ABSTRACT
To assess serum levels of sex hormones and prolactin in RA patients, and their possible correlation with disease activity. This study was conducted on 42 rheumatoid arthritis patients, and 40 age and sex matched volunteers. All patients underwent full history taking, complete general, rheumatologic and dermatological examinations, routine laboratory investigations including complete blood count and rheumatoid factor, and assessment of disease activity score using a 28 joint score [DAS-28]. Assessment of serum levels of dihydrotestosterone [DHT], testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEA-S], estradiol, progesterone and prolactin by enzyme immunoassay technique were also performed. Male and female RA patients showed significantly lower serum levels of DHT, testosterone and DHEA-S and significantly higher prolactin serum levels compared with their corresponding controls. Female patients had significantly lower progesterone serum levels. Male RA patients of moderate disease activity had significantly higher prolactin serum levels versus male RA patients of low disease activity. Female RA patients of moderate disease activity had significantly lower DHEA-S serum levels compared with female RA patients with low disease activity. Sex steroids and prolactin may play a role in the pathogenesis of RA. High prolactin and low DHEA-S serum levels may be related to disease activity in male RA patients. Low serum levels of DHEA-S and progesterone may be related to disease activity in female RA patients. Low serum levels of DHEA-S, dihydrotestosterone and progesterone may be related to extra-articular manifestations of female RA patients. Medications used for the treatment of RA may have an effect on sex hormones and prolactin serum levels