Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in kidney transplant recipients

Author(s)

Kleiton Gabriel Ribeiro Yamaçake

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina (FM/SBD)
• Defense date: 2019-05-23

Examining board members

Ioannis Michel Antonopoulos; Julio Cesar Campos Bissoli; Affonso Celso Piovesan; Antonio Carlos Lima Pompeo

• Advisor: Ioannis Michel Antonopoulos

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Erectile dysfunction (ED) in kidney transplant patients is frequent. The ideal treatment modality should not interfere with the graft function. Low-intensity Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy Extracorporeal (Li-ESWT) has been of interest due to its angiogenic properties and has shown interesting results when used to treat patients with cardiovascular disease and non-transplanted men with ED. Our objective is to study the efficacy of Li-ESWT for the treatment of ED of probable vascular etiology in kidney transplanted men. METHODS: Twenty men (mean age = 53.7 years, range 46 to 61 years) that have been submitted to kidney transplant for at least 6 months and have been suffering from ED for at least 6 months were selected for the treatment. This was a double-blinded, single-center, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Ten patients were randomized into the placebo therapy arm and 10 patients into the Li-ESWT arm. The Li-ESWT protocol consisted of a 2 treatment sessions per week for 3 weeks. The placebo treatment was performed using the same device replacing the effective probe for one that emits zero energy, but delivers a sound and pulse sensation during treatment. Initial and follow-up assessment was performed with International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire-5 (IIEF-5) score and Erection Hardness Score (EHS) after 1, 3 and 12 months. Penile ultrasound Doppler with drug erection was performed before therapy and after treatment (3 months). RESULTS: There was no difference between these 2 groups in baseline IIEF-5 score and EHS. At baseline, 1 and 3 months after the last treatment, the IIEF-5 in the Li-ESWT group were 10.9 ± 5.1, 15.6 ± 6.1 and 17.2 ± 5.7, respectively. The IIEF-5 in the sham therapy group were 14.9 ± 3, 16.6 ± 5.4 and 16.5 ± 5, respectively. The interaction was significant (p = 0.0177), indicating significantly different behaviors between the groups over time. The IIEF-5 score improved to higher than 5 points in 70% (range, 1-14) of the patients in the Li-ESWT group and 10% (range, 0-10) of the patients in the placebo treatment group, 3 months after treatment. The analysis after 12 months was performed exclusively in the Li-ESWT group. The mean change in IIEF-5 after 12 months was 4.8 in the Li-ESWT group. The mean of the IIEF-5 score after 12 months was 15.7 ± 6.45, showing stability of the initial improvement. At baseline, 1 and 3 months after the last treatment, the EHSs in the Li-ESWT group were 2±1.05, 2.5±0.85, and 2.6±0.84, respectively. The EHSs in the sham treatment group were 2±0.67, 2.4±0.7, and 2.4±0.7, respectively. We noticed a similar behavior in both groups (P=0,724). In the Li-ESWT group, we noticed a slightly higher mean EHS after 3 months. Penile Doppler ultrasound parameters did not differ between groups and did not show significant improvements. CONCLUSIONS: Li-ESWT is a non pharmacological treatment with clinical efficacy in kidney transplant recipients with ED. Besides its restorative potential, this treatment is feasible and effective. Despite evidences suggesting neoagiogenesis, our protocol had no impact in penile Doppler parameters (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/17629-4 - Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the treatment for erectile dysfunction in male renal transplant recipients
• Grantee: Kleiton Gabriel Ribeiro Yamaçake
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)