The predictive value of red cell distribution width on erectile dysfunction

Abstract

Red cell distribution width (RDW), one of the biomarkers used to measure vascular ageing, is known to correspond with cardiovascular diseases. As coronary artery disease and erectile dysfunction (ED) are both caused by the same shared pathophysiology, in this study, we compared the RDW values of men diagnosed with ED and those of healthy controls. Ninety‐nine patients who were diagnosed with ED were included in the study. The control group consists of 100 men who presented to our outpatient clinic. Patients' fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly higher in men diagnosed with ED. While the mean RDW value was 13.49 ± 1.52 in men with ED, it was 12.91 ± 1.13 in the control group. When RDW values were compared between the two groups, the RDW values of men with ED were found to be statistically significantly higher. Multivariate analyses showed that only the patients' body mass index, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (HDL‐C), TG/HDL‐C ratio and RDW levels' relationship with ED was statistically significant. Although some studies have shown that RDW may be related to some diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer, this appears to be the first study demonstrating a relationship between RDW and ED. RDW can be utilised as a predictor for the determination of the presence and monitoring of the severity of ED.

Concentrations of Bioelements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr, Mg, Mn) in Serum and Bone Tissue of Aging Men Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: Implications for Erectile Dysfunction

“…Fe deficiency can lead to anemia, potentially reducing blood flow to the penis and impeding the ability to achieve an erection. A 2019 study found higher red cell distribution width (RDW) levels in men with erectile dysfunction compared to the control group, suggesting that RDW values may be a useful predictor for identifying and monitoring ED severity [54]. Some studies also propose that severely low testosterone levels are a common finding in cases of severe Fe overload, potentially contributing to erectile dysfunction [55].…”

The relationship of erectile dysfunction severity with nocturnal blood pressure pattern and RDW

“…[3][4][5] Red blood cell width distribution (RDW) is an emerging area of interest that may provide insights into the relationship between ED and systemic vascular health. [6][7] Early diagnosis of any underlying medical conditions contributing to ED is crucial for successful treatment. This article explores the intricate connections between ED, HT, and RDW and how these factors interrelate and influence men's health.…”

The role of erythrocyte distribution width in predicting poor outcomes in geriatric patients with acute pancreatitis

“…2,9 Red cell distribution width (RDW), which may increase due to inflammation, ischemia, and hypoxia, is a measure of the mean corpuscular/erythrocyte volume calculated using the standard deviation of erythrocyte volume heterogeneity. 10,11 Some studies have previously been conducted to evaluate the association of RDW with a poor prognosis in patients with pancreatitis, mostly comparing patients with pancreatitis with patients without pancreatitis. 2,6,9,[12][13][14] The relationship of RDW with mortality was also investigated in patients with acute coronary syndrome, acute appendicitis with inflammation similar to acute pancreatitis, infective diseases such as COVID-19, and malignancies.…”