Erectile dysfunction in patients with plaque psoriasis: the relation of depression and cardiovascular factors

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease and seems to be associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is a predictor of future cardiovascular disease. It is important to identify ED early and investigate cardiovascular problems in psoriasis patients. The sample consisted of 191 psoriasis patients and 191 healthy men. One hundred and one of 191 (52.9%) patients with psoriasis were indicative of ED, compared with 40.3% in control group, reflecting an age-adjusted odds ratio of 1.965 in favor of the psoriasis group. A univariate analysis in the psoriasis group indicated that age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus and depressive symptoms were the risk factors for ED. The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that increasing age, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and depressive symptoms were independent risk factors for ED in psoriasis. The more severe depressive symptoms increased the risk of ED and especially moderate-severe ED. The diagnosis of ED may help prevent emotional and physical discomfort in men and aid in identifying reversible cardiovascular risk factors. Screening of ED may become a part of routine care in the management of psoriasis patients.