Can the severity of erectile dysfunction be predicted by the change in plasma viscosity

We aimed to contribute to the literature by exploring the possible relationship of PV with erectile dysfunction (ED), as in atherosclerosis-based vascular diseases.

Between October 2021 and December 2022, 99 patients who applied to the urology polyclinic with a complaint of ED were included in the study (Group 1). Fifty-two patients who applied with a complaint other than ED constituted the control group (Group 2).

While 52 participants with normal erectile function were included as controls, 17 participants had mild ED, 24 had mild-moderate ED, 31 had moderate ED, and 27 had severe ED. PV (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), glycated hemoglobin level (p < 0.001), and rate of coronary artery disease (p = 0.028) were significantly higher in Group 1. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly lower in Group 1 (p = 0.001). A negative correlation was found between IIEF score and PV (p < 0.001), whereas a positive correlation was found between PV and age (p = 0.023). Logistic regression analyses revealed that plasma viscosity (p < 0.001) and age (p < 0.001) were predictive of ED. The cut-off value for PV was 1.12 mPas with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.808 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.734-0.883) and it predicted ED with 72% sensitivity and 74% specificity. The cut-off value for age was 47.5 years and it predicted ED with 56% sensitivity and 90% specificity (AUC: 0.807, 95% CI: 0.738-0.877).

According to the results of this study, PV is higher in patients with ED, negatively correlated with IIEF score, and predictive of ED. PV measurements may be useful in supporting the diagnosis of ED and evaluating its severity.