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Longitudinal epsilon and SR decrease with increasing LV dimensions in spite of an unaltered contractility. These results show and confirm that heart size influences epsilon and SR, which are highly load-dependent parameters.

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What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Over the last decade, the surgical treatment of prostate cancer has evolved towards minimal access surgery, particularly via a robot‐assisted technique. However, there is still debate regarding the true benefit for patients with respect to a functional outcome such as erectile function. The present prediction model provides a reliable estimation of the likelihood of regaining erectile function after prostatectomy. OBJECTIVE To identify the reported rates of potency after prostatectomy in the recent literature for men without preoperative erectile dysfunction (ED) and to develop a statistical model for predicting the expected potency after prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A Medline search was conducted with the keywords ‘potency’ and ‘prostatectomy’ from 2003 to 2009. In total, 33 studies in the English language reporting pre‐ and postoperative erectile function were identified. Data from studies reporting outcome after open, laparoscopic and robot‐assisted prostatectomy were analyzed separately. Only data obtained from potent men before surgery were included in the analysis. RESULTS In potent men before surgery, the main predictors of post‐treatment erectile function are age and time after treatment. The cumulative range of potency rates at 48 months for all ages (45–75 years) was 49–74% for open, 58–74% for laparoscopic and 60–100% for robotic prostatectomy. The predicted outcome differs by type of operation and patient age. CONCLUSIONS Men aged <60 years have a significant likelihood of regaining erectile function after radical prostatectomy. The reported statistical model provides a reliable estimation of erectile function outcome after prostatectomy for men with localized prostate cancer and intact erectile function.

Introduction Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is increasingly used to restore mean arterial pressure (MAP) in low-pressure shock states unresponsive to conventional inotropes. This is potentially deleterious since AVP is also known to reduce cardiac output by increasing vascular resistance. The effects of AVP on blood flow to vital organs and cardiac performance in a circulation altered by cardiac ischemia are still not sufficiently clarified. We hypothesised that restoring MAP by low dose, therapeutic level AVP would reduce vital organ blood flow in a setting of experimental acute left ventricular dysfunction.

Objective  To examine the safety and efficacy of transurethral pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction, involving the use of a novel therapeutic system to administer alprostadil (prostaglandin E1) to the urethral mucosa in a double‐blind, randomized, parallel, placebo‐controlled study conducted in five countries in Europe. Patients and methods  In an outpatient setting, patients with primarily organic erectile dysfunction of at least 3 months’ duration were treated with transurethral alprostadil, in an open‐label, dose‐escalating study. Testing stopped when the dose provided an erection sufficient for intercourse, as assessed by the patient and the investigator. Patients who achieved a sufficient response were then randomized to either active medication at the selected dose or to placebo for use at home for 3 months. After each home administration, patients recorded in diaries whether or not sexual intercourse occurred and any adverse reactions to the drug. Results  A total of 249 patients were treated in an outpatient setting; of these patients, 159 (64%) achieved an erection sufficient for intercourse and were randomized (1:1) to either active medication or placebo for home treatment. Of the patients randomized to alprostadil for home treatment, 69% reported intercourse at least once, compared with 11% of patients randomized to placebo (P<0.001). The most common adverse reaction, urethral pain/burning, was reported by 7% of patients in the clinic. Most patients (83%) graded transurethral alprostadil as causing minimal or no discomfort in the clinic. No patient reported priapism or developed penile fibrosis. Conclusion  Alprostadil delivered transurethrally by this system was well tolerated and effective in treating erectile dysfunction.

Long-term quality of life effects should be considered when planning follow-up and information for men after radical prostate cancer treatment. Structured and organised information/education may increase preparedness for symptoms and bother after the treatment, improve symptom management strategies and result in improved quality of life.

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