Fri0344 sexual Function in German Women With Systemic Sclerosis Compared to Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematodes and Evaluation of a Screening Test

Abstract

BackgroundFew studies have been conducted to address the impact of systemic lupus erythematodes (SLE) or systemic sclerosis (SSc) on sexual function (1,2), and so far none in Germany.ObjectivesTo assess and compare sexual dysfunction (SDF) in female patients with SLE or SSc, to correlate sexual function with disease characteristics and depression, and to evaluate a short questionnaire (Qualisex) as a screening test.MethodsFemale patients with systemic lupus erythematodes or systemic sclerosis in two German tertiary university hospitals were evaluated with a self-designed questionnaire on various sexual and gynaecological aspects, a 19-item version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the 9-item questionnaire Qualisex, and the Beck’s depression inventory in a prospective study.Results171 female patients were included into the study. Among them 83 suffered from SSc (mean age 48.50 years), and 88 from SLE (mean age 39.65 years). Organ involvement and immunosuppressive medication was frequent in both groups. 34.9% of SSc patients and 28.4% of SLE patients ever received cyclophosphamide. Disease duration was significantly longer in SLE patients (13.17 vs 9.85 years in SSc patients, p=0.021). No significant differences between SSc and SLE were found as to educational background, BDI depression categories, marital status, or number of children. Only 9.6% of SSc patients and 14.8% of SLE patients had ever discussed sexual problems with their physician, whereas 52% of all patients thought that these were relevant in relation to their disease. Significantly more SSc patients would wish to discuss sexuality with their physician more intensively (37.3% vs 28.4% in SLE patients, p=0.011). 79.5% of SSc patients and 79.4% of SLE patients were in a constant relationship; 62.6% (52 of 83) of SSc patients and 67.0% (59 of 88) of SLE patients were sexually active. Impeding factors like vaginal stenosis, sicca, impaired mobility of pelvis, or pain did not differ significantly between SSc and SLE. Among the 51 sexually active and evaluable SSc patients a mean FSFI of 25.53 (±5.06) was found, with a FSFI value below the cut off defining SDF (<26.55) in 49% of patients, which did not differ significantly compared to SLE patients (n=59, mean FSFI 26.92 (±5.17), SDF in 45.8%). More patients who suffered from SDF had at least mild depression defined by BDI than patients without SDF (71.2% vs. 46.4%, p=0.016). SSc patients showed a numerically better Qualisex than SLE patients (2.98 (±2.24) vs. 3.16 (±2.45) with 0 meaning no impairment and 10 severe impairment). The Qualisex correlated significantly with the FSFI (r=-0.367; p<0.001) with numerically better correlation in SSc patients (r=-0.407, p=0.001 vs r=-0.340, p=0.004).ConclusionSexual Dysfunction (SDF) is a frequent problem in female patients with SSc and SLE. Frequency and nature are comparable between the two entities. Addressing sexual issues during medical consultation is an unmet need. The Qualisex constitutes a short questionnaire, which is suitable for SDF screening.Refe...

Erectile function and connective tissue diseases. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in German men with systemic sclerosis compared to other connective tissue diseases and healthy subjects

“…Our study confirms age as an important risk factor for ED development in SSc patients (25). In addition to ED and SDF in men, another study showed that women with SSc and SLE were also more likely to experience SDF (27). Furthermore, our study shows for the first time an association between SSc severity in terms of mRSS, telangiectasia, gastrointestinal and cardiac manifestations and ED.…”

The Effect of Sexual Counseling Based on EX‑PLISSIT Model on Improving the Sexual Function of Married Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…This was the first study conducted based of the EX-PLISSIT model on women with SLE in Iran. As for validating these findings in this study, we could refer to the studies conducted by Behboodi Moghadam et al and Schmalzing et al [ 27 , 28 ]. Results of other studies conducted in the world showed that EX-PLISSIT model-based sexual counseling decreased the sexual problems of women with other chronic diseases [ 19 – 21 , 29 ].…”

“…Our findings revealed the positive effect of sexual counseling on sexual function and all its six subscales in the married women with SLE. Of course, the average total sexual [27,28]. Results of other studies conducted in the world showed that EX-PLISSIT model-based sexual counseling decreased the sexual problems of women with other chronic diseases [19][20][21]29].…”

Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction in People With Systemic Sclerosis and the Associated Risk Factors: A Systematic Review

“…Some studies report that patients with SSc might suffer sexual dysfunction in higher proportions, but there is little persuasive evidence on this issue, although such evidence would be significant for improving the quality of life of patients with SSc. 11 , 15 , 22 , 25 , 26 , 29 , 40 …”