Erectile dysfunction in patients with haemophilia

Abstract

Introduction Patients with haemophilia (PWH) are experiencing a nearly normal life span with safe factor replacement therapy and effective antiviral treatments for co‐infections. As a result, many ageing‐related health issues are starting to emerge. One rarely discussed health issue is erectile dysfunction (ED). ED can affect overall well‐being and predict future cardiac events, but is not well studied in PWH. Aim This prospective study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors for ED in PWH using the validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire. Methods Patients with haemophilia A and B at all severities were invited to participate in IIEF questionnaire at the provincial Hemophilia Treatment Centre. Risk factors for ED including cardiovascular risk factors, prior surgeries, viral infections, medications and haemophilia‐specific factors were obtained. Fasting laboratory tests including but not limited to renal function, haemoglobin, lipid profile, glucose and CRP were performed the same day. Blood pressure and anthropomorphic indices were measured. Endothelial function was assessed by brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (FMD and hyperaemic velocity time integral [VTI]). Results Out of the 56 subjects approached, 44 completed the IIEF. Median age was 49 years. About 38.6% of the cohort reported ED symptoms. There was no significant difference in endothelial function measured by FMD and VTI between patient with ED and without. IIEF score correlated with age in multivariable analysis. Conclusion Erectile dysfunction symptoms appear prevalent in PWH, particularly in the older group. This disorder along with the underlying causes needs to be explored further in future larger observational study.

Erectile dysfunction among Thai patients with COVID-19 infection

“…The study about ED prevalence during hospitalization was lacking. Many previous studies reported the number of ED in patients with stable and chronic diseases, which depended on different diagnoses (38.6-82%) (27)(28)(29)(30)(31).…”