Indirect comparison of interventions using published randomised trials: systematic review of PDE-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction.

ABSTRACT:

Background

There are no randomised and properly blinded trials directly comparing one PDE-5 inhibitor with another in a normal home setting. Valid indirect comparisons with a common comparator must examine equivalent doses, similar duration, similar populations, with the same outcomes reported in the same way.

Methods

Published randomised, double-blind trials of oral PDE-5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction were sought from reference lists in previous reviews and electronic searching. Analyses of efficacy and harm were carried out for each treatment, and results compared where there was a common comparator and consistency of outcome reporting, using equivalent doses.

Results

Analysis was limited by differential reporting of outcomes. Sildenafil trials were clinically

SUBMITTER: Moore RA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1343572 | biostudies-literature | 2005 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature