Menstrual and Gonadal Function Alterations in Women with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder and may affect the reproductive health status of the women. Objective is to analyze the types, incidence of various menstrual disturbances in these women, to identify risk factors and to assess the gonadal function.



The prospective cohort study was conducted in the SLE clinic of the Rheumatology Department of IPGMEandR, Kolkata from April 2010 to April 2011. Out of 152 females attending clinic, 110 patients fulfilling criteria were included in the study.



Mean age of the study population was 27.25±3.4 years. Sixty six cases had menstrual abnormalities (12.72% amenorrhea, 44.45% oligomenorrhea, 2.7% premature ovarian failure, 10.9% menorrhogia). When comparative analysis of demographic, hormonal, ovarian Doppler and therapeutic variables of normal and abnormal cycles was carried out, following parameters were significantly more related to patients with abnormal cycle ; SLEDAI score (12.48±5.53 vs 8.69±4.9; p=0.00), disease duration (6.46±3.08 vs 4.3±1.36; p< 0.05), TSH (7.73±8.64 vs 3.07±2.06; p=0.00.), LH (6.55±4.38 vs 4.56±3.29; p=0.02), a high normal prolactin (12.57±7.75 vs 8.73±3.07; p=0.02), peak systolic velocity (6.53±2.17 vs 9.12±2.1; p=0.00), end-diastolic volume (4.21±2.9 vs 9.35±2.32; p=0.00) and cumulative dose of steroid (24.02±41.44 vs 9.32±9.96; p=0.01).Cyclophosphamide with cumulative dose ≥10 gm was related to amenorrhea and affected gonadal function. Gonadal insufficiency was evident in 33.63% and 2.72% had ovarian failure.



Reduced menstruation is a major health concern in women with SLE as it is frequent and can result in depressed and failed gonadal function later. Doppler study of ovaries is a novel way of depiction of gonadal status in these women. Certain risk factors and revolving treatment part can be preventable.
Associate Professor, Dept of Obst. and Gyne.
Debasmita
D
Mandal
Associate Professor.
Geetabali
G
Sircar
Assistant Professor, Dept of Radiodiagnosis.
Archana
A
Pandey
Assistant Professor, ICVS.
Saroj
S
Mandal
Postgraguate Trainee, Dept of Obst and Gyne.
Dipanwita
D
Banerjee
Professor and HOD, Dept of Rheumatology.
Alokendu
A
Ghosh
Ex HOD, ICVS, Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, West Bengal.
Manotosh
M
Panja
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006058:Gonadal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D060728:Reproductive Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color / Q000379:methods