To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Impotence Treatment Evaluated For Effect On Quality Of Life URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2D056.htm Doctor's Guide June 23, 1997
KALAMAZOO, Mich., June 23, 1997 -- In a study published in the June issue of The Journal of Urology, patients using self-administered alprostadil injection therapy (Caverject Sterile Powder brand of alprostadil for injection) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction exhibited not only improvements in the ability to obtain and maintain an erection but also in sexual activity and satisfaction and overall mental health. In particular, the authors of the open-label study noted improvement after six months for anxiety, depression, interpersonal sensitivity and self-esteem, areas in which men with erectile dysfunction have shown deficits in other studies. The uncontrolled, self-injected portion of the clinical trial, sponsored by Pharmacia & Upjohn, included 579 patients with erectile dysfunction at 33 treatment sites in the United States. Three quality of life questionnaires were used to evaluate patient satisfaction with sexual experiences, psychological symptoms and overall quality of life. Caverject, available since 1995, was the first prescription medication to be cleared by the FDA for marketing as a treatment of erectile dysfunction. According to the National Institute of Health, erectile dysfunction affects up to 30 million American men. The NIH defines this condition as the consistent inability to attain and maintain an erection sufficient to permit satisfactory intercourse. Clinical and self-reported measurements were used to evaluate physiological and psychological status at baseline, and at three, six, 12 and 18 months for 579 patients. Primary outcomes were changes in quality of life scores between baseline and six months. Quality of life was measured by the study participants using the Center for Marital and Sexual Health Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, which focuses on the physical and psychosocial aspects of erectile dysfunction; the Brief Symptom Inventory, which measures mental health; and the Duke Health Profile, which measures general quality of life. Instruments were self-administered. The Sexual Functioning Questionnaire registered significant participant improvements for its four scales measuring frequency of sexual activity, quality of erection, quality of orgasm and sexual satisfaction. On the 53 question Brief Symptom Inventory, improvements were noted for interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety and depression. The lack of a control group, however, makes it difficult to firmly conclude that improvements were due solely to alprostadil. The 17 question Duke Health Profile recorded improvements in overall mental health, including self-esteem of participants within six months of initiating treatment. These improvements persisted for patients who continued therapy for the 18 months of the trial. The reasons most frequently cited for treatment discontinuation were unfirm erections and injection site pain. Pharmacia & Upjohn is a global, innovation-driven pharmaceutical and health care company. Pharmacia & Upjohn's products, services and employees demonstrate its commitment to improve wellness and quality of life for people around the world. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.