Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplement on health-related quality of life in glucocorticoid treated female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Nordmark G, Bengtsson C, Larsson A, Karlsson FA, Sturfelt G, Rönnblom L
Published in Autoimmunity, Vol. 38 (7), pp. 531-40
Methodology
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 41 women with SLE on prednisolone 5 mg/day or more, given low-dose DHEA (30 mg/day if 45 or younger, 20 mg/day if 46 or older) or placebo for 6 months, then 6 months open DHEA for all.
Key Findings
DHEA restored DHEA-S from subnormal to normal. The DHEA group improved on SF-36 role emotional and HSCL-56 total score (both P < 0.05). HDL cholesterol fell; IGF-I and haematocrit rose. No effect on bone density or disease activity; no serious adverse events.
Conclusions
Low-dose DHEA improved mental well-being and sexuality and could be offered to women with SLE troubled by these problems.
Limitations
Small (n = 41); many questionnaire outcomes tested, so isolated significant results may be chance; replacement dose rather than the 200 mg used elsewhere.
Supplements Studied
DHEA was given at 30 mg/20 mg ( <or= 45/ >or= 46 years) daily
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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