Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for stuttering priapism: recent advances

Abstract

Introduction: Stuttering priapism is a recognized clinical problem in patients afflicted with sickle-cell disease. It is both distressing physically and psychologically due to its recurrent nature and the need for emergent treatment, that is, corporal aspiration. The use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) is counterintuitive, as this class of drugs is used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, recent studies have documented the efficacy of these drugs in the treatment of stuttering priapism.

Areas covered: A literature search was completed using PubMed. This review collates and examines the evidence behind the treatment of stuttering priapism using PDE5i, the mechanism of action for the treatment of stuttering priapism, and the clinical feasibility of treatment of this condition with PDE5i.

Expert opinion: PDE5i as a treatment is both effective and safe for cases of recurrent or stuttering priapism.

Keywords::

• erectile dysfunction
• phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors
• sickle-cell disease
• stuttering priapism

Notes

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