Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is associated with cardiovascular events. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a cardiovascular risk marker. The aim of this study is to determine whether hsCRP is useful in evaluating ED. Methods: In 121 patients with ED, age, ED type and severity, time since onset of ED, weight, height, BMI, body fat percentage, waist and hip circumference, hsCRP and hormone profile were studied. Patients were classified as low or moderate-high cardiovascular risk based on hsCRP levels. A descriptive and univariate study was performed. A logistic regression was used to establish factors associated with low versus moderate-high cardiovascular risk and hsCRP. Results: Most patients had moderate-severe ED (70%). 74% had a moderate-high cardiovascular risk based on hsCRP levels, and 33.9 and 34.7% had hypogonadism according to total (TT) and free testosterone. In the univariate analysis, a relationship between hsCRP and TT and physical examination variables was observed (p < 0.05). In the multivariate analysis, TT was found to be a predictor (OR: 0.676; 95% CI: 0.491-0.029). Higher cardiovascular risk was found in the hypogonadic group (OR: 5.51; 95% CI: 1.185-25.662) and waist- to-hip ratio (p = 0.008; OR: 1.361; 95% CI: 1.075-1.612). Conclusions: A majority of patients with ED have high cardiovascular risk based on hsCRP levels and there is an association with hypogonadism and obesity.

Keywords:
Inflammation, Erectile dysfunction, Metabolic syndrome
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© 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel
2013
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