions. The diagnosis of priapism is clinical. Many episodes of priapism will resolve spontaneously, but when an episode lasts longer than 4 hours, the episode is considered a urologic emergency requiring quick intervention with either corporal aspiration or shunt surgery. Only 3 randomized clinical trials (stilbesterol, ephedrine or etilefrine, and sildenafil) have been conducted for secondary priapism prevention in SCD. All 3 trials were limited with small sample sizes, selection biases, and inconclusive results after completion. The current molecular understanding of the pathobiology of priapism suggests a relative nitric oxide (NO) deficiency secondary to chronic hemolysis in SCD and associated phosphodiesterase type 5 dysregulation. We posit an increase in NO levels will restore the normal homeostatic relationship between voluntary erection and detumescence. Currently, 2 randomized phase 2 trials (1 double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and 1 open-label, single-arm intervention) are being conducted for secondary priapism prevention in men at high risk for recurrent priapism (NCT03938454 and NCT05142254). We review the epidemiology and pathobiology of priapism, along with mechanistic therapeutic approaches for secondary prevention of priapism in SCD.

Clinical Vignettes Part I.

Patients with sickle cell disease and/or (rarely) trait are at increased risk for developing recurrent episodes of priapism, also known as stuttering priapism, and major ischemic priapism. Treatment of acute ischemic priapism is reactive; whereas ideal management consists of preventative approaches to ultimately promote the best improvement in patient's quality of life. Leg ulcers in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are quite common, with ∼20 % of patients with HBSS reporting either having an active or a past ucler. They can be confused with venous ulcers, with lower extremity hyperpigmentation confounding further the diagnosis. Several factors believed to contribute to the development of leg ulcers in patients with SCD are discussed in this article. Sickle cell liver disease (SCLD) occurs because of a wide variety of insults to the liver that happen during the lifetime of these patients. SCLD includes a range of complications of the hepatobiliary system and is increasing in prevalence with the aging adult sickle population. Liver nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) is more common than realized and underappreciated as a diagnosis and requires liver biopsy with reticulin staining. Undiagnosed, the insidious damage from liver NRH can lead to noncirrhotic portal hypertension or cirrhosis.

Socioeconomic Disparities and Risk Factors in Patients Presenting With Ischemic Priapism: A Multi-Institutional Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate contemporary clinical presentations of priapism, their association with socioeconomic characteristics, and the role of prescribing providers in priapism episodes in a large cohort of patients managed at 3 major academic health systems. METHODS: We identified all consecutive patients presenting with ischemic priapism to the emergency departments of three major academic health systems (2014 -2019). Demographic characteristics, priapism etiologies, and clinical management were evaluated. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to assess the contribution of socioeconomic characteristics and the role of prescribing providers in priapism episodes. RESULTS: We identified 102 individuals with a total of 181 priapism encounters. Hispanic race, lower income quartile, sickle-cell disease, and illicit drug use were associated with increased risk of recurrent episodes. Of ICI users, 57% received their prescriptions from non-urological medical professionals (NUMPs); the proportion with recurrent episodes was higher for NUMPs compared to urologists (24% vs 0%, P = 0.06) with no demographic differences identified between patients treated by either group. CONCLUSION: Socioeconomic disparities exist among patients presenting with recurrent episodes of priapism, potentially highlighting systemic issues with access to care and patient education. With most patients who developed ischemic priapism from ICI being prescribed these medications by NUMPs, further investigation is required to elucidate the prescribing and counseling patterns of these providers. Increased awareness of disparities and complications may improve patient safety.

Variations and characteristics of the various clinical phenotypes in a cohort of Nigerian sickle cell patients.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell anaemia affects about 4 million people across the globe, making it an inherited disorder of public health importance. Red cell lysis consequent upon haemoglobin crystallization and repeated sickling leads to anaemia and a baseline strain on haemopoiesis. Vaso-occlusion and haemolysis underlies majority of the chronic complications of sickle cell. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory features observed across the various clinical phenotypes in adult sickle cell disease patients. METHODS: Steady state data collected prospectively in a cohort of adult sickle cell disease patients as out-patients between July 2010 and July 2020. The information included epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS: About 270 patients were captured in this study (165 males and 105 females). Their ages ranged from 16 to 55 years, with a median age of 25 years. Sixty-eight had leg ulcers, 43 of the males had priapism (erectile dysfunction in 8), 42 had AVN, 31 had nephropathy, 23 had osteomyelitis, 15 had osteoarthritis, 12 had cholelithiasis, 10 had stroke or other neurological impairment, 5 had pulmonary hypertension, while 23 had other complications. Frequency of crisis ranged from 0 to >10/year median of 2. Of the 219 recorded, 148 of the patients had been transfused in the past, while 71 had not. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SLU, AVN, priapism, nephropathy and the other complications of SCD show some variations from other studies. This variation in the clinical parameters across different clinical phenotypes indicates an interplay between age, genetic and environmental factors.

