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

Abstract

Abstract Background Rheumatoid 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. Results Our 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. Conclusions Rheumatoid arthritis high disease activity was linked to a diminished level of serum anti-Müllerian hormone.