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PubMed2005

Interpretation of the results of Doppler ultrasound flow volume measurements of infrainguinal vein bypasses.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a pattern for the interpretation of the results of intraoperative Doppler ultrasound flow volume measurement of infrainguinal vein bypasses. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospective data. MATERIALS: 91 consecutively performed infrainguinal non-reversed free vein bypasses. METHODS: Using preoperative angiograms, the run-off, which can be expected after the reconstruction, was evaluated by means of a point score. A first measurement of the flow volume was taken after the release of the blood flow and a second after administration of 20 mg Alprostadil into the bypass. From these two results, we calculated an average value, which was set in relation to the run-off score. From this we computed a relative flow, i.e. the flow per open crural vessel = per run-off score unit (quotient:flow/score). RESULTS: The median relative flow of angiographically perfect reconstructions was 86 ml/min. In 14 reconstructions, the control angiogram showed stenoses: median relative flow 59 ml/min, range between 20 and a maximum of 75 ml/min. The practical application of the flow measurement requires a minimum relative flow guideline for stenosis-free reconstructions. A guideline of 80 ml/min would yield a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 68%. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of flow volume could be used as a screen, in order to filter out reconstructions, which must be further clarified with an angiogram. A further prospective evaluation of the value of volume flow is needed before any conclusive recommendations can be drawn.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the local staging of penile cancer.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a local staging technique in penile cancer and its role in selecting patients for conservative surgical management. METHODS: Fifty-five men diagnosed with invasive penile carcinoma on biopsy were locally staged with the use of MRI. Prostaglandin E1 (alprostadil) was injected into the corpora to induce an artificial erection. Radiologic staging was compared against final histopathologic stage of the tumour. Sensitivity, specificity, and kappa agreement values were calculated for each tumour stage. Additionally, corpora cavernosa involvement was reviewed in 20 consecutive cases and suitability for conservative surgery assessed. RESULTS: A good correlation between radiologic and histologic staging was achieved with an overall kappa value of 0.75 (p<0.001). Stage-specific sensitivities and specificities were calculated: T1 (85%; 83%), T2 (75%; 89%), and T3 (88%; 98%). MRI accurately predicted corpora cavernosa invasion in all cases of pathologically proven disease. These patients were selected to undergo partial penectomy. There were no complications using this imaging technique. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that penile MRI is highly accurate in the local staging of penile cancer. Associated improvements in surgical planning allow the provision of conservative surgical treatments over more radical procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

The nutritional status modulates preservation-reperfusion injury in rat fatty liver.

BACKGROUND: Microcirculation disturbances are essential factors of preservation injury in fatty liver. However, hepatocyte injury is also markedly excessive in fatty liver resulting, at least in part, from energy metabolism impairment and oxidative stress. Thus, this study aimed to determine whether nutritional status influences preservation injury in fatty liver and whether energetic substrate supplementation, alone or with a vasodilator, is protective. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal or fatty livers induced by a choline-deficient diet were isolated from fed and fasted rats, preserved in University of Wisconsin solution at 4 degrees C for 18 h, and then reperfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution at 37 degrees C for 120 min. Fasted rats with fatty liver were also treated as follows: (1) Glucose supplementation: rats had access to a glucose solution for 18 h prior procurement; (2) Prostaglandin (PG): alprostadil was continuously infused during reperfusion; (3) Combined treatment: Glucose supplementation + PG. RESULTS: Fasting-induced liver injury was significantly greater in fatty than normal liver. In fatty livers from fasted rats, all treatments reduced the alanine aminotransaminase release. Hepatic oxygen consumption improved in the glucose and glucose + PG groups, while PG infusion had no effect. Glucose supplementation did not affect portal pressure, which, in contrast, was reduced in livers receiving PG. Finally, all treatments lowered oxidative injury. CONCLUSIONS: Preservation injury in fatty liver is greatly related to nutritional status. Energetic substrate supplementation may represent a clinically feasible protective strategy and a multistep approach adding vasodilators could offer further benefit by acting on different pathogenetic mechanisms.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2000

Raffinose improves the function of rat pulmonary grafts stored for twenty-four hours in low-potassium dextran solution.

