Associations of Self-Reported Erectile Function with Non-Invasive Measurements of Endothelial Function: A Preliminary Study

Purpose: To evaluate the association of self-reported erectile function and endothelial function using the EndoPAT device.

Materials and methods: We prospectively enrolled 76 men (age≥40 years) after obtaining a complete medical history and a self-reported questionnaire (International Index of Erectile Function-5 [IIEF-5], SEP Q2, Q3). Endothelial function was noninvasively measured with an EndoPAT 2000, recorded as the reactive hyperemia index (RHI), and analyzed according to the patients' baseline characteristics.

Results: The mean patient age and IIEF-5 score were 62.50±8.56 years and 11.20±6.36, respectively. In comparing the RHI according to erectile dysfunction (ED) risk factors, the RHI was significantly lower in older subjects (p=0.004). There was no difference in the RHI according to age, body mass index, waist circumference, obesity, smoking habit, or other comorbidities. When the subjects were divided into four groups according to the severity of ED, no statistical differences in the RHI value were found among the groups. There was no difference in IIEF-5 according to the RHI when categorized according to the normal cutoff value or quartile ranges. The second subdomain of IIEF-5 (erection firmness) was significantly correlated with the RHI value (R=0.309, p=0.007); however, this was not the case with the other IIEF-5 subdomains. Self-assessment showed a tendency toward a negative correlation with the RHI value (R=-0.202, p=0.080).

Conclusions: The role of endothelial function measurement by the EndoPAT in the evaluation and management of ED patients remains inconclusive. However, further studies are needed to validate the role of endothelial function measurement, by the EndoPAT or any other device.