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Published on: May 31, 2016
Association between Aortic Calcification Burden and the Severity of Erectile Dysfunction in Men Undergoing Dialysis:
Naoki Fujita1, Shingo Hatakeyama2, Masaki Momota1
1Department of Urology, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Japan.
Insights
Aortic calcification burden is significantly linked to severe erectile dysfunction (ED) in men undergoing dialysis. This study highlights the importance of assessing calcification in managing ED in this patient group.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Nephrology
- Urology
Background:
- Accelerated atherosclerosis is a key complication in end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in ESRD patients, linked to atherosclerosis.
- The relationship between aortic calcification and ED severity in dialysis patients is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between aortic calcification burden and ED severity.
- To identify factors associated with severe ED in men undergoing dialysis.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 71 men on dialysis (peritoneal and/or hemodialysis).
- Erectile dysfunction assessed using the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM).
- Aortic calcification index (ACI) measured; multivariable logistic regression used.
Main Results:
- All participants had ED; 64.8% had severe ED.
- Aortic calcification index (ACI) showed a significant association with severe ED (OR, 1.022; p=0.022).
- Ankle-brachial index had a slight, non-significant association with severe ED (OR, 0.058; p=0.072).
Conclusions:
- Aortic calcification burden is an independent risk factor for severe ED in men undergoing dialysis.
- Findings suggest ACI may be a useful indicator for severe ED in this population.
Purpose:
Accelerated atherosclerosis is a major complication in patients with end-stage renal disease and it plays an important role in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED). However, the association between aortic calcification burden and the severity of ED remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate this association in men undergoing dialysis.
Materials And Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 71 men undergoing peritoneal dialysis and/or hemodialysis between July 2016 and May 2018 at Mutsu General Hospital. ED was assessed with the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM). Patients were divided into the mild/moderate (SHIM score ≥8) and severe ED groups (SHIM score ≤7). Aortic calcification index (ACI) was examined as a clinical indicator of abdominal aortic calcification. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the significant factors associated with severe ED.
Results:
The median age of the study participants was 64 years; all had ED, with 64.8% having severe ED. In the multivariable analyses, a slight association was observed between ankle-brachial index and severe ED (odds ratio [OR], 0.058; p=0.072), whereas ACI was significantly associated with severe ED (OR, 1.022; p=0.022).
Conclusions:
Aortic calcification burden was independently associated with severe ED.
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