Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) secretion in women. Part I: Refferal, concentration and (NO) consequences of investigation in Lithuania (2014)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There have been few cases of hypersecretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate DHEAS and adrenal tumor reported, and even fewer studies performed. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the referrals, clinical data and the effect on clinical decisions in women with different DHEAS concentrations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study of clinical history cases. RESULTS: There were 427 thoroughly examined cases. Maximal frequency of referral of women was in 15-44 years (71%), but 0 – 24 years (77%) in men. Age adjusted DHEAS was statistically lower in men as compared with women in ages of 0-14, 15-24, 65+, and totally. It did not differ significantly between men and women in age of 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64 and totally 25-64 years. Body weight and BMI, frequency of hirsutism and acnea, testosterone concentration but not menstrual cycle disturbances were higher in hyperdehydroepiandrosteronism. Frequency of abdominal ultrasonography, adrenal computer tomography or/and magnetic resonance imaging was the same in normal and high DHEAS groups. CONCLUSIONS: Women with increased DHEAS were statistically significantly younger, had higher weight, BMI and a higher rate of hirsutism, acnea and weight gain. Even when high DHEAS was detected, this had no impact on doctors’ decision to increase number of adrenal imaging investigations.