AN OPEN STUDY OF DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE IN SYSTEMIC LUPUS-ERYTHEMATOSUS

Objective. To determine if dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has clinical benefits in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. Ten female patients with mild to moderate SLE and various disease man ifestations were given DHEA (200 mg/day orally) for 3-6 months. The pa tients were given other medications as clinically indicated, and follo wed with respect to overall disease activity and specific outcome para meters. Results. After 3-6 months of DHEA treatment, indices for overa ll SLE activity including the SLEDAI (SLE Disease Activity Index) scor e and physician's overall assessment were improved, and corticosteroid requirements were decreased. Of 3 patients with significant proteinur ia, 2 showed marked and 1 modest reductions in protein excretion. DHEA was well tolerated, the only frequently noted side effect being mild acneiform dermatitis. Conclusion. DHEA shows promise as a new therapeu tic agent for the treatment of mild to moderate SLE. Further studies o f DHEA in the treatment of SLE are warranted.