Can the severity of erectile dysfunction be predicted by the change in plasma viscosity

Puede predecirse la gravedad de la disfunción eréctil mediante el cambio en la viscosidad del plasma

Background: We aimed to contribute to the literature by exploring the possible relationship of PV with erectile dysfunction (ED), as in atherosclerosis-based vascular diseases. Methods: Between October 2021 and December 2022, 99 patients who applied to the urology polyclinic with a complaint of ED were included in the study (Group 1). Fifty-two patients who applied with a complaint other than ED constituted the control group (Group 2). Results: While 52 participants with normal erectile function were included as controls, 17 participants had mild ED, 24 had mild-moderate ED, 31 had moderate ED, and 27 had severe ED. PV (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), glycated hemoglobin level (p < 0.001), and rate of coronary artery disease (p = 0.028) were significantly higher in Group 1. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was significantly lower in Group 1 (p = 0.001). A negative correlation was found between IIEF score and PV (p < 0.001), whereas a positive correlation was found between PV and age (p = 0.023). Logistic regression analyses revealed that plasma viscosity (p < 0.001) and age (p < 0.001) were predictive of ED. The cut-off value for PV was 1.12 mPas with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.808 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.734–0.883) and it predicted ED with 72% sensitivity and 74% specificity. The cut-off value for age was 47.5 years and it predicted ED with 56% sensitivity and 90%specificity (AUC: 0.807, 95% CI: 0.738–0.877). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, PV is higher in patients with ED, negatively correlated with IIEF score, and predictive of ED. PV measurements may be useful in supporting the diagnosis of ED and evaluating its severity.

Resumen

Antecedentes: Nuestro objetivo era contribuir a la literatura explorando la posible relación de la viscosidad plasmática (VP) con la disfunción eréctil (DE), como en las enfermedades vasculares basadas en la aterosclerosis. Métodos: Entre octubre de 2021 y diciembre de 2022, se incluyeron en el estudio 99 pacientes que solicitaron atención en la policlínica de urología con una queja de DE (Grupo 1). Cincuenta y dos pacientes que solicitaron atención con una queja relacionada con la DE constituyeron el grupo de control (Grupo 2). Resultados: Mientras que 52 participantes con función eréctil normal fueron incluidos como controles, 17 participantes tenían DE leve, 24 tenían DE leve-moderada, 31 tenían DE moderada y 27 tenían DE grave. VP (p < 0.001, edad (p < 0.001), glucemia en ayunas (p < 0.001), nivel de hemoglobina glucosilada (p < 0.001) y tasa de enfermedad arterial coronaria (p = 0.028) fueron significativamente mayores en el Grupo 1. El colesterol unido a lipoproteinas de alta densidad (HDL) fue significativamente menor en el Grupo 1 (p = 0.001). Se encontró una correlación negativa entre la puntuación IIEF y VP (p < 0.001), mientras que se encontró una correlación positiva entre VP y edad (p = 0.023). Los análisis de regresión logística revelaron que la viscosidad plasmática (p < 0.001) y la edad (p < 0.001) fueron predictivas de la DE. El valor de corte para VP fue de 1.12 mPas con área bajo la curva (AUC) de 0.808 (intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%: 0.734–0.883) y predijo la DE con una sensibilidad del 72% y una especificidad del 74%. El valor de corte para la edad fue de 47.5 años y predijo la DE con una sensibilidad del 56% y una especificidad del 90% (AUC: 0.807, IC del 95%: 0.738–0.877). Conclusiones: Según los resultados de este estudio, la VP es mayor en pacientes con DE, se correlaciona negativamente con la puntuación del IIEF y es predictiva de la DE. Las mediciones de VP pueden ser útiles para respaldar el diagnóstico de la DE y evaluar su gravedad.

Erectile dysfunction; International index of erectile function; Plasma viscosity

Palabras Clave

Disfunción eréctil; Índice internacional de la función eréctil; Viscosidad plasmática

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