ABSTRACT
It has been noticed that there is an increase in the number of women suffering from SLE. Most studies confirmed that serum DHEA [dehydroepiandrosterone] and DHEA sulphate are lower among patients with SLE than among controls even- during phases of inactive disease so we performed this study to detect the level of DHEA-S in the female patients with SLE. The overall results confirm that DHEA treatment was well- tolerated, significantly reduced the number of SLE flares, and improved patients global assessment of disease activity. Some serum parameters like liver and kidney functions were detected. Biochemical analysis showed that there is a significant increase of total lipids, cholestrol, triglycerides. But insignificant change in serum glucose, urea nitrogen and uric acid levels were recorded. From the present study three things were concluded. Firstly, there is a strong relationship between level of DHEA and the progression of SLE. Secondly, liver activity and kidney functions were not affected by SLE disease.Thirdly, DHEA treatment has a beneficial effect on female patients. So this study recommended to follow up DHEAS in female patients and use it in a proper dosage. In addition, further study must be done