Erectile dysfunction in chronic hemodialysis patients in dakar: a cross-sectional study in 2012

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) experience multiple complications including erectile dysfunction (ED). It involves more than 50% of patients on dialysis or transplant. In Africa, the true extent of ED in CKD is unknown although some studies have been done in this regard.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify risk factors of ED in patients on hemodialysis.

This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted from January 2, 2012 through April 30, 2012 in four hemodialysis centers in Dakar. We included all patients on chronic hemodialysis who aged ≥ 18 years old and freely consented to participate in the study. Sociodemographic, clinical, and hemodialysis data were collected through a questionnaire. Erectile function was assessed by a short version of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5).

Among a target of 80 patients, 73 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Mean dialysis vintage was 27.3 months (range, 1-156). Their mean age was 53.81 ± 12.52 years, with a higher proportion of age group of 50 to 69 years old. Fifty-six patients were married (37 monogamous and 19 polygamous) and six were singles. Overall prevalence of ED was 84.9% and it was severe in 14 patients (19.2%). Hypertension and diabetes were the most frequent etiologies and antihypertensive treatment was used in 95.5%. The main factors associated with ED were age > 50 years old and polygamy.

ED is a common problem among patients on hemodialysis in Dakar with a high prevalence. Aging and diabetes represent most common causes. More efforts are needed for its early detection, prevention, and multidisciplinary management.