Evaluation of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate ratio in chronic spontaneous urticaria

Abstract

Abstract Background Various studies have reported different results for cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) and these were not sufficient for explaining the underlying reasons. Objectives To evaluate the levels of cortisol, DHEA-S and 25(OH)D in patients with CSU and to investigate the relationships between these parameters. Methods Fifty patients who had diagnosed with CSU and 30 healthy controls were enrolled into the study. Stress levels of CSU and control groups were determined by perceived stress scale (PSS-14). The activity of urticaria of the patients was also determined by urticaria activity score (UAS7). Serum DHEA-S, cortisol and 25(OH)D levels of the participants were measured and compared. Results DHEA-S and 25(OH)D levels of CSU patients were lower than the control group (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively) while stress level and cortisol/DHEA-S ratio were higher (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). Conclusions Lower 25(OH)D levels and higher cortisol/DHEA-S ratio in CSU patients who have higher stress level indicate that the level of 25(OH)D seems to be associated with steroidogenesis and thus 25(OH)D levels may decrease secondarily in CSU.