Erectile dysfunction in hemodialysis patients at CNHU-HKM of Cotonou: Epidemiological profile

Objective: To study the epidemiological profile of erectile dysfunction (ED) in hemodialysis patients at CNHU. Materials and methods: This was a descriptive crosssectional study conducted by the team of Urology with the hemodialysis unit of University Hospital of Cotonou on 58 hemodialysis patients. The abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) was used for the assessment of ED. A pre-established questionnaire was used to gather data on the epidemiological profile of patients. Results: Patients ranged in age from 27 to 78 years with a mean age of 56.3 years. 96.6% of our patients were married and 10.3% of them were polygamous. The etiology of chronic renal failure (CRF) was: high blood pressure with a poor follow-up in 87.9% and diabetes in 12.1%. The ED prevalence was 75.9% including 29.3% of severe ED. Some etiological factors were found with regard to ED, such as alcoholism (36.2%) and tobacco use (12.1%). ED was present in 9.1% of patients before the discovery of kidney failure, and 72.7% of patients said they had found ED with the onset of dialysis. For 39 patients (88.6%) ED would have increased during dialysis sessions. Sexual problems were associated with a decreased libido in 25% of patients (11/44) and premature ejaculation in 34.1% (15/44). Hypotension was noted in 25% of patients (11/44). Hyperglycemia was found in 22.7% (10/44). Conclusion: ED, a common complication occurring on lands of chronic renal failure, has a negative impact on the quality of sexuality in our hemodialysis patients. A support for this disorder should improve the quality of life of the latter. © 2012 SALF et Springer-Verlag France.