Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2010) 22 P151

1Andrology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; 2Diabetes Section Geriatric Unit, Department of Critical Care, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; 3Epidemiological Unit, Azienda Sanitaria Locale 10, Florence, Italy; 4Endocrinology Unit, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy; 5Urology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; 6Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Florence, Italy.


Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) and, in particular, arteriogenic ED have been proposed as new markers of risk for incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Reduced penile blood flow is more common in obese people than in leaner ED subjects. The aim of this study is to explore the interaction of overweight/obesity and penile blood flow in the prediction of incident MACE.

Methods: This is an observational prospective cohort study evaluating a consecutive series of 1687 patients attending our Andrological Unit for ED. Different clinical, biochemical and instrumental (penile flow at color doppler ultrasound: PCDU) parameters were evaluated. According to body mass index (BMI) subjects were divided into three groups: normal weight (BMI=18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI=25.0–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI≥30.0 kg/m2). Information on MACE was obtained through the City of Florence Registry Office.

Results: Among patients studied, 39.8% were normal weight, while 44.1 and 16.1% showed BMI 25–29.9 and 30 kg/m2 or higher, respectively. During a mean follow-up of 4.3±2.6 years, 139 MACE, 15 of which were fatal, were observed. Cox regression model, after adjusting for age and Chronic Diseases Score, showed that obesity classes along with the presence of arteriogenic ED (peak systolic velocity at PCDU <25 cm/s) were significantly and independently associated with incident MACE (HR=1.47(1.1–1.95), P<0.05 and 2.58(1.28–5.09); P<0.001, respectively). When a separate analysis was performed for classes of obesity, reduced peak systolic velocity at PCDU (<25 cm/s) was significantly associated with incident MACE in obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), but not in leaner, subjects.

Conclusions: In obese subjects, more than in leaner ED subjects, impaired penile blood flow is associated with an increased risk of incident cardiovascular disease. The interaction with concomitant risk factors, such as obesity, should be taken into account when assessing the predictive value of penile blood flow for cardiovascular diseases.

Article tools

My recent searches

No recent searches.