Impaired sexual activity in young ischaemic stroke patients: an observational study. (7th October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bugnicourt, J.‐M.; Hamy, O.; Canaple, S.; Lamy, C.; Legrand, C.
• Is Part Of: European journal of neurology. Volume 21:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 140
• Page End: 146
• Publication Date: 2013-10-07
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1111/ene.12277
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-5101

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="ene12277-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="ene12277-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background and purpose</title> <p>The present study sought to determine the impact of stroke on sexual function and well‐being in a cohort of young ischaemic stroke patients and identify factors associated with impairment.</p> </sec> <sec id="ene12277-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Over a 2‐year period, all patients aged 60 or under with ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack (<italic>n</italic> = 156) were included. Information on sexual function and well‐being was obtained by means of a paper questionnaire mailed to participants 1 year after their stroke. Impaired sexual activity (ISA) was defined as a decline in sexual function and/or satisfaction. Psychological well‐being was evaluated on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).</p> </sec> <sec id="ene12277-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The response rate was 67% (<italic>n</italic> = 104). Thirty of these responders (29%) reported ISA. Patients with ISA had a higher HADS score (19.7 vs. 11.2 in patients with no impairment; <italic>P</italic> < 0.001), anxiety score (10.0 vs. 6.3; <italic>P</italic> < 0.001) and depression score (8.7 vs. 4.8; <italic>P</italic> < 0.001) and were more likely to have left brain lesions (70% vs. 30%; <italic>P</italic> < 0.001) and use angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (73% vs. 31%; <italic>P</italic> < 0.001) and diuretics (50% vs. 19%; <italic>P</italic> = 0.003). In a stepwise logistic regression, depression (odds ratio 9.1, 95% confidence interval 2.45−33.46; <italic>P</italic> = 0.001) and ACE inhibitor use (odds ratio 6.0, 95% confidence interval 2.11−17.28; <italic>P</italic> = 0.001) were associated with ISA.</p> </sec> <sec id="ene12277-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Impaired sexual activity was reported by almost one‐third of younger patients 1 year after ischaemic stroke. Factors associated with post‐stroke ISA may include specific medications and depression rather than the characteristics of the stroke <italic>per se</italic>.</p> </sec> </abstract>