No abstract

Introduction: Sexual function is often impaired in patients with chronic illnesses. Several patients with chronic gastrointestinal and liver disorders have been shown to suffer from sexual dysfunction, and celiac disease is a highly prevalent gastroenterological disorder. Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate the sexual function incidence and the risk factors for sexual dysfunction in both male and female celiac disease patients. Methods: Two hundred and eighty-four patients (170 females, 114 males) participated in this cross-sectional observational study in an anonymous manner. Female sexual function was assessed through the Female Sexual Function Index questionnaire. Male sexual function was assessed through the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. Clinical-demographic variables were recorded. We investigated differences in the patient-reported outcomes among the different subgroups and whether there were clinical-demographic predictors of sexual dysfunction in our setting. Main outcome measures: Prevalence and assessment of sexual dysfunction in celiac disease patients.Results: In the female group, 85 subjects (50%) had a total score compatible with sexual dysfunction: 43 (61.42%) showed low desire, 79 (46.47%) showed arousal disorder, 66 (38.82%) lubrication disorder, and 84 (49.41%) inability of obtaining an orgasm. Also, a large proportion of our female patients, 161 (94.70%), showed sexual discomfort during intercourse. In the male group, 79 patients (62.2%) showed scores compatible with normal erectile function, eight (7.01%) had mild erectile dysfunction, 24 (21.05%) mild to moderate erectile dysfunction, and three (2.63%) presented severe erectile dysfunction. Altered body mass index was significantly associated with sexual dysfunction both in male and female patients. Early age at diagnosis was a significant predictor of sexual dysfunction in male celiac disease patients.

No abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, decisions were taken adopting restrictive legislative measures, such as the first half of 2020 lockdown. In those months, patients with inflammatory bowel disease have experienced social isolation and reduced access to health care. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate, in this condition, the presence of remission subgroups that were most impacted by the lockdown. Methods: In the midst of the first Italian lockdown, we recruited patients with remission inflammatory bowel disease administering an online questionnaire including patient demographics, the Beck Anxiety questionnaire Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, all validated standardized questionnaires for anxiety symptom levels, depression and sleep quality. Results: Our results showed how female patients (p<0.0001) with Crohn’s disease (p<0.001) experienced worse levels of anxiety symptoms. Female patients (p<0.0001), between 50 and 60 years of age (p=0.013) and with Crohn’s disease (p=0.047) experienced worse levels of depressive symptoms. Females experienced significantly worse sleep levels (p<0.001). We found a correlation between the number of sleeping hours (p<0.001) and the time taken to fall asleep (p<0.001) and the Beck Anxiety questionnaire Inventory with a linear worsening of the number of minutes taken to sleep as well as with the Beck Depression Inventory questionnaire. Conclusion: Among patients with inflammatory bowel disease in remission, female patients, patients with Crohn’s disease, and aged between 50 and 70 years should be considered for screening for anxiety and depression disorders and for an assessment of sleep quality.

No abstract