Abstract
Background and Aims
Male sexual dysfunction is commonly prevalent in patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) and has been partly attributed to the concurrent state of hyperprolactinemia and hypogonadism, often observed in this patient population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hormone profile and sexual function of ESRD patient, using validated questionnaires, in attempt to explore this association.
Method
This was a prospective study which included 98 patients with ESRD who followed in the outpatient department of a tertiary medical centre over a period of 1 year. Patients receiving treatment for hyperprolactinemia or those known to have an endocrine disorder were excluded in addition to patients receiving medical or surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) or premature ejaculation (PE). After filling the international index for erectile function-5 and the Arabic index for PE questionnaire, morning serum samples were taken from patients to measure testosterone and prolactin levels. Descriptive statistics was used to report frequency or means of variables. Chi-square test was used to examine associations between categorical variables. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Out of the 98 ESRD patients, 72 (73.6%) were treated with hemodialysis, 13 (13.2%) with peritoneal dialysis and 13 (13.2%) with medical treatment only. Diabetes mellitus was observed in all patients (type 1, 52%; and type 2, 48%), while hypertension, coronary heart disease and dyslipidemia were detected in 97.1%, 34.3% and 25.5%, respectively. The mean age, serum testosterone and prolactin levels were 52.4 ± 12.1 years, 12.95 ± 6.5 nmol/L and 514.2 ± 592.8mIU/L. Results of the PE index questionnaire revealed that 86 (87.7) patients had PE, 9 (9.1%) probable PE and 3 (3.1%) no PE. With IIEF-5, ED was detected in 96 patients; it was severe in 23 (23.5%), moderate- severe ED in 29 (29.4%), mild-moderate ED in 30 (30.4%) and mild in 14 (14.7%). 55 patients had high prolactin while 33 had low testosterone levels. Table 1 presents the IIEF-5 and PE questionnaire results in patients with low/normal testosterone and normal/high prolactin. No significant differences were observed in IIEF or PE levels between patients with low/normal testosterone and normal/high prolactin.
Conclusion
ESRD is commonly associated with sexual dysfunction that is more likely to be attributed to organic causes rather than solely to endocrine disturbances.
Factors Related to Muscle Cramps during Hemodialysis in End Stage Renal Disease Patients
