engleski

Arterial hypertension in patients with obesity and connection to disorders of micturition and sexual function

The possible association between arterial hypertension and disorders of micturition and sexual function is an interesting topic. Even though different studies report the correlations, there are other studies that did not confirm these findings. Previous literature on metabolic syndrome and arterial hypertension and their association with disorders of micturition is not conclusive (1, 2), whereas the literature on the possible connection to issues with sexual function is not extensive (3, 4). The aim of this study was to explore the possible associations between arterial hypertension and disorders of micturition and sexual function in obese patients. Participants, Materials/Methods: This cross- sectional study was carried out in a tertiary healthcare center. 111 participants were included (81 women and 30 men, age 23-78 years), with BMI>30 kg/m2. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were evaluated using International consultation on incontinence questionnaires (ICIQ) investigating symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) and urinary incontinence (UI): ICIQ-OAB and ICIQ-UI Short Form (SF). We evaluated also some of the questions on the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Sexual dysfunction (SD) symptoms were assessed using the internationally acclaimed questionnaire Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX). Results: On ICIQ- OAB patients most often reported: UI (46.85% (N=52)), nocturia (42.34% (N=47)) and increased frequency of urination (34.23% (N=38)), and on ICIQ-UI SF: UI when coughing and sneezing (44.44% (N=32)), urgency UI (43.06% (N=31)) and UI during exercise/physical activity (22.22% (N=16)). Women were found to be more significantly affected by OAB symptoms (p<0.05). Significant correlations were found between the overall results on ICIQ-OAB and hypertension (r=0.32). The average total response on the ASEX questionnaire was 12.4 (women 13.2, range 3-30 ; men 10.6, range from 5-19). The overall median response was 3 (range 1-6). Women were found to have more pronounced symptoms of SD (p<0.05). SD was reported by around one-third of the patients, with 34.9 % (N=36 ; 5 men, 31 women) responding at least on one question with a score of 5 or greater on any item. A correlation between SD and arterial hypertension was not established. Conclusions: This study investigated the possible association between arterial hypertension and disorders of micturition and sexual function in obese patients. Significant correlations were found between the overall results on ICIQ-OAB and hypertension, while the correlation between SD and arterial hypertension was not established.

arterial hypertension ; obesity ; LUTS ; sexual function

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