Intima‐media thickness of carotid arteries and erectile dysfunction in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in hemodialysis (HD) is extremely high. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between the intima-media thickness of carotid arteries and ED in HD patients. The survey was organized as a cross-sectional study in men aged up to 65 years, in the HD. All respondents voluntarily completed the questionnaire of the International Index of Erectile Function-5, adjusted for the Serbian language, verified routine laboratory analysis, calculated body mass index, demographic structure, duration of dialysis, the presence of hepatotropic viruses and erythropoietin therapy, smoking and drinking alcohol, determined the quality of HD, verified significantly comorbidities and measured the intima-media thickness of carotid artery using the Doppler method. The prevalence of ED in our study was 82.2%. Erectile dysfunction significantly more prevalent in older (P = 0.001) and obese patients (P = 0.047). It is significantly represented in patients with cardiovascular disease (P = 0.006), in those who consume alcohol (P = 0.04) and patients with higher values of intima-media thickness of carotid arteries (P = 0.007). Spearman's coefficient of linear correlation (ρ=-0.34, P=0.006) and linear regression (b=-2.02, P<0.001) indicated a negative association between intima-media thickness and the International Index of Erectile Function score. The prevalence of ED in our patients was 82.2%, more common in older and obese patients, a significant determinant of alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease. Increased thickness of the intima media of the carotid arteries was associated with a higher incidence of ED.