(202) CERAMIDE TEST IN PATIENTS WITH ERECTILE DISFUNCTION TO ASSESS CARDIOVASCULAR RISK

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a known precursor and sequelae to diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD). ED severity predicts CVD severity. AUA guidelines recommend evaluating serum lipids and using an ED diagnosis as an opportunity to discuss and address cardiovascular risk. Serum plasma ceramides are novel predictors of adverse cardiovascular events independent of traditional risk factors such as LDL and hsCRP levels. Ceramide levels improve with lifestyle modification. Objective We aimed to evaluate the utility of ceramide levels in ED patients utilizing self-reported erectile function results (IIEF-6). Methods We initiated ceramide testing in all patients with ED and Peyronie’s disease in late 2019 (in addition to lipids, Hgba1c, etc). We retrospectively analyzed ceramide levels from electronic records with IIEF-6 results. For the statistical analysis we dichotomized our cohort by ED symptom severity (moderate/severe ED: IIEF ≤17 vs. no/mild ED: IIEF ≥18) and ceramide levels by CV risk strata (moderate or higher >6). A Fisher exact test was performed. Results A total of 354 patients were reviewed, of these 253 (71.4%) had moderate ED or higher. A statistically significant difference in abnormal ceramide values was found in patients with mild to moderate symptoms severity or higher, and the odds of getting an abnormal ceramide test was increased based on the IIEF scoring alone (OR 2.3 [1.04– 5.12]; p value = 0.034) [Figure]. Conclusions Patients undergoing management for erectile dysfunction may benefit from serum ceramide testing and subsequent cardiac referral. In our cohort, men with moderate to severe ED were twice as likely to have actionable ceramide levels. Further study is warranted to optimize utility of ceramide in men with ED and potentially drive lifestyle change. Disclosure No.