Laboratory evaluations of erectile dysfunction: an evidence based approach.
OBJECTIVE
We evaluate the prevalence of laboratory abnormalities in men presenting for initial evaluation and therapy of erectile dysfunction.


METHODS
The computerized charts of men receiving treatment for erectile dysfunction from 1987 to 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. We pooled laboratory data for 3,547 men with erectile dysfunction to assess the prevalence of laboratory abnormalities. Values of the common laboratory screening tests for erectile dysfunction were recorded for testosterone, prolactin, luteinizing hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, hemoglobin A(Ic), prostate specific antigen, hemoglobin, cholesterol and creatinine.


RESULTS
Of those patients evaluated 18.7% had low testosterone, 4.6% had increased prolactin, 14.6% had abnormal luteinizing hormone, 4.0% had increased thyroid-stimulating hormone, 8.3% had increased prostate specific antigen, 26.5% had anemia and 11.9% tested had renal insufficiency. A high percentage of patients presenting with a primary complaint of erectile dysfunction had increased hemoglobin A(Ic) and total serum cholesterol levels (52.9% and 48.4%, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
An evidence based approach to standardization of laboratory evaluations for men presenting with erectile dysfunction is recommended. Laboratory screening should be directed to identify those risk factors that may benefit from lifestyle modification and pharmacological intervention.
Bodie
Joshua
J
University of Minnesota and the VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Lewis
Jean
J
Schow
Doug
D
Monga
Manoj
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D013972:Thyrotropin / Q000097:blood
D002784:Cholesterol; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D006065:Gonadotropins, Pituitary; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen; D013739:Testosterone; D013972:Thyrotropin