Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone on fatigue and well-being in women with quiescent systemic lupus erythematosus: a randomised controlled trial
Hartkamp A, et al
Published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
Methodology
Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial (NCT00391924); 200 mg oral DHEA daily for 12 months; primary outcomes general fatigue, depressive mood, mental well-being and physical functioning, with follow-up 6 months after cessation.
Key Findings
60 women with inactive systemic lupus erythematosus received 200 mg oral DHEA daily or placebo, assessed at 3, 6 and 12 months and 6 months after stopping. Both groups improved on general fatigue (p < 0.001) and mental well-being (p = 0.04), but there was no differential effect of DHEA over placebo. Believing one had received DHEA predicted improvement in fatigue more strongly than actually receiving it (p = 0.04). The authors do not recommend DHEA for unselected women with quiescent lupus.
Conclusions
The trial does not indicate an effect of daily 200 mg oral DHEA on fatigue and well-being, and therefore DHEA treatment is not recommended in unselected female patients with quiescent SLE.
Limitations
Sixty participants limits power to detect small effects, and the population was restricted to women with quiescent disease; the strong expectancy effect suggests blinding may have been imperfect.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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