Erectile Dysfunction Is Highly Prevalent in CKD Patients
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is highly prevalent in men with chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to the results of a recent study.
“Growing evidence reports that CKD might play a role in ED, but limited knowledge is available,” the researchers wrote.
To explore this relationship further, the researchers conducted a systematic review of 34 studies involving 5986 men. Overall, they found a prevalence of ED of 76% (95% CI: 72-79) with a high degree of heterogeneity (I2 = 84.2%; p < 0.0001). Following analysis by CKD stage, they found a significantly higher prevalence of ED in CKD (78%; 95% CI: 75-81%; I2 = not possible) compared with hemodialysis stage (prevalence = 77%; 95%CI: 73-80%; I2 = 84.5) or patients undergoing transplant (prevalence = 64%; 95% CI: 54-74%; I2 = 54%) (p across strata = 0.036).
“Considering the high prevalence of ED in men with CKD, health care practitioners should focus on issues of sexual health in men with CKD. Given the advancements in dialysis and therapy and the associated advancements in survival and life expectancy, maintaining the patients' sexual function is important for their well-being and quality of life,” they concluded.
—Michael Potts
Reference:
Pizzol D, Xiao T, Yang L, et al. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Published online May 1, 2020. Int J Impot Res. doi: 10.1038/s41443-020-0295-8