Investigation of the relationship between salivary cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, anxiety, and depression in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of the salivary levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and cortisol with factors related to depression and anxiety in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum (HG).

Methods: Forty patients with a diagnosis of HG were selected for the study and matched with 40 control patients according to body mass index, parity, and age. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were investigated using the Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory for Adults, respectively. Saliva samples were collected in the morning and at night and subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the determination of DHEA-S and cortisol levels.

Results: We observed a positive correlation between increased levels of depression and anxiety and increased salivary levels of cortisol and DHEA-S in patients with HG.

Conclusions: Salivary cortisol and DHEA-S levels, as well as mood disorders, should be monitored in patients with HG, although further large, prospective studies are needed to confirm our results.

Keywords:

• Anxiety
• cortisol
• dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate
• depression
• hyperemesis gravidarum

Declaration of interest

The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest. No funds from any organization were used in this study.