[Metabolic syndrome and erectile dysfunction].

Aim: To study aspects of erectile dysfunction (ED) pathogenesis in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and its diagnosis.

Material And Methods: Epidemiology of ED in MS patients was studied by determination of MS prevalence among patients with organic ED (MS diagnosis according to NCEP/ATP III criteria), questionnaire assessment of erectile function in MS patients observed by the cardiologist or therapist. ED patients with MS (n = 385) entered the study group. Patients with organic ED free of MS (n = 210) entered the control group. A complex andrologic examination was made to analyse vascular, neurological and hormonal disorders.

Results: About 46.4% patients with organic ED had clinical symptoms of MS while 57.02% patients with MS had ED. In the study group ED arose earlier than in the controls (43.46 +/- 9.87 and 50.38 +/- 13.35 years, respectively; p < 0.05) and stood longer (6.36 +/- 4.13 and 3.55 +/- 3.27 years; p < 0.05). From the study group half of the patients had severe ED. Among the controls cases of severe ED were 2 times less frequent. ED in MS was primarily of arteriogenic nature. Blood androgens levels were subnormal in 36.36% patients, neurogenic disorders occurred in 42.2% cases. Endothelial dysfunction was a leading pathogenetic mechanism of ED development in MS.

Conclusion: MS patients often have ED. The presence of MS entails a severe course and earlier onset of ED.