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Effect of sildenafil on erectile dysfunction in spinal Cord injured patients
Abstract
younger, and sexually active. Objective: To determine the effects of Sildenafil (Viagra ®) on erectile dysfunction in SCI patients.
Methods: After medical ethics committee approval and informed patient consent, we conducted a prospective inquiry between January and March 2007 in 16 SCI patients who were under Sildenafil treatment for
erectile dysfunction. An abridged version of the International
Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was completed the patients. Results: The mean age (range) of the patients was
32.75 yrs (21-53 yrs). The mean duration of their disability was 47.75 months (4 yr). Trauma was the etiology in 87.5% of the cases (44% were road accidents). 12/16 patients were paraplegics (10 above T10) and 4 were tetraplegics (1 above C4 and 3 below C5). The
mean duration of sildenafil treatment was 18.75 months (17 days-7 yr). 70% of the patients were satisfied with their erection after treatment. However, 10/16 patients had concomitant treatment with alprostadil.
Conclusion: Sildenafil is a vasoactive drug which can be used as a simple, discrete and effective treatment for erectile dysfunction in SCI patients. This approach is compatible with the efforts to improve the quality of life and rehabilitation of these patients.
