A mild prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is present in females (2:1). To elucidate the pathogenetic role of sex steroids on the disease, we studied 76 women affected by MS, compared to 50 healthy women (mean age ± SD, 34.9 ± 0.9 vs 33.4 ± 1.7 years). The menarche was at mean age of 12.3 ± 0.2 vs 12.4 ± 0.2. Interval between menses was 28.0 ± 0.3 vs 27.8 ± 0.3 days, with duration of menstrual flow of 5.0 ± 0.2 vs 5.0 ± 0.2 days. Oligo- or amenorrhea was present in 20% of patients and in 16% of controls. Oral contraceptives were assumed by 21% of patients and 34% of controls (n.s.). Premenstrual symptoms were found in 43% of patients and in 46% of controls (n.s.). The incidence of hyperandrogenism (greasy skin, acne and hirsutism), evaluated by a specific questionnaire, was higher and statistically significant in MS patients than in controls (28% vs 10%, p<0.05). Further studies, including a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation of gonadal function, are necessary in order to clarify whether hyperandrogenism may influence MS disease activity.
High incidence of hyperandrogenism-related clinical signs in patients with multiple sclerosis / Falaschi, Paolo; A., Martocchia; Proietti, Antonella; D'Urso, Rosaria; Antonini, Giovanni. - In: NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY LETTERS. - ISSN 0172-780X. - STAMPA. - 22:4(2001), pp. 248-250.
High incidence of hyperandrogenism-related clinical signs in patients with multiple sclerosis
FALASCHI, Paolo;PROIETTI, Antonella;D'URSO, Rosaria;ANTONINI, Giovanni
2001
Abstract
A mild prevalence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is present in females (2:1). To elucidate the pathogenetic role of sex steroids on the disease, we studied 76 women affected by MS, compared to 50 healthy women (mean age ± SD, 34.9 ± 0.9 vs 33.4 ± 1.7 years). The menarche was at mean age of 12.3 ± 0.2 vs 12.4 ± 0.2. Interval between menses was 28.0 ± 0.3 vs 27.8 ± 0.3 days, with duration of menstrual flow of 5.0 ± 0.2 vs 5.0 ± 0.2 days. Oligo- or amenorrhea was present in 20% of patients and in 16% of controls. Oral contraceptives were assumed by 21% of patients and 34% of controls (n.s.). Premenstrual symptoms were found in 43% of patients and in 46% of controls (n.s.). The incidence of hyperandrogenism (greasy skin, acne and hirsutism), evaluated by a specific questionnaire, was higher and statistically significant in MS patients than in controls (28% vs 10%, p<0.05). Further studies, including a complete clinical and laboratory evaluation of gonadal function, are necessary in order to clarify whether hyperandrogenism may influence MS disease activity.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.