Priapism in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Priapism is defined as a penile erection that persists four or more hours and is unrelated to sexual stimulation. Priapism resulting from hematologic malignancy is most likely caused by venous obstruction from microemboli/thrombi and hyperviscosity caused by the increased number of circulating leukocytes in mature and immature forms. In patients with leukemia, 50% of cases of priapism are due to Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). We present a systematic review of priapism in CML. Acquisition of evidence: An extensive literature research was carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and Science Citation Index databases... The search included cases up to 4th August 2020. Synthesis of evidence: A total of 68 articles were found and included in our review, including 3 reviews from three different centers.  We found 68 articles (102 patients; figure 1) and several case reports on priapism in CML. Priapism was noticed in some patients at the first presentation of CML. However, it was infrequently reported during the start of treatment, following the stop of medication and post-splenectomy. The mean age at presentation was 27.4 years, and the mean time from onset of priapism to the time to get medical attention (presentation) was 78.2 hours. The mean white blood cell count associated with priapism was 321.29x109/L, and the mean platelet count was 569 x10 9/L. The chronic phase of CML was the most common phase where priapism occurred. Most patients were Asian (>50%). Nearly a quarter of patients (27.4%) developed permanent erectile dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Priapism is a urological emergency requiring urgent multidisciplinary management to prevent erectile dysfunction. Because of the relatively rare occurrence of priapism in CML patients, there is no standard treatment protocol.

Review of Priapism Litigation in the United States.

OBJECTIVES: To review medical malpractice trends and to identify the most common claims filed against medical providers for the management of patients with priapism. METHODS: Using the Westlaw legal database, a search was done for the keyword "priapism" between July 1, 1980 and July 1, 2020. Cases were evaluated for plaintiff demographics, reasons for filing claims, management outcomes, legal verdicts and awards and further categorized based upon the timing of the alleged malpractice. RESULTS: Alleged negligence during the pre-management period was cited in 30 cases. Administration of psychotropic medications was the most common reasons for filing pre-management claims 22/56 (39.3%). Delay in care accounted for 18/56 (32.1%) and complications of surgery were 5/56 (8.9%) of claims. The majority of the completed cases were in favor of the defendants (39/47; 83.0%). There was no association between type of health care provider or timing of alleged malpractice and ultimate verdict. CONCLUSIONS: Prescribing psychoactive medications without warning of the adverse effect profile is the most common reason for claims filed against providers with trazodone as the leading medication. Medical providers should ensure that patients are well informed of this adverse effect prior to prescription. Regardless, the majority of medical malpractice cases carry a verdict in favor of the defendant.

Regimented Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitor Use Reduces Emergency Department Visits for Recurrent Ischemic Priapism.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the real-world effectiveness of regimented phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor dosing on recurrent ischemic priapism outcomes using emergency department visits as a proxy for therapeutic control of the disorder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients with recurrent ischemic priapism who were started on regimented phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy from May 2006 to January 2020. We compared the number of emergency department visits per month during a 6-month period before treatment, during treatment and after treatment discontinuation. We extracted and categorized priapism outcomes such as priapism frequency and duration. RESULTS: Of 216 patients identified with all cause priapism 114 were diagnosed with recurrent ischemic priapism and 42 were initiated on regimented phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy. Treatment effectiveness was analyzed for 24 evaluable patients. Priapism etiology was idiopathic in 12 patients (50%), sickle cell disease in 11 (46%) and drug-induced in 1 (4%). The median length of regimented phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor use was 3 months (IQR 2-7). Treatment decreased emergency department visits per month by 4.4-fold (p <0.001), priapism duration tiers (p <0.001) and priapism frequency tiers (p <0.001). Of 24 patients 22 (92%) reported improvement in priapism outcomes, 9 of whom reported resolution of recurrent ischemic priapism episodes. A subgroup analysis of 17 patients with recurrent ischemic priapism relapse after treatment discontinuation showed a significant increase in priapism duration (p <0.001) and frequency (p <0.001) but no significant change in emergency department visits per month (p=0.91). CONCLUSIONS: Regimented phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor therapy was an impactful treatment in managing recurrent ischemic priapism according to objective and subjective parameters. This study provides further support for the use of regimented phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor dosing as a preventive strategy for recurrent ischemic priapism.