OBJECTIVES: The perfect strategy for pulmonary graft preservation remains elusive. Experimental work supports the use of perfusates, such as Euro-Collins, University of Wisconsin, and low-potassium dextran solutions. We use low-potassium dextran solution in our clinical program, but we aim for continued improvement. The trisaccharide raffinose has been shown to be responsible for the efficacy of University of Wisconsin perfusate in lung preservation. Raffinose is superior to a variety of other saccharides for this purpose. We tested the hypothesis that the addition of raffinose to low-potassium dextran solution might further improve graft function. METHODS: In a randomized blinded study with a rat left lung transplant model, donor lungs were flushed with either standard low-potassium dextran solution or low-potassium dextran solution modified by the addition of 30 mmol/L raffinose (n = 5 for each group). Alprostadil (prostaglandin E(1), 500 microg/L) was added to the perfusates in accordance with our clinical practice. Grafts were stored inflated at 4 degrees C for 24 hours. After transplantation, recipients were ventilated with a fraction of inspired oxygen of 1 and a positive end-expiratory pressure of 2 cm H(2)O. Graft function was evaluated by measuring oxygenation at 2 hours after graft reperfusion, peak airway pressure throughout the reperfusion period, and the wet/dry lung weight ratio. RESULTS: The group receiving low-potassium dextran solution with raffinose demonstrated significantly higher oxygenation (oxygen tension, 370 +/- 45 mm Hg vs 150 +/- 64 mm Hg; P =.0025), lower peak airway pressures at 2 hours after lung reperfusion (11 +/- 2.7 mm Hg vs 16 +/- 2.4 mm Hg; P <.001), and a lower wet/dry weight ratio (4.7 +/- 1.26 vs 11 +/- 5. 0; P =.017). CONCLUSION: Modification of low-potassium dextran solution with the trisaccharide raffinose resulted in a significant improvement in graft function in this model and merits further evaluation with respect to the mechanisms involved.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Cavernous arterial and arteriolar circulation in patients with erectile dysfunction: a power Doppler study.

PURPOSE: We assessed the morphodynamic features of cavernous arteries and helicine arterioles by power Doppler sonography in vasculogenic and nonvasculogenic impotent men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 impotent patients with and without definite vascular risk factors were studied by penile power Doppler sonography. The test was performed during penile flaccidity, after intracavernous injection of 20 mcg. alprostadil and after subsequent genital and audiovisual sexual stimulation. A second injection and stimulation were given if the erectile response observed after the initial injection was less than the maximum erection seen during sexual activity. Morphodynamic parameters evaluated by power Doppler imaging included vessel course, shape, wall thickness and pulsatility, peak systolic velocity, end diastolic velocity, acceleration time and resistance index. RESULTS: In the nonvasculogenic group all patients who achieved rigid erection showed normal cavernosal artery and helicine arteriole inflow. In these cases the arteriolar picture was characterized by the presence of 3 orders of distal ramifications originating from the cavernous arteries with an acute angle, systolic diastolic flow during penile tumescence and systolic flow alone at full rigidity. In the vasculogenic group patients with normal cavernous artery inflow showed an arteriolar tree that was pathological in 50% and was characterized by a reduced number of ramifications originating perpendicularly from the cavernous arteries and irregular caliber (arteriolar impotence). In the same group patients with reduced cavernous artery inflow also showed normal or pathological arteriolar components (pre-penile arterial impotence and diffused penile arterial impotence). CONCLUSIONS: Power Doppler sonography allows a precise study of the morphodynamics of the cavernous arteries and helicine arterioles. Our preliminary data suggest that the intracavernous arteriolar component may have a significant role in the genesis of some forms of vasculogenic impotence.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Evaluation of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in Peyronie's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in patients with Peyronie's disease. METHODS: This study included 42 patients (mean age 55.4 years, range 32 to 72, SD 9.92) with Peyronie's disease. The mean duration of disease was 16.5 months (range 3 to 60, SD 13.31). Before treatment, the degree of angulation was assessed artificially by injection of 10 to 20 microg alprostadil, and Polaroid photographs were taken. Patients were also questioned about pain on erection, whether sexual intercourse was possible, and the quality of erections. All were initially treated with three sessions of ESWT (3000 shock waves). After three sessions, patients who believed that improvement had resulted or who wanted to undergo additional treatment went on to have further sessions. The mean duration of follow-up was 5.9 months (range 2 to 18, SD 4.4), after which the results were analyzed. RESULTS: Those who believed that improvement in angulation had resulted were asked to provide Polaroid photographs to assess the improvement objectively. Six (14%) said that they had excellent results, 21 (50%) had significant improvement, 7 (17%) had slight improvement, and 8 (19%) had no change. Of the 25 who had pain on erection before treatment, 21 (84%) reported complete or near complete relief after treatment. Five patients said that the quality of the erections had improved after treatment. Eight patients complained of mild and one of severe pain during or immediately after treatment; 2 of these 9 patients had both pain and bruising. CONCLUSIONS: The initial results with ESWT are promising, with minimal complications. The long-term results need to be evaluated.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Erectile dysfunction following radical therapy for prostate cancer.

