Neurocognitive impairment is associated with erectile dysfunction in cirrhotic patients

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in patients with chronic diseases. It is evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF5) questionnaire. The relationship between ED and cirrhosis is complex. The aims of our study were (1) to assess the prevalence of ED in cirrhosis and (2) to evaluate factors associated with ED, with a special focus on minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).

We performed a prospective, observational study. Patients with cirrhosis were invited to complete the IIEF5 questionnaire. The exclusion criteria were clinical hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and dementia. MHE was evaluated by the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy test score (PHES) and the critical flicker frequency (CFF).

Between April 2016 and April 2017, 87 patients were included (age: 55 [51-57] years, Child-Pugh score: 8 [7-9], MELD score: 13 [11-16]. Minimal HE was diagnosed in 33% of the patients according to the PHES and in 44% of the patients according to the CFF. ED was diagnosed in 74/87 patients (85%) when compared to 12.5% in healthy controls (p < 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, the independent factors associated with ED were age, Child-Pugh and MELD scores. Significant correlations were identified between the IIEF5 and each component of the PHES.

ED should be systematically screened in cirrhotics, especially in patients with MHE.