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

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.