Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of women with mild-to-moderate systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) at a dosage of 200 mg/day in adult women with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
In a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 120 adult women with active SLE received oral DHEA (200 mg/day; n = 61) or placebo (n = 59) for 24 weeks. The primary end point was the mean change from baseline in the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) score at 24 weeks of therapy. Secondary end points included time to first flare, change in SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, and physician's and patient's global assessment scores at week 24.


RESULTS
The two groups were well balanced for baseline characteristics. Mean reductions in SLAM scores from baseline were similar and were not statistically significantly different between treatment groups (DHEA -2.6 +/- 3.4 versus placebo -2.0 +/- 3.8, mean +/- SD). The number of patients with flares was decreased by 16% in the DHEA group (18.3% of DHEA-treated patients versus 33.9% of placebo-treated patients; P = 0.044, based on time to first flare). The mean change in the patient's global assessment was statistically significant between the two groups (DHEA -5.5 versus placebo 5.4; P = 0.005). The number of patients with serious adverse events, most of which were related to SLE flare, was significantly lower in DHEA-treated patients compared with placebo-treated patients (P = 0.010). Expected hormonal effects, including increased testosterone levels and increased incidence of acne, were observed. No life-threatening reactions or serious safety issues were identified during this study.


CONCLUSIONS
The overall results confirm that DHEA treatment was well-tolerated, significantly reduced the number of SLE flares, and improved patient's global assessment of disease activity.
Chang
Deh-Ming
DM
Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. ming0503@ms3.hinet.net
Lan
Joung-Liang
JL
Lin
Hsiao-Yi
HY
Luo
Shue-Fen
SF
D000328:Adult; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy*
D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone