Prevalence and prognostic factors for erectile dysfunction in renal transplant recipients

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) at our institution in the postrenal transplant population and to compare those patients who had ED with those who did not have ED, with respect to several patient characteristics.

We conducted a cross-sectional study of male renal transplant recipients who were in attendance at the transplant clinic from April 1, 2004, to March 31, 2006. Erectile function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function short form questionnaire. Patients were also screened for depression using the Beck Depression Inventory. We performed a chart review to obtain various patient characteristics.

This study involved 55 patients. Their average age was 50 years old and the mean duration of the current transplant was 7.9 years. ED was identified in 28 of the patients (51%). More patients with ED were over age 50 years (64% v. 26%, p = 0.004). There was a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus (39% v. 11%, p = 0.02) in patients with ED compared with those patients without ED. More patients with ED were depressed compared with those patients who did not have ED (29% v. 7%, p = 0.04). These 3 factors were significantly associated with ED and this relationship was confirmed on multivariate analysis.

ED remains a common problem in the renal transplant population. The cause of ED is multifactorial, with increasing age and the presence of diabetes mellitus and depression increasing the risk of ED.