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Phosphodiesterase inhibitors for erectile dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus

Vardi M, Nini A

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2007

976 participants · 35 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction is a common multi-factorial complication of diabetes mellitus. Numerous strategies have been tried to overcome this diabetic complication. In recent years, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors have been introduced in the management of erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effect of PDE-5 inhibitors on the management of erectile dysfunction in diabetic men.

SEARCH STRATEGY: Studies were obtained from computerised searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library.

SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials, in which treatment with PDE-5 inhibitors was compared to control, in diabetic patients with erectile dysfunction.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality.

MAIN RESULTS: Eight randomised controlled trials were identified. A total 976 men were allocated to receive a PDE-5 inhibitor and 741 were randomised to the control groups. Overall, 80% of the participants suffered from type 2 diabetes mellitus. The weighted mean difference (WMD) for the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questions 3 and 4 (frequency of penetration during and maintaining erection to completion of intercourse) was 0.9 (95% CI 0.8 to 1.1) and 1.1 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.2) at the end of the study period, in favour of the intervention group. The WMD for the IIEF erectile dysfunction domain at the end of the study period was 6.6 (95% CI 5.2 to 7.9) in…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 976 participants or records.

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