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Can open-label studies demonstrate efficacy in improving sexual function?

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 21, page 265 (2009)Cite this article

In a recent paper in the Journal Chung et al. report effects of the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist alfuzosin on sexual function when used in the open-label treatment of 148 males with voiding dysfunction.1 Key findings of the trial include a statistically significant improvement of voiding symptoms (assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score and free flow Qmax), as well as Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) and two of its three domains (satisfaction domain not significantly improved) or the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) when compared with baseline values. The authors conclude that alfuzosin is ‘effective in improving sexual function’ in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Although the findings on voiding symptoms confirm the results from many placebo-controlled double-blind studies,2 to the best of our knowledge there is no earlier study showing benefits of alfuzosin over placebo on sexual function under double blind conditions.3 Double-blind comparative studies also failed to show significant benefits of alfuzosin over other α1-adrenoceptor antagonists with regard to sexual function.4

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References

  1. Chung BH, Lee J-Y, Kim C-I, Kim C-S, Oh C-Y, Lee S-W et al. Sexuality and the management of BPH with alfuzosin (SAMBA) trial. Int J Impot Res 2009; 21: 68–73.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 15, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    M C Michel

  2. Department of Urology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 15, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    A Meissner

Authors
  1. M C Michel
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  2. A Meissner
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Correspondence to M C Michel.

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Michel, M., Meissner, A. Can open-label studies demonstrate efficacy in improving sexual function?. Int J Impot Res 21, 265 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2009.12

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