Erectile Dysfunction in Hemodialysis Patients

Park, Jeong Ho; Ma, Seong Kwon; Ko, Jung Hee; Kim, Soo Wan; Kim, Nam Ho; Choi, Ki Chul

Abstract

PURPOSE: Erectile dysfunction(ED) is a common problem in men with end-stage renal disease(ESRD). The present study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of ED among patients receiving chronic hemodialysis.
METHODS
The presence and severity of ED were assessed among 48 ESRD patients using the self-administered International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Logistic regression was used to examine and test associations between ED and other medical conditions.
RESULTS
The mean age was 57.9+/-11.9 years and the cause of ESRD was diabetes mellitus(47.9%), unknown cause(29.2%) and hypertension(16.7%). All subjects had ED. The proportions reporting mild ED, mild/moderate ED, moderate ED and severe ED were 8.3%, 18.8%, 18.8% and 54.2%, respectively. Age, diabetes mellitus, Karnofsky Index, serum albumin and creatinine levels were statistically correlated with ED. But, a multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated age(odds ratio [OR]=12.254, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02 to 74.32, p=0.006) and nitrates administration(OR=11.85, 95% CI 1.06 to 132.5, p=0.045) to be independently associated with the presence of severe ED.
CONCLUSION
ED is extremely prevalent among hemodialysis patients. Increasing age and medical conditioning in which nitrates should be administered are associated with higher prevalence of severe ED.