With the earlier detection of prostate cancer and the increasing demand for treatment of organ-confined dizease, quality of life issues are becoming more important. Development of erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical therapy is a particular concern, and occurs in perhaps a third of patients treated by radiotherapy and 30-70% of patients treated by radical prostatectomy. Although it is assumed that the ED relates to damage to the nerves subserving erection, this view has been questioned recently and in at least a proportion of patients the cause appears to be vascular. Despite the likely cause of their ED, all patients presenting with ED after treatment for prostate cancer should undergo assessment by history and examination to ensure that there are no other correctable risk factors. Patients can then be considered for a number of treatment options, and currently sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer) is usually used as first-line therapy assuming there are no contraindications, such as severe ischaemic heart disease or nitrate therapy. Sildenafil improves erectile function in 70% of patients with ED post-radiotherapy, but appears less effective in men after radical prostate surgery with a response rate of 40-50%. Other treatment options include self-injection or intra-urethral administration of alprostadil, and some patients are happy to use a vacuum erection device. Finally, if all else fails, patients may be suitable for penile implant surgery.

Erectile Dysfunction↗
PubMed1997

Vascular surgery for impotence: a review.

Progress in treatment of impotence in the past two decades has resulted in impressive advances. While most men respond to medical therapy including prostaglandin E1 injection or the more recent use of urethral alprostadil, 6-7% of men fail to respond to these treatments or vacuum devices. This review considers current and past results of vascular surgery in this group of men. Guidelines for case selection for vascular interventions as well as reporting criteria are suggested. Vascular surgery as a logical first step in selected patients may offer an advantage in men failing conservative therapy and for those not desiring prosthetic implantation.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Penile fibrosis in intracavernosal prostaglandin E1 injection therapy for erectile dysfunction.

Penile fibrosis (PF) may be a complication of intracavernosal injection therapy (ICI). It has been well documented as a side effect of papaverine, but there have been few reports associating penile fibrosis with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1, Alprostadil). Many authors did not find fibrotic changes in the penis while others reported penile fibrosis as a complication of intracavernosal PGE1 in only 0.76-2.1% of their patients. Recent studies, however, suggest that the incidence may be as high as 15%. Three hundred consecutive patients who returned to our Institute for repeat prescription of PGE1 were asked about penile curvature and deformity and the penis was examined for fibrotic change. Twenty-two were excluded because of concurrent or previous use of papaverine and/or phentolamine, 30 patients had pre-ICI evidence of fibrotic change and 3 had incomplete data. Of the remaining 245 patients, 57 (23.3%) were found to have penile fibrosis. These men, mean age 62 y (21-79), had been self injecting an average of 5.2 times per month (1-16) for an average period of 29.2 months (2-86). The mean dose of PGE1 used was 13 micrograms (2-60) and an average of 65.6 micrograms of PGE1 (3-360) was used per month. The mean total number of injections was 142.4 (8-810) and the mean total amount of PGE1 1703 micrograms (105-11,520). Penile fibrosis is hence a significant complication of intracavernosal PGE1 therapy. It is mandatory to examine patients methodically for fibrotic changes in the penis prior to commencement of treatment and at subsequent regular reviews. Patients should be specifically warned of the possibility of penile fibrosis and should be instructed on self examination so that they may report early changes if and when these occur.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Interactions between drugs for erectile dysfunction and drugs for cardiovascular disease.

