Hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing hemodialysis

Abstract

Objective: To know the profile of Hypogonadism and Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis studied. Method: The case-control study was the Case group, consisting of patients with CKD on hemodialysis (INEFRO) and the Control group by patients under outpatient follow-up. The Androgenic Deficiency in Aging Males (ADAM) and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires were applied, and the following clinical examinations were performed: orchidometry, analysis of hair distribution, gynecomastia and BMI. Results: ADAM’s mean score was 4.2 points (case) and 1.9 points (control). In the Case group 60% have observed decreased libido and 70% perceived that the erections are less vigorous. In the Control group, prevalence decreased to 30% in both questions. In the analysis of IIEF-5, the mean score was 16.63 (case) and 19.93 (control). 60% of patients in the Case group and 50% of the Control group have some degree of ED. Gynecomastia was evaluated in 20% (case) and 7% (control). The orchidometry of the Case group revealed prevalence in 53.33% of testicular volume 3 patients of the orchidometer. In the control group, the most prevalent measure was 4, found in half of the patients (50%). Conclusions: Through the questionnaires applied in both groups with similar mean ages, it can be inferred that patients in the Case group experienced earlier, throughout the dialysis process, a direct impact on sexual quality, with decreased libido and difficulty in the reaction when compared to the Control group.

Hypogonadism in hemodialysis patients: a first snapshot of prevalence and predictive factors in Tunisian patients

“…According to literature data focusing on prolactin levels in HD patients, the increase of that hormone is a common feature in HD patients. As kidneys play a limited role in prolactin catabolism, the observed increase in prolactin levels could be explained by an excess of secretion by pituitary cells [ 26 ].…”