Malignant Priapism - What Do We Know About It?

Malignancy as an etiological factor involved in priapism pathogenesis is rare. Malignant priapism (MP) can arise as a result of penile tumor invasion, either from primary penile tumors or from metastatic penile tumors, or due to hematological malignancies. Non-urological penile metastases are associated with significant worse prognosis compared to urological penile metastases, the appearance of priapism in such cases affecting even more the prognosis and the survival of these patients. Patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies and priapism present significant higher survival rates compared to those who develop MP in the context of a non-hematological malignancy, this being related to the fact that hematological malignancies are more sensitive to chemo- and radiotherapy. Most malignant priapism cases are ischemic; therefore the management should be based on the initial steps of the IP therapeutic protocol. Considering the trigger factor that has led to the priapic event specific oncologic treatment can be added as well.

Men with sickle cell disease experience greater sexual dysfunction when compared with men without sickle cell disease.

Recurrent ischemic priapism is a common complication of sickle cell disease (SCD). We assessed the burden, characteristics, and types of priapism, including sexual dysfunction, in a cohort of men with and those without SCD, to test the hypothesis that sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in men with SCD. In Kano, Nigeria, we conducted a comparative cross-sectional survey that included 500 and 250 men 18 to 40 years of age, with and without SCD, respectively. The survey used the Priapism Questionnaire and the International Index of Erectile Function for sexual function assessment. All eligible participants approached for the study gave informed consent and were enrolled. Stuttering and major priapism were defined based on the average duration of priapism experiences that lasted ≤4 and >4 hours, respectively. The prevalence of priapism was significantly higher in men with SCD than in those without it (32.6% vs 2%; P < .001). Stuttering priapism accounted for 73.6% of the priapism episodes in men with SCD. Nearly 50% of the participants with SCD-related priapism had never sought medical attention for this complication. The majority of the men with SCD-related priapism used exercise as a coping mechanism. Priapism affected the self-image of the men with SCD, causing sadness, embarrassment, and fear. The percentage of the men with SCD who had erectile dysfunction was more than twofold higher than that of those without SCD who had erectile dysfunction (P = .01). The men with SCD had a higher prevalence of priapism and sexual dysfunction than the men without SCD.

Prevalence of priapism in individuals with sickle cell disease and implications on male sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate epidemiological aspects of priapism in patients with sickle cell disease, and these aspects impact on adult sexual function. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including individuals with sickle cell disease who were evaluated at a reference center for sickle cell. Participants completed a structured questionnaire about their sociodemographic characteristics and priapism events. Sexual function was assessed using validated two instruments, the Erection Hardness Score and one about the sex life satisfaction. RESULTS: Sixty-four individuals with median aged of 12 (7 to 28) years were interviewed. The prevalence of priapism was 35.9% (23/64). The earliest priapism episode occurred at 2 years of age and the latest at 42 years. The statistical projection was that 71.1% of individuals of the study would have at least one episode of priapism throughout life. Patients with episodes of priapism (10/23) had significantly worse erectile function Erection Hardness Score of 2 [1-3]; p=0.01 and were less satisfied with sexual life 3 [3-5]; p=0.02. CONCLUSION: Priapism is usually present in childhood, and severe episodes are associated with cavernous damage, impairment in the quality of the erection, and lower sexual satisfaction.

Prevalence of priapism in individuals with sickle cell disease and implications on male sexual function / Prevalência de priapismo em indivíduos com doença falciforme e suas implicações na função sexual masculina

