Clinical efficacy of sildenafil in patients on chronic dialysis

Purpose: We evaluate the clinical efficacy of sildenafil citrate for patients who are on chronic dialysis and who have concomitant erectile dysfunction. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 men (mean age 60.7 years) on dialysis and,with erectile dysfunction of various etiologies were administered 25 to 100 mg. sildenafil for at least 6 months. The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire (IIEF), a global assessment question and partner satisfaction question were used to evaluate sildenafil efficacy. Patients also reported any adverse events that occurred during treatment. Results: Treatment was effective for 28 of the 35 (80%) patients according to the results of the IIEF and global assessment questions. Partner satisfaction correlated with the IIEF overall response (0.79) and global assessment question results (0.86). No correlation was found between sildenafil failure and patient age, the etiology of erectile dysfunction, duration of erectile dysfunction, prior treatments, testosterone and prolactin blood levels, and the duration and etiology of renal failure. Of the 35 patients sildenafil was stopped due to intolerable headaches in 3 and because of lack of efficacy in 7. Conclusions: Sildenafil is an effective and safe treatment for erectile dysfunction in most patients on chronic dialysis.