PDE5is-naïve versus non-naïve patients at first investigation for erectile dysfunction-findings from a long-term, real-life cross-sectional study
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) represent a first-line pharmacological therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). Men could obtain PDE5is for recreational purposes without any proper medical prescription.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze clinical characteristics of patients who already used any PDE5i for ED without previous formal medical prescription.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 2012 heterosexual, sexually active men seeking first medical help for ED at our outpatient clinic between 2005 and 2022 were analyzed. All patients were assessed with a comprehensive sexual and medical history and completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) at baseline. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Thereof, according to exposure to any PDE5i before their first visit, patients were subdivided into: PDE5i-naïve and non-PDE5i-naïve patients. Descriptive statistics tested the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of both groups. A logistic regression model predicted the likelihood of being PDE5i-naïve at the baseline. Linear regression analysis (LRA) estimated the likelihood of being PDE5i-naïve versus non-PDE5i-naïve over the analyzed timeframe. Lastly, local polynomial regression models graphically explored the likelihood of being PDE5i-naïve at the first clinical assessment over the analyzed timeframe, and the sensitivity analyses tested the probability of being PDE5i-naïve at baseline.
RESULTS: Overall, 1,491…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.
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