#6754 the effect of reduced renal function on sexual dysfunction in patients with heart failure

Abstract Background and Aims Sexual Dysfunction is a common and often undiagnosed complication in patients with Heart Failure (HF) or Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Sexual dysfunction presents a strong association with cardiovascular disease and death. This study aims to evaluate the possible effect of reduced renal function on sexual dysfunction in patients with heart failure. Method This is a prospective case-control study in patients with Hearth Failure (clinical diagnosis based on relevant symptoms and/or signs) with preserved or reduced renal function, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60 and <60 ml/min/1.73 m2, matched for age (± 5 years). The eGFR was calculated with the CKD-EPI equation. Sexual dysfunction was evaluated with the validated Female Sexual Function Index Scoring (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires in the native language. Results A total of 214 (107 per group) patients were included in this study. Patients’ age 74.10±8.97 vs 75.81±8.66; P = .157), gender (males: 65.4% vs 57.9%; P = .261) and BMI (28.10±4.90 vs 28.99±4.43; P = .164) were not different between the two study groups. In total population, sexual dysfunction was lower in patients with eGFR≥60 compared to <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (75.7% vs 88.8%; P = .012). In females, no significant differences were evidenced in sexual dysfunction based on FSFI score <26.0 (91.9% vs 95.6%; P = .490). In contrast, males with preserved renal function had lower prevalence of sexual dysfunction (IIEF<22) compared to those with reduced renal function (67.1% vs 83.9%; P = .027). In regression analysis eGFR was an independent factor associated with sexual dysfunction. Conclusion Renal dysfunction may be an important factor predisposing heart failure patients to more frequent sexual dysfunction.