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate epidemiological aspects of priapism in patients with sickle cell disease, and these aspects impact on adult sexual function. Methods This was a cross-sectional study including individuals with sickle cell disease who were evaluated at a reference center for sickle cell. Participants completed a structured questionnaire about their sociodemographic characteristics and priapism events. Sexual function was assessed using validated two instruments, the Erection Hardness Score and one about the sex life satisfaction. Results Sixty-four individuals with median aged of 12 (7 to 28) years were interviewed. The prevalence of priapism was 35.9% (23/64). The earliest priapism episode occurred at 2 years of age and the latest at 42 years. The statistical projection was that 71.1% of individuals of the study would have at least one episode of priapism throughout life. Patients with episodes of priapism (10/23) had significantly worse erectile function Erection Hardness Score of 2 [1-3]; p=0.01 and were less satisfied with sexual life 3 [3-5]; p=0.02. Conclusion Priapism is usually present in childhood, and severe episodes are associated with cavernous damage, impairment in the quality of the erection, and lower sexual satisfaction.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar aspectos epidemiológicos do priapismo em pacientes com doença falciforme e o impacto desses aspectos na função sexual de adultos. Métodos Trata-se de estudo transversal, que incluiu indivíduos com doença falciforme acompanhados em um centro de referência. Os participantes responderam a um questionário estruturado acerca das características sociodemográficas e eventos de priapismo. A função sexual foi avaliada por meio de dois instrumentos validados, a Escala de Rigidez de Ereção e um sobre satisfação com a vida sexual. Resultados Foram entrevistados 64 indivíduos com média de idade de 12 (7-28) anos. A prevalência de priapismo foi de 35,9% (23/64). O episódio mais precoce ocorreu aos 2 anos de idade e o mais tardio, aos 42 anos. A projeção estatística foi de que 71,1% desses sujeitos teriam pelo menos um episódio de priapismo ao longo da vida. Pacientes adultos com episódios de priapismo (10/23) apresentaram função erétil significativamente pior Escala de Rigidez de Ereção de 2 [1-3]; p=0,01 e estavam menos satisfeitos com a vida sexual 3 [3-5]; p=0,02. Conclusão O priapismo manifesta-se desde a infância, e episódios graves estão associados a dano cavernoso, prejuízo na qualidade da ereção e menor satisfação sexual.

Unintended Consequences: A Review of Pharmacologically-Induced Priapism.

BACKGROUND: Priapism has been linked to many commonly prescribed medications, as well as recreational drugs and toxins. Although the incidence of priapism as a result of medication is small, the increasing use of antidepressants, antipsychotics, and recreational drugs may lead to more cases of pharmacologically-induced priapism in the future. AIM: To provide a comprehensive, up-to-date review of the most common causes of pharmacologically induced priapism and discuss incidence, pathophysiology, and basic management strategies. METHODS: A review of the available literature from 1960 to 2018 was performed using PubMed with regards to pharmacologically induced priapism. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: We reviewed publications that outlined incidence, pathophysiology, and management strategies for various pharmacologic causes of priapism: antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihypertensives, methylphenidate, cocaine, heparin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, propofol, spider bites, and other miscellaneous causes. RESULTS: An understanding of the pathophysiology behind common pharmacologic causes of priapism can assist in the development of better treatment strategies and prevent future episodes of priapism. By understanding the potential risks associated with the use of medications with α-blocking or sympathomimetic properties, physicians can reduce the likelihood of priapism in their patients, especially those with other medical conditions that put them at increased baseline risk. Early corporal aspiration and injection of phenylephrine reduces additional complications related to priapism. In select patients, early placement of a penile prosthesis may prevent further morbidity. CONCLUSION: By developing a greater understanding of common pharmacologic causes of priapism, physicians can promptly identify and manage symptoms, leading to decreased patient morbidity. Scherzer ND, Reddy AG, Le TV, Chernobylsky D, Hellstrom WJG. Unintended Consequences: A Review of Pharmacologically-Induced Priapism. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:283-292.

Low nitric oxide level is implicated in sickle cell disease and its complications in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a fundamental role in maintaining normal vasomotor tone. Recent clinical and experimental data suggest that NO may play a role in the pathogenesis and therapy of sickle cell disease (SCD). The aim of this study was to determine NO metabolites (NOx) in SCD patients at steady state and in vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC), as well as those with hemolytic clinical sub-phenotype that includes leg ulcers and priapism. METHODOLOGY: This was a case-control cross-sectional study conducted on a total of 694 subjects including 148 comparison group HbAA, 208 HbSS SCD patients in steady state, 82 HbSC SCD patients in steady state, 156 HbSS SCD patients in VOC, 34 HbSC SCD patients in VOC, 34 HbSS SCD patients in post VOC, 21 HbSS SCD patients with leg ulcer and 11 HbSS SCD patients with priapism, with age ranging from 15 to 65 years. Laboratory diagnosis of SCD was done at the Sickle Cell Clinic of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Plasma nitric oxide metabolites were measured using Griess reagent system by ELISA method. RESULTS: Mean NOx of 59.66±0.75 µMol/L in the comparison group was significantly different from those in steady state (P=0.02). During VOC, there was a significant reduction in mean NOx levels to 6.08±0.81 µMol/L (P<0.001). Mean NOx levels were however, significantly higher (50.97±1.68 µMol/L) (P<0.001) in the immediate postcrisis period. The mean NOx levels in the leg ulcer (21.70±1.18 µMol/L) (P<0.001) and priapism (28.97±1.27 µMol/L) (P<0.001) patients were significantly low as compared to the SCD patients in the steady state and comparison group. CONCLUSION: This study presents the first report on plasma NOx levels in SCD complication in Ghanaian SCD patients and confirms reduced plasma NOx levels in SCD patients in general.

