DHEA found beneficial in lupus

September 16, 2004

Prasterone helpful in systemic lupus erythematosus

September 15, 2004

By

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Supplementary treatment with prasterone, also

known as dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA), improves or stabilizes disease

symptoms in women with clinically active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),

researchers report in the September issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism.

In addition, " prasterone has benefit not just for active lupus, but also for

osteoporosis, the most common complication of lupus and prednisone therapy, "

lead investigator Dr. A. Petris told Reuters Health

Dr. Petri of s Hopkins University Medical Center, Baltimore, and

colleagues note that DHEA and DHEA sulfate levels are decreased by about 50%

in patients with SLE.

To determine if prasterone supplementation might be beneficial, the

researchers randomized 381 women with active SLE to 200 mg of the agent

daily or to placebo for up to 12 months. The patients continued taking their

standard medication.

Using measures based on disease activity and quality of life, the

researchers determined that 58.5% of the prasterone group showed improvement

or stabilization without clinical deterioration. The corresponding

proportion in the placebo group was 44.5%.

Acne was reported by 33% of the prasterone group and hirsutism by 16%. Most

cases were mild. In the placebo group, these figures were 14% and 2%.

Prasterone was generally well tolerated.

There were significant decreases in serum levels of HDL cholesterol and

triglycerides and increases in levels of testosterone and estradiol in the

prasterone group.

In a statement, Dr. Petri pointed out that the high response rate seen in

the placebo group was due to most continuing on SLE medication. They were

not truly placebo patients.

Because of this, she concluded, the " improvement in the prasterone group is

both statistically and clinically meaningful. "

Arthritis Rheum 2004;50:2858-2868.

Maybe they will give it a try with MSers next!

- Ben

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