The Relationship between Anti-Mullerian Hormone Level and the Severity of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Women at Reproductive Age

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune disease, and if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, can lead to irreversible complications such as lupus nephritis. Thus, the early detection of the disease is very important. On the other hand, some studies have shown that there is a relationship between the serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and the activity of lupus disease. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between antibody titer with severity and activity level of SLE.

In a cross-sectional study, 70 women in age range of 18-35 years old with SLE who referred to rheumatology clinic of Alzahra hospital, Isfahan, Iran, were selected. Lupus activity was determined using SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2k) score, and serum level of AMH was measured; and the relationship between SLE activity and serum level of AMH was evaluated.

Mean serum level of AMH was 1.49 ± 1.58 ng/ml, ranging from 0.20 to 7.36; and thus, 11 patients (15.7%) had low levels of the hormone. Moreover, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between disease activity scores and serum levels of AMH, as much as 0.46 (P < 0.001).

The results of our study showed a relation between lupus activity and serum AMH. Especially, among the patients under treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy, there were lower levels of AMH; and this might lead to ovarian reserve loss and fertility problems in women of childbearing age