Polysaccharide Sulfate-induced Priapism: A Report of 3 Cases

Priapism is common urologic emergency that may lead to permanent erectile dysfunction. It is frequently idiopathic in etiology, but there is a known complication of pharmacologic agents such as intracavernosal agents, antihypertensives, and anticoagulants. Polysaccharide sulfate (PPS) is a new type of heparinoid drugs that extracted from phylum phaeophyta with function of anticoagulant, antilipemics, and improvement of microcirculation. PPS-induced priapism is a kind of serious side effects and is rising. General practitioners and traditional Chinese doctors should learn about the serious complication and all patients with PPS should be warned about of erectile dysfunction. Patients presenting with priapism deserve special counseling, beginning with the first episode of priapism. Patients must understand that a poor outcome is possible despite appropriate and timely management.