Anti-Müllerian hormone (ovarian reserve) in rheumatoid arthritis patients: correlation with disease activity

Abstract

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis is considered one of the most common chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases that lead to affection of several joints, as well as extra-articular organ involvement.Rheumatoid arthritis women tend to menopause somewhat earlier. This was attributed to primary ovarian insufficiency because of autoimmune disorders. Anti-Müllerian hormone is a marker used for evaluating preantral follicle reserve. It provides a very sensitive way to reflect the ovarian reserve and has become a crucial factor in determining it.The study aimed to show the influence of rheumatoid arthritis and its activity on ovarian reserve assessed using anti-Müllerian hormone serum levels.ResultsOur cross-sectional study involved 30 rheumatoid arthritis female patients with an age range between 25 and 35 years. The Disease Activity Score (DAS 28-ESR) was used to assess the degree of disease activity. Serum level of anti-Müllerian hormone was determined using quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the correlation with the disease activity as well as with the medications the patients were receiving was analyzed. A statistically significant relation was found amid the disease activity and the anti-Müllerian hormone level. Serum levels of anti-Müllerian hormone were found less in cases with high disease activity than in low to moderate cases. Different medications had no effect on anti-Müllerian hormone levels.ConclusionsRheumatoid arthritis high disease activity was linked to a diminished level of serum anti-Müllerian hormone.