SAT0327 SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN FEMALE SCLERODERMA PATIENTS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH VASCULAR INVOLVEMENT

Abstract

Background:Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma, SSc) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by multi-organ dysfunction, which ultimately leads to multiple clinical and psychological complications. Among various complications of scleroderma, sexual dysfunction can be named as a major issue in both male and female patients, which has great impact on quality of life of the patients.Objectives:Investigating the sexual dysfunction in scleroderma patients and its relation to their vascular involvements.Methods:A case control study was done on 80 married female scleroderma patients with age between 20-60 years old. Eighty normal individuals adjusted for age, place of living and socioeconomic status were also recruited. Sexual performance in both groups was assessed using FSFI standardized questionnaire, which evaluated it in 6 domains of desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. Micro and macro-vascular involvements of the patients were also determined using Raynaud Condition Score, Echocardiography, physical exam for assessing their digital ulcers and reviewing their medical records for presence of past or present history of renal crisis and thromboembolic events.Results:The total score of FSFI in the case group was significantly lower compared to control one (16.68 ± 6.35, 19.69 ± 6.01, P-value <0.001). The score was significantly lower in all domains of sexual dysfunction except for pain and lubrication. Moreover, the mean score of FSFI was also found to be significantly lower in limited form of the disease compared to diffuse one (14.6 ± 6.9, 18.1 ± 5.5, P-value 0.01). No significant association was found between vascular complications and sexual impairment of the scleroderma patients.Conclusion:This study can be named as the first survey investigating the sexual dysfunction in Iranian female scleroderma patients and assessing its relation with vascular complication of the disease. Thus, it can be a guide for future studies on sexual dysfunction especially in societies with cultural limitations in discussing this issue.