Impact of metabolic syndrome on erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients

Abstract

Introduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among metabolic syndrome (MetS), erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Methods. Our study included 106 patients with BPH, 33 (31.1%) of whom had MetS. Blood pressures, waist circumferences, serum levels of fasting blood glucose, high density lipoprotein and triglyceride of patients were recorded. Erectile functions of the patients were evaluated by International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Patients were divided into two groups according to IIEF scores, namely "mild/no ED" and "moderate/severe ED". IIEF scores of ED groups were between 17 and 30 and 6-16 in turn. LUTS severities were assessed by International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and classified as mild (IPSS 0-7), moderate (IPSS 8-19) and severe (IPSS 20-35). Results. There was a significant difference between ED groups concerning MetS presence (p = 0.032). MetS presence was not found to be associated with the severity of LUTS (p = 0.144). There was no correlation between ED groups regarding LUTS severity (p = 0.303). Conclusion. Results of the present study showed a correlation between MetS presence and ED. In the light of our results, MetS seems to play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of ED in patients with BPH. © 2010 Informa UK, Ltd.