Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology
Endocrine Abstracts (2011) 26 P557

ECE2011 Poster Presentations Cardiovascular endocrinology and lipid metabolism (34 abstracts)

Prolactin levels independently predict major cardiovascular events in patients with erectile dysfunction

Giovanni Corona 1, , Giulia Rastrelli 1 , Valentina Boddi 1 , Matteo Monami 4 , Alessandra Sforza 2 , Gianni Forti 3 , Edoardo Mannucci 4 & Mario Maggi 1


1Andrology and Sexual Medicine Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; 2Endocrinology Unit, Azienda Usl di Bologna, Ospedale Maggiore, Bologna, Italy; 3Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; 4Diabetes Section Geriatric Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.


Introduction: We previously reported that in subjects consulting for sexual dysfunction lower PRL plasma levels were associated with worse lipid and glycemic profile, as well as with a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome and arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). To assess possible associations between PRL levels and incident major cardiovascular events (MACE) in subjects with ED.

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 parameters were evaluated. Information on MACE was obtained through the City of Florence Registry Office.

Results: When only subjects without pathological hyperprolactinemia (PRL <735 mU/l or 35 ng/ml) and pituitary diseases were considered both unadjusted and adjusted analysis showed a significantly lower incidence of MACE in subjects with PRL levels in the highest PRL quintile (246–735 mU/l or 12–35 ng/ml) when compared to the rest of the sample. In particular, the risk of MACE was reduced by 5% (1–9%; P=0.03) for each 10 ng/ml increment of PRL. Conversely, comparing patients with hyperprolactinemia to matched controls, no significant difference was detected between cases and controls in MACE.

Conclusions: In subjects at high risk for cardiovascular diseases, such as those with ED, a relatively high PRL plasma level is associated with an overall decreased chance of MACE, independently from other known risk factors.

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