Prevalence and Characteristics of Priapism in Sickle Cell Disease.

Priapism is a pathological condition of persistent penile erection in the absence of sexual arousal or desire. It is an urological emergency and its identification is important as lack of prompt treatment can result in erectile dysfunction. The aim of this study was to estimate and describe the characteristics (number of episodes, duration, time of occurrence and evolution) of priapism in patients with sickle cell disease. A bibliographical research was carried out in PubMed, searching for papers published in the last 5 years. Thirteen scientific articles were included in this review. The main results were: 1) the highest prevalence of priapism in males reported was 48.0% and the lowest 0.67%; 2) six studies were carried out on the African Continent (46.1%), three in America (23.1%), two in Europe (15.4%) and two in Asia (15.4%); 3) the main goal of ∼50.0% of the studies was to determine the rate of priapism in patients with sickle cell disease; 4) there was predominance of sickle cell anemia patients [homozygous Hb S (HBB: c.20A>T) genotype]; 5) the minimum age of patients with priapism was 7 years old and the maximum 30 years. In general, the episodes of priapism occurred during sleep, were recurrent and had variable duration. The prevalence of priapism are not real and the explanations include underreporting by patients, lack of awareness by physicians and lack of proper prospective studies. Priapism is a complication that deserves close attention due to its significant impact on the life of the patient with sickle cell disease and, therefore, should be further clarified.

Fisiopatología del priapismo en el paciente con anemia drepanocítica / Physiopathology of priapism in sickle cell anaemia patients

La anemia drepanocítica es una enfermedad con un alto índice de morbilidad que afecta la calidad de vida de los pacientes que la padecen. El priapismo es una complicación frecuente de la enfermedad y se define como una erección dolorosa, prolongada y persistente del pene de más de 4 horas de duración,sin estimulación sexual asociada. El 95 por ciento de las crisis de priapismo en el paciente con anemia drepanocítica son de tipo isquémico o de bajo flujo. En este trabajo se revisan los nuevos mecanismos moleculares que explican la patogenia del priapismo isquémico y que son la base de futuras posibles dianas terapéuticas para su tratamiento(AU)

Sickle cell anaemia (SCD) is a disorder with a high index of morbidity, affecting the quality of life of these patients. Priapism is a common complication of SCD and it is characterized by a prolonged and persistent erection of the penis lasting more than 4 hours without associated sexual stimulation. The 95 percent of priapism crisis in SCD patients are ischemic type. In this paper we review the new molecular mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemic priapism and provide the basis for potential future therapies(AU)

Risk Factors for Priapism Readmission.

INTRODUCTION: Priapism is a urologic emergency with a tendency to recur in some patients. The frequency of, time to, and risk factors for priapism recurrence have not been well characterized. AIM: To identify predictors of priapism readmission. METHODS: We used the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database to identify patients presenting to emergency departments with priapism from 2005 through 2014. Patients were tracked up to 12 months after initial presentation. Proportional hazards regression was used to identify risk factors for priapism readmission. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Readmissions for priapism. RESULTS: The analytic cohort included 3,372 men with a diagnosis of priapism. The average age at first presentation was 39 ± 18 years and 40% were black. Within 1 year, 24% of patients were readmitted for recurrent priapism, 68% of whom were readmitted within 60 days. On multivariate analysis, sickle cell disease (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.5, 95% CI = 2.0-3.0), drug abuse or psychiatric disease (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.6-2.2), erectile dysfunction history (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.5-2.3), other than commercial medical insurance (HR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.0-1.4), and inpatient admission for initial priapism event (HR = 0.5, 95% CI = 0.4-0.6) were significant risk factors for readmission. CONCLUSION: Nearly one fourth of patients with priapism were readmitted for recurrent priapism within 1 year of initial presentation. Most readmissions were within 60 days. Future research should focus on strategies to decrease recurrences in high-risk patients.