ABSTRACT
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE] is an autoimmune disease commonly occurs in of childbearing age, with connective tissue inflammation particularly joints and causes characteristic rashes
Subjects and Methods: the present study includs30 premenopausal females, they were divided into 3 groups. Group I consists o ten premenopausal females without SLE, Group II include ten premenopausal females had SLE,disease duration less than three years, Group III include ten premenopausal females had SLE, disease duration more than three years. Bone mineral density [BMD] in the heel of right foot by Achilles Express in all groups had been performed. Estimation of the serum level of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate [DHEA-S] hormone and serum level of calcium, phosphorous, sodium and potassium
Results: the results of the present study showed that in group II the BMD was 10% with osteoporotic, 40% with osteopenic and 50% with normal BMD, group III the BMD was 10% with osteoporotic, 60% with osteopenic and 30% with normal BMD. The correlations were done between BMD and serum minerals calcium, phosphorous, sodium and potassium in SLE patients [Group II and III]. Statistically high significant increase was found among osteopenic versus control women. Moreover a significant increase of serum calcium and sodium while there was a significant decrease in serum DHEA-S, phosphorous and potassium
Conclusions: there is a relationship between level of DHEA and the progression of SLE. Moreover there is relation between the decline in serum levels of DHEA-S and phosphorous, and the elevation of serum levels of calcium and the occurrence of osteoporosis in SLE. Treatment with DHE is beneficial in controlling of the disease activity in LES patients