The association of erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease is well-documented in the literature and both conditions share risk factors. Therefore, it is difficult to distinguish the effect of underlying disease and adverse effects of the drugs and/or interactions between ED drugs and drugs implemented for cardiovascular disease. The known interactions of systemic administered drugs for ED with drugs for cardiovascular disease are mainly pharmacodynamic. Thus, nitrates enhance the production of cyclic GMP and combined with phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors this can lead to severe hypotension. The same is the case for the treatment with phentolamine in patients treated with beta-adrenoceptor antagonists. Due to increased partial thromboplastin time, the risk of bleeding is enhanced for intracavernous alprostadil injection in heparin-treated patients. Pharmacokinetic interactions of clinical importance have been described for ED drugs with other therapeutic groups such as sildenafil with the antifungal drug, ketoconazole, and apomorphine with the antiparkinson drug, entacapon. Although sildenafil and antihypertensive dihydropyridines like amlodipine are metabolized by the same cytochrome P450 enzyme, CYP3A4 in the liver, the combination of these drugs does not exhibit a synergistic blood pressure lowering action. Unfortunately documentation concerning drug interactions is often poor and occasional.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed2003

Effects of moxonidine and metoprolol in penile circulation in hypertensive men with erectile dysfunction: results of a pilot study.

Centrally acting (moxonidine) and peripherally acting (metoprolol) sympatholytic agents might have different actions upon penile circulation in hypertensive men with erectile dysfunction. A total of 11 nonsmoking, hypertensive but otherwise healthy men with erectile dysfunction were studied after 8 weeks on moxonidine monotherapy (0.4 mg per day, increased to 0.6 mg if needed) and then after 8 weeks of metoprolol monotherapy (100 mg per day, increased to 200 mg if needed) in a crossover design. At the end of each treatment phase, the subjects were asked about their subjective erectile capacity (nocturnal and coital erections), and resting and stimulated (after intracavernosal injection of a mixture of alprostadil and phentolamine) penile deep artery diameters and systolic peak velocities were measured by color Doppler ultrasonography. There were no significant differences in blood pressure after either therapy. The change from earlier antihypertensive therapy, moxonidine produced significant subjective amelioration of sexual dysfunction in 9/11 of the men (< or = 0.001), whereas 9/11 returned to impaired dysfunction after crossover to metoprolol treatment. Resting and stimulated deep penile diameters and peak systolic velocities were higher after moxonidine treatment compared with metoprolol (diameters: < or = 0.004, < or = 0.0001; velocities: < or = 0.008, < or = 0.038). The centrally acting sympatholytic agent moxonidine seems to improve erectile function both subjectively and objectively and has a better effect on penile circulation compared with the peripherally acting sympatholytic agent metoprolol.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Cavernous nerve graft reconstruction during radical prostatectomy or radical cystectomy: safe and technically feasible.

High local stage prostate and bladder cancers frequently require wide local resection and sacrifice of one or both cavernous nerves to achieve a negative surgical margin, thus resulting in erectile dysfunction. This is a report on preliminary experience with cavernous nerve graft reconstruction using sural nerve grafts with radical prostatectomy or radical cystectomy.Pre-operative evaluation was performed and consent was obtained in 14 potent men with prostate (11) or bladder (three) cancer. Sural nerve grafts of resected cavernous nerves were performed using a microsurgical technique. Post-operative treatment (Sildenafil or Alprostadil) was pursued until return of spontaneous function, documented by interview and adequate scores (>20) in the erectile function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).Twelve unilateral nerve grafts were performed, 10 during radical prostatectomy and two during radical cystoprostatectomy. Two procedures were technically not possible because of locally advanced disease. Mean age was 57.5 y (36-68 y). Mean follow up was 16.1 months (7-28 months). Pathological stage of prostate cancer was pT2 in 2, pT3 in 7 and pT4 in one. Surgical margins were positive in five out of 10 (50%), and two (20%%) had positive lymph nodes. Four patients (three post prostatectomy and one post cystectomy) were fully potent. Additionally, one patient post prostatectomy had improving partial erections. Six patients post prostatectomy and one patient post cystectomy had no erections. The only complication was one superficial wound infection in the sural nerve donor site. Preliminary experience shows that sural nerve grafts are feasible and safe after radical prostatectomy and cystectomy. However, candidates usually present with high stage disease, high risk for recurrence and frequent requirement for adjuvant therapy that further compromises erectile function. Randomized studies with more patients and long follow-up periods are necessary in order to define the ideal candidate for nerve graft procedures.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Clinical outcome and its predictors in 1560 patients with critical leg ischaemia. Chronic Critical Leg Ischaemia Group.

