Sorensen et al identified factors that may predict sexual dysfunction at 12 months after major trauma. These can help to identify a patient who may benefit from followup. The authors are from the University of Washington and Johns Hopkins University.
NOTE: The study population involved both men and women.
Predictors of sexual dysfunction after major trauma:
(1) older age (risk increased if >= 30 years and highest if >= 70 years)
(2) low household income
(3) poor global health status
(4) pre-existing diabetes mellitus
(5) high Injury Severity Score (ISS) at the time of injury (> 34)
(6) pelvic fracture
(7) lower extremity fracture
(8) spinal cord injury
Age > 70, spinal cord injury, and poor global health status had the highest adjusted relative risks.
A patient with one or more of these predictors should be asked about any problems with sexual function as part of the long-term followup.
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