Platelet Profile Findings Might Associate with Comorbidities on Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-sectional Study in Indonesia

A BSTRACT Introduction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition with a multifactorial etiology, including vascular, endocrine, neurological, and psychological factors. Platelet indices such as platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) have been studied as potential biomarkers for ED, but findings remain inconsistent. This study aims to investigate the relationship between platelet indices and ED severity and their association with comorbidities. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using medical records of ED patients in a single center in Surabaya, Indonesia. Platelet indices, metabolic parameters, and hormone levels were analyzed. ED severity was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire. Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests for severity comparisons and t -tests or Mann–Whitney tests for comorbidities. Results: A total of 226 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 55.37 ± 11.33 years. Severe ED was the most common category (49.11%). No significant differences were found between platelet indices and ED severity (PC: P =0.579, PDW: P =0.758, MPV: P =0.994). However, patients with comorbidities, particularly dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome, showed significantly higher PC values ( P = 0.021 and P = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: While platelet indices did not correlate with ED severity, PC was significantly associated with ED in patients with metabolic comorbidities. These findings highlight the role of systemic metabolic disturbances in ED pathophysiology, suggesting that comorbidity management may be crucial in ED treatment.