Abstract | OBJECTIVE: METHODS: In a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study, 60 female patients with inactive SLE received 200 mg oral DHEA or placebo. Primary outcome measures were general fatigue, depressive mood, mental well-being and physical functioning. Assessments were made before treatment, after 3, 6 and 12 months on medication, and 6 months after cessation of treatment. RESULTS: Patients from the DHEA and placebo group improved on general fatigue (p<0.001) and mental well-being (p=0.04). There was no differential effect of DHEA. The belief that DHEA had been used was a stronger predictor for improvement of general fatigue than the actual use of DHEA (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The trial does not indicate an effect of daily 200 mg oral DHEA on fatigue and well-being, and therefore DHEA treatment is not recommended in unselected female patients with quiescent SLE. Clinical Trials Registration Number NCT00391924.
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Authors | A Hartkamp, R Geenen, G L R Godaert, M Bijl, J W J Bijlsma, R H W M Derksen |
Journal | Annals of the rheumatic diseases
(Ann Rheum Dis)
Vol. 69
Issue 6
Pg. 1144-7
(Jun 2010)
ISSN: 1468-2060 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 19854713
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Testosterone
- Dehydroepiandrosterone
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Dehydroepiandrosterone
(blood, therapeutic use)
- Depression
(drug therapy, etiology)
- Double-Blind Method
- Fatigue
(blood, drug therapy, etiology)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
(blood, complications, drug therapy, psychology)
- Middle Aged
- Testosterone
(blood)
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
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