Preliminary study on anti-Mullerian hormone, antral follicle count, menstruation and lymphocyte subsets in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Objective To investigate whether systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has a negative impact on the fertility of young women of reproductive age through SLE activity and therapy. Methods This retrospective case-control study was conducted in 50 patients with SLE and 50 healthy controls who fulfilled the 1997 American College of Rheumatology criteria. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured, and ovarian volume (OV) and total antral follicle count (AFC) were assessed by transvaginal sonar in patients and in healthy controls. Analysis was carried out on the association of SLE disease activity with AMH, OV, and AFC. Results SLE patients had decreased levels of AMH, OV, and AFC, correlating with age, activity, and damage levels of SLE, displaying a negative consequence of SLE. In the SLE group, the CD4(+) T cells and natural killer cells were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Conclusion AMH levels and AFC were decreased in women with SLE with autoimmune activity and CD8(+) T-cell activation; they can be used as useful markers and account for a high proportion of women with low ovarian reserve.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of SLE on the fertility of young women of reproductive age. The results show that SLE patients have decreased levels of AMH, OV, and AFC, which are correlated with age, activity, and damage levels of SLE. CD4(+) T cells and natural killer cells are significantly reduced in SLE patients as well.