Hyperuricemia significantly associated with erectile dysfunction in T2DM patients: Study

There has not been much evidence on whether and to what extent an association exists between hyperuricemia and erectile dysfunction (ED).

A study was conducted by a group of researchers from the University of L'Aquila to define pooled prevalence estimates and correlates of ED in men with hyperuricemic disorders.

The researchers performed a thorough search of Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were performed. Data were combined using random-effects models and the between-study heterogeneity was assessed by the Cochrane's Q and I2 tests. Funnel plot was used to assess publication bias.

The results of the study are as follows:

Overall, 8 studies included gave information about 85,406 hyperuricemic men, of whom 5,023 complained of erectile dysfunction (ED), resulting in a pooled erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence estimate of 33%.

The funnel plot suggested the presence of a publication bias. At the meta-regression analyses, among the available covariates that could affect estimates, only type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED).

At the sub-group analysis, the pooled erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence decreased to 4% when only the largest studies with the lowest prevalence of type-2 diabetes (T2DM) were included and increased up to 50% when the analysis was restricted to studies enrolling smaller series with higher prevalence of type-2 diabetes (T2DM).

The researchers concluded that a not negligible proportion of men with hyperuricemia can complain of erectile dysfunction (ED). While a pathogenetic contribution of circulating uric acid in endothelial dysfunction cannot be ruled out, the evidence of a stronger association between hyperuricemia and erectile dysfunction (ED) in type-2 diabetes (T2DM) points to hyperuricemia as a marker of systemic dysmetabolic disorders adversely affecting erectile function.

Reference:

A study titled. "Erectile dysfunction in hyperuricemia: A prevalence meta-analysis and meta-regression study" by M. Totaro,S published in the Andrology.

https://doi.org/10.1111/andr.13088