What is Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)?
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or simply ‘lupus’ is a group of diseases in which the body’s immune system attacks the body. It can affect any organ system involving connective tissue, including the skin, kidneys, eyes, lungs, heart, muscles and bones, nervous system, and gastrointestinal system. The symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. Lupus occurs mainly in young women, but also in men and children. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone in the body. People with lupus tend to have lower levels of DHEA, so taking DHEA supplements in pill form may help control the immune system. DHEA might also cut the need for corticosteroid treatment which means less side effects from corticosteroids. What are the effects of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)? Disease activity (flares or changes in symptoms): We can not be sure that there is actually a difference in disease activity when taking DHEA. It is possible that these results are by chance. Overall well-being: Improves by 12 mo
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or simply ‘lupus’ is a group of diseases in which the body’s immune system attacks the body. It can affect any organ system involving connective tissue, including the skin, kidneys, eyes, lungs, heart, muscles and bones, nervous system, and gastrointestinal system. The symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. Lupus occurs mainly in young women, but also in men and children. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone in the body. People with lupus tend to have lower levels of DHEA, so taking DHEA supplements in pill form may help control the immune system. DHEA might also cut the need for corticosteroid treatment which means less side effects from corticosteroids.
This is a Cochrane review abstract and plain language summary, prepared and maintained by The Cochrane Collaboration, currently published in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007 Issue 4, Copyright ?? 2007 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley and Sons, Ltd.. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X). This record should be cited as: Crosbie D, Black C, McIntyre L, Royle PL, Thomas S. Dehydroepiandrosterone for systemic lupus erythematosus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD005114. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005114.pub2 This version first published online: October 17. 2007 Date of last subtantive update: June 30.
Related Questions
- I was recently diagnosed with discoid lupus. What is the likelihood of this progressing to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the future?
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- What is Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)?
