Concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S) in people with cystic fibrosis on and off elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor

Background Levels of sulfated Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA-S) are unknown in people with Cystic Fibrosis (pwCF). DHEA-S is reported to have an inverse association with inflammation and warrants evaluation in pwCF. Methods We compared differences in DHEA-S and other hormones between pwCF (n = 180) and without CF (n = 180) and DHEA-S association with percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (ppFEV1). We also evaluated DHEA-S levels in people with CF on elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor (ETI) (n = 145). Results PwCF (not on ETI) had lower DHEA-S levels compared to healthy non-CF controls. DHEA-S levels in individuals with CF on ETI were similar to those without CF. Lower DHEA-S levels were associated with lower ppFEV1. Conclusions PwCF (not on ETI) have lower levels of DHEA-S than people without CF or people with CF on ETI. Additional studies are needed to investigate the impact of DHEA-S on the health of pwCF and mechanisms involved.