Abstract

ROCHA, Hugo; NEVES, Ângela  and  FERNANDES, Sofia. The role of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms: an evidence based review. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2016, vol.32, n.4, pp.257-264. ISSN 2182-5173.

Aim: The aim of this study was to review the evidence for the efficacy and safety of monotherapy with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to prostatic hyperplasia in men with or without erectile dysfunction. Data Sources: MEDLINE and evidence-based medicine sites. Review methods: We searched clinical guidelines, meta-analyses, systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials using the MeSH terms: ‘Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors', ‘Lower urinary tract symptoms', ‘Prostatic hyperplasia'. To assess the quality and strength of recommendation of the trials we used the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy (SORT) scale, from the American Family Physician. Results: We found 172 articles and selected eight for this review. One clinical guideline, five meta-analyses, one systematic review, and one randomized clinical trial met the inclusion criteria. The use of PDE5I resulted in significant improvement in the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIFE) score. They were associated with a higher overall incidence of mild to moderate adverse events, with no differences in serious adverse events, providing a favorable safety profile. Conclusions: There is strong evidence for the efficacy and safety of the PDE5I in the treatment of LUTS, with or without associated erectile dysfunction (SORT A). We suggest conducting further studies to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of this treatment, their effect on the progression of disease and their cost-effectiveness in the treatment of LUTS.

Keywords : Lower urinary tract symptoms; LUTS; Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors; Prostatic hyperplasia.

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