Erectile dysfunction in male survivors of childhood cancer
Menée aux Etats-Unis par questionnaire auprès de 1 021 patients adultes ayant survécu à un cancer pendant l'enfance, cette étude analyse la présence de troubles de la fonction érectile et leur impact sur la qualité de vie
Male sexual dysfunction and its association with psychological and physical well-being have been underreported in childhood cancer survivors (CCSs). To our knowledge, this study provides the first data on a large population of systematically and clinically assessed CCSs, enumerating the prevalence and consequences of erectile dysfunction (ED) and identifying potential targets for intervention. This cross-sectional, single-institution study included male CCSs, 18 years or older, 10 years or more from diagnosis of childhood cancer who completed questionnaires on sexual health.1 In sexually active participants, mild to severe ED was defined by scores of 25 or less, using the validated, 6-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function.2 In non–sexually active participants, responses to items that queried problems achieving or sustaining an erection were used to characterize ED. Low total testosterone level was defined as morning serum concentrations less than 250 ng/dL (to convert to nanomoles per liter, multiply by 0.0347). Psychological distress, body image dissatisfaction, and health-related quality of life were measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Body Image Scale, and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, respectively. Physical health outcomes included lean muscle mass, vitality, physical activity, slowness, weakness, and exercise tolerance.3 This study was approved by the institutional review board at St Jude Children's Research Hospital; written informed consent was obtained from all participants.