Research Information System
Archivos espanoles de urologia, vol.78, no.8, pp.1037-1044, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) and sarcopenia share common risk factors, particularly advanced age. This study aimed to assess the effect of sarcopenia on ED treatment outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted, involving patients receiving ED treatment from six different centres. Sarcopenia was evaluated using the Strength, Assistance with walking, Rise from a chair, Climb stairs and Falls (SARC-F) questionnaire, the 30-Second Chair Stand Test, and the 4-Meter Walk Test. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to assess ED severity. The treatment response in patients regularly using phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for ED was analysed in relation to sarcopenia. RESULTS: The study included 137 patients (mean age = 54.91 ± 12.46 years) who regularly used PDE5i. Sarcopenia suspicion was present in 15.33% (n = 21) of patients. Those with suspected sarcopenia were older (mean age = 64.62 ± 5.83 years) and had lower baseline IIEF scores (8.76 ± 3.57) than patients without suspected sarcopenia (p < 0.001 for both). Whilst the IIEF scores significantly increased after PDE5i treatment in patients without suspected sarcopenia (from 11.64 ± 4.82 to 17.28 ± 5.70; p < 0.001), the increase was not significant in those with suspected sarcopenia (from 8.76 ± 3.57 to 9.81 ± 5.14; p = 0.283). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia may contribute to a poor response to ED treatment, particularly in older patients. It could be a significant factor in ED treatment resistance, especially at an advanced age.