Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review.

Objective: • To review the evidence in support of the effectiveness of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: • Relevant studies were identified by performing a literature search using MEDLINE® and The Cochrane Library®. The criteria used during the search included randomized, placebo-controlled trials of treatment for LUTS secondary to BPH using the International Prostate Symptom Score as an outcome measure.

Results: • Four trials that included a total of 1928 patients met the inclusion criteria. All four studies showed a statistically significant difference in the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life and erectile function in favour of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. • No study showed a statistically significant improvement of the maximum urinary flow. • Meta-analysis of the results was not possible because of heterogeneity across the studies.

Conclusions: • Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors used in the clinical setting can significantly improve LUTS secondary to BPH, erectile function and quality of life. Maximum urinary flow improvement is not statistically significant. • Future research should focus on pathophysiological principles and cost analysis.