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. 2020 Apr 22:18:eAO5070.
doi: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2020AO5070. eCollection 2020.

Prevalence of priapism in individuals with sickle cell disease and implications on male sexual function

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Mateus Andrade Alvaia  1 , Heros Aureliano Antunes da Silva Maia  1 , Alana de Medeiros Nelli  1 , Carina Oliveira Silva Guimarães  1 , Evanilda Souza de Santana Carvalho  1 , José Murillo Bastos Netto  2 , Eduardo de Paula Miranda  3 , Cristiano Mendes Gomes  4 , José de Bessa Júnior  1
Affiliations

Prevalence of priapism in individuals with sickle cell disease and implications on male sexual function

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Mateus Andrade Alvaia et al. Einstein (Sao Paulo). .

Abstract
in English, Portuguese

Objective: To evaluate epidemiological aspects of priapism in patients with sickle cell disease, and these aspects impact on adult sexual function.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study including individuals with sickle cell disease who were evaluated at a reference center for sickle cell. Participants completed a structured questionnaire about their sociodemographic characteristics and priapism events. Sexual function was assessed using validated two instruments, the Erection Hardness Score and one about the sex life satisfaction.

Results: Sixty-four individuals with median aged of 12 (7 to 28) years were interviewed. The prevalence of priapism was 35.9% (23/64). The earliest priapism episode occurred at 2 years of age and the latest at 42 years. The statistical projection was that 71.1% of individuals of the study would have at least one episode of priapism throughout life. Patients with episodes of priapism (10/23) had significantly worse erectile function Erection Hardness Score of 2 [1-3]; p=0.01 and were less satisfied with sexual life 3 [3-5]; p=0.02.

Conclusion: Priapism is usually present in childhood, and severe episodes are associated with cavernous damage, impairment in the quality of the erection, and lower sexual satisfaction.

Objetivo: Avaliar aspectos epidemiológicos do priapismo em pacientes com doença falciforme e o impacto desses aspectos na função sexual de adultos.

Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal, que incluiu indivíduos com doença falciforme acompanhados em um centro de referência. Os participantes responderam a um questionário estruturado acerca das características sociodemográficas e eventos de priapismo. A função sexual foi avaliada por meio de dois instrumentos validados, a Escala de Rigidez de Ereção e um sobre satisfação com a vida sexual.

Resultados: Foram entrevistados 64 indivíduos com média de idade de 12 (7-28) anos. A prevalência de priapismo foi de 35,9% (23/64). O episódio mais precoce ocorreu aos 2 anos de idade e o mais tardio, aos 42 anos. A projeção estatística foi de que 71,1% desses sujeitos teriam pelo menos um episódio de priapismo ao longo da vida. Pacientes adultos com episódios de priapismo (10/23) apresentaram função erétil significativamente pior Escala de Rigidez de Ereção de 2 [1-3]; p=0,01 e estavam menos satisfeitos com a vida sexual 3 [3-5]; p=0,02.

Conclusão: O priapismo manifesta-se desde a infância, e episódios graves estão associados a dano cavernoso, prejuízo na qualidade da ereção e menor satisfação sexual.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: none.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Tool for Erection Hardness Score assessment
Figure 2
Figure 2. Estimation of complication-free interval regarding priapism and prolonged erection in patients with sickle cell disease
Figure 3
Figure 3. Erection Hardness Scores in patients with sickle cell disease, priapism and prolonged erection
Figure 4
Figure 4. Satisfaction with sex life in the patients with sickle cell disease and priapism or prolonged erection
Figura 1
Figura 1. Ferramenta para avaliação da Escala de Rigidez de Ereção
Figura 2
Figura 2. Estimativa de intervalo livre de complicação em relação ao priapismo e à ereção prolongada em pacientes com doença falciforme
Figura 3
Figura 3. Escala de Rigidez de Ereção em pacientes com doença falciforme, priapismo e ereção prolongada
Figura 4
Figura 4. Satisfação com vida sexual em pacientes com doença falciforme, priapismo ou ereção prolongada
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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