[Steroid hormone and trace element content of the blood in patients with disseminated processes of the lungs].

Blood testosterone, estradiol, hydrocortisone, iron, zinc, and copper levels in males and female patients with lung sarcoidosis, idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis and histiocytosis X were studied. The female patients were in the menopause. A significant decrease in the levels of testosterone and zinc and an increase in the levels of estradiol and copper were revealed in the patients with alveolitis and histiocytosis X. In the patients with lung sarcoidosis a significant decrease in the content of zinc and an increase in the contents of estradiol and copper were stated. There was a relationship between the magnitude of the changes in hormone and trace element levels and the respiratory failure severity.