Use of intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1 for neuropathic erectile dysfunction

The administration and suitability of intracavernous PGE-1 in men with neuropathic erectile dysfunction is reported herein. Twenty-seven men with neuropathic erectile dysfunction (SCI, 14; multiple sclerosis, 7; discogenic disease, 6) were evaluated and treated with intracavernous PGE-1. An average of 3.2 office sessions were required to learn adequate self-injection technique and determine optimal dosage requirement. Initial dosage for SCI men was 2.5 micrograms and increased in 2.5 micrograms increments to a mean maintenance dose of 6.2 micrograms. Quarterly monitoring up to 28 months demonstrated satisfactory erectile rigidity and duration of erection in all patients electing to pursue home administration of PGE-1. During this interval, over 40% of patients dropped out of the treatment program. No priapism or changes in serum chemistries, CBC, or platelets were observed during this period. Corporal fibrosis although not palpable, was detected subclinically by penile ultrasound in two men. This study confirms the safety and efficacy of self-administered intracavernous PGE-1 for neuropathic impotence. However, because of a significant rate of voluntary cessation, patients should be counseled regarding the full range of therapeutic alternatives to intracavernous therapy.