OBJECTIVE: to assess the predictivity of clinical variables in patients with chronic critical leg ischaemia (CLI). Design observational prospective cohort study. METHODS: the i.c.a.i. (ischemia critica degli arti inferiori) trial database was used to assess the impact of patients' history, cardiovascular risk, manifestations of the disease and specific invasive and pharmacological interventions on mortality, amputation rate and persistence of CLI. RESULTS: of 1560 patients, 298 died within one year; at six months 187 were amputees and 746 still suffered from CLI. Prior major vascular events doubled the risk of dying within one year. Previous revascularisation was associated with a lower mortality, but also with a higher probability of amputation. Among cardiovascular risk factors, only diabetes affected prognosis, in terms of increased mortality and lower probability of recovery from CLI. Patients with tissue loss had a higher amputation rate and less probability of recovery. Ankle pressure was predictive of mortality and amputation only when unmeasurable. Patients requiring revascularisation had better chances of recovering from CLI, but not of longer-term survival or limb salvage compared to those in whom surgery was deemed unnecessary. Antiplatelet drugs caused resolution of CLI and decreased the amputation rate by about 1/3, while the advantage of the test treatment (alprostadil-alpha-cyclodextrine) was confined to CLI resolution only. CONCLUSIONS: this study documents the high mortality and heterogeneity of patients with CLI. It provides stratification criteria for reliably estimating the achievable benefit in routine practice and for clinical trials.

Aged↗
PubMed1994

[Acute ischemia of an arm as an unusual manifestation of ergotism].

A 27-year-old woman developed acute pain, pallor and feeling of cold in her left arm. She had been a smoker of 15-20 cigarettes daily since the age of 15 years, but had not previously had any serious illness. In addition to contraceptives she had had been taking one to several suppositories containing caffeine and ergotamine tartrate (2 mg) daily against migraine. Angiological examination 5 days after onset of symptoms discovered a weak brachial pulse low in the left upper arm, while ulnar and radial pulses were absent. All other pulses were normally palpable. Colour duplex sonography demonstrated occlusion of the brachial artery which angiographically was due to a 5 cm severe narrowing without thrombus, blood flowing distally via collaterals. No improvement was achieved by local injection of 100,000 IU urokinase, 0.5 mg nitroglycerin, 20 mg tolazoline and a 3-hour infusion of alprostadil. On infusion of 560 ml hydroxyethylstarch over 8 hours, 400 mg naftidrofuryl, therapeutic doses of heparin and abstinence from ergotamine (since admission) the vessel diameter increased by 50% within 23 hours and after a further 24 hours to almost 100% of the comparable arterial segment of the right arm while merely on heparin infusion.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2001

Influence of the genetic background on platelet function, microparticle and thrombin generation in the common laboratory mouse.

