Can platelets be the early biomarkers of erectile dysfunction?

Abstract

Objective: To assess the relationship between erectile dysfunction and platelet count and other platelet indices. Methods: The case-control study was done at Hitit University Erol Olcok Training and Research Hospital, Turkey, and comprised patient data between January 2014 and September 2016 that was compared with age-matched controls with no history of erectile dysfunction who were randomly chosen from patients attending the urology clinic. Platelet count and other platelet indices were measured in both cases and healthy controls. Erectile status of the patients was evaluated by using International Index of Erectile Function- 5 questionnaire. Results: There were 203 cases and 102 controls. The mean Index scores of the cases was 12.86±4.55 and that of the controls was 24.65±3.25 (p<0.001). Platelet levels were higher in cases than controls (p<0.001). But there was no statistically significant difference between the groups according to mean platelet volume values (p=0.309). Conclusion: Platelet values can be used as an early biomarker for erectile dysfunction. © 2018, Pakistan Medical Association. All rights reserved.