Genetic background has been shown to affect phenotype in transgenic mice with hemostatic defects. We present comparative data on various platelet function tests, as well as on microparticle and thrombin generation capacity in three mouse strains most commonly used in transgenic applications. Normal, inbred 129Sv (n = 24), C57BL/6 (n = 14) and BALB/c (n = 22) mice were used. BALB/c mice showed statistically significantly longer tail-bleeding times (158 +/- 42 s, P<0.02) than 129Sv (113 +/- 37) and C57BL/6 (122 +/- 29) and paradoxically increased velocity of platelet aggregation (P<0.01) with ADP, collagen, ionophore and thrombin. ATP-release did not differ between strains, it was weakest with ADP and strongest with thrombin. 129Sv platelets were less responsive to thrombin. Generation of platelet microparticles did not differ between strains either and could efficiently be inhibited by EDTA but not by aspirin or alprostadil. Two anti-GPIIIa monoclonal antibodies did not inhibit microparticles either, although they could block aggregation. Thrombin generation was equivalent in C57BL/6 and BALB/c, but slower in 129Sv. Interestingly, the reaction in all strains was immediate and different from the human model in that no lag-phase was seen after triggering. In summary these mouse strains show similar patterns of ex vivo platelet aggregation, bleeding times as well as microparticle and thrombin generation. Subtle differences were found, which should be taken into consideration when interpreting data from wild-type or transgenic models.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Objective and subjective changes in patients with Peyronie's disease after management with shockwave therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Very few reports have been published on the management of Peyronie's disease by shockwave therapy. Existing publications on this topic are based on subjective improvement described by the patients themselves. Our aim was to determine objectively the effect of shockwave therapy on the signs and symptoms caused by Peyronie's disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To date, 65 patients (age 58.4 +/- 8.7 years) have been enrolled in a therapeutic pilot study. The disease duration was 33.7 +/- 42.9 months. Inclusion criteria were palpable plaque together with deviation, pain (visual pain scale), or loss of distal rigidity. Clinical examination (prior to first therapy and 1, 6, and 18 months after last shockwave delivery) included palpation and sonography of the plaque (mean surface size 2.2 +/- 1.1 cm(2)), measurement of deviation, assessment of pain and distal loss of rigidity (artificial erection induced by intracavernosal injection of 5 microg of alprostadil [Caverject]). Shockwaves (1,000 impulses at 12 kV per square centimeter of plaque) were delivered to the nonerect penis once a week for a period of 5 weeks with the Minilith; Storz Medical. RESULTS: Eighteen months (N = 35) after the last shockwave session, the deviation angle had decreased from 59.3 degrees +/- 38.1 degrees to 49.3 degrees +/- 32.5 degrees (N = 24; P = 0.1496). Pain during erection disappeared in 15 of 17 patients and was reduced in 1 other patient (P < 0.0001). There was no effect on distal rigidity in any patient. Six patients achieved satisfactory sexual intercourse (vaginal penetration) before and 15 patients after shockwave therapy. The adverse effects were small skin hematomas in 90% of patients and initial transient macrohematuria in 30%. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates objective and subjective changes in patients with Peyronie's disease after shockwave therapy. Artificial erection served as a control to assess improvement of the deviation angle.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Current concepts in the management of post-radical prostatectomy impotence.

Erectile dysfunction after radical retropubic prostatectomy has a multifactorial aetiology, including both neurogenic and vasculogenic factors. Postoperative potency is improved with preservation of the neurovascular bundles in a nerve-sparing procedure. Preoperative and intraoperative identification and preservation of accessory pudendal arteries may also improve postoperative potency rates. The early institution of treatment with intracavernous alprostadil appears to improve postoperative potency rates. Treatment with newer therapeutic agents, such as Sildenafil and Invicorp, are both efficacious and well tolerated.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2005

The costs of caring for erectile dysfunction in a managed care setting: evidence from a large national claims database.

PURPOSE: We examined the direct costs of erectile dysfunction (ED) empirically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A naturalistic cohort study was done in 285,436 patients with ED and 51 health plans that covered 28 million lives nationwide from 1999 through 2001. Based on claims that had an ED related diagnosis code, procedure code or medication code we categorized the cost structure of ED care and calculated the annual costs of ED care per patient with ED, per user and per member monthly for individual and for all categories of ED care. RESULTS: A patient with ED in a health plan spent about an average of 83.91 dollars in 1999, 95.41 dollars in 2000 and 119.26 dollars in 2001 for ED care. In 2001, 37.08% of ED care costs per patient with ED were spent on phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitor therapy, 14.36% were spent on physician office visits, 10.19% were spent on diagnosis procedures, 8.45% were spent on testosterone hormone therapy, 3.85% were spent on penile prosthesis implantation, 4.41% were spent on intracavernous injection, 2.68% were spent on alprostadil pellet insertion and 0.81% was spent on vacuum erection devices. Of the 7 commonly used ED treatments PDE-5 inhibitor therapy has the lowest annual cost per user. CONCLUSIONS: In 2001 ED imposed a 122,669 dollars annual burden to a health plan with 100,000 members, that is or 0.108 dollars per member monthly. Each patient with ED spent 119.26 dollars annually for all ED related services or treatments. Of the 7 commonly used treatments PDE-5 inhibitor therapy had the lowest annual cost per user.

Adolescent↗