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Martire FG, Giorgi M, D’Abate C, Colombi I, Ginetti A, Cannoni A, Fedele F, Exacoustos C, Centini G, Zupi E, Lazzeri L. Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis in Adolescence: Early Diagnosis and Possible Prevention of Disease Progression. J Clin Med 2024; 13:550. [PMID: 38256683 PMCID: PMC10816815 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis has a prevalence of 10% worldwide in premenopausal women. Probably, endometriosis begins early in the life of young girls, and it is commonly diagnosed later in life. The prevalence of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) in adolescence is currently unknown due to diagnostic limits and underestimation of clinical symptoms. Dysmenorrhea is a common symptom in adolescents affected by DIE, often accompanied by dyspareunia and chronic acyclic pelvic pain. Ultrasonography-either performed transabdominal, transvaginal or transrectal-should be considered the first-line imaging technique despite the potential for missed diagnosis due to early-stage disease. Magnetic resonance imaging should be preferred in the case of virgo patients or when ultrasonographic exam is not accepted. Diagnostic laparoscopy is deemed acceptable in the case of suspected DIE not responding to conventional hormonal therapy. An early medical and/or surgical treatment may reduce disease progression with an immediate improvement in quality of life and fertility, but at the same time, painful symptoms may persist or even recur due to the surgery itself. The aim of this narrative review is to report the prevalence of DIE in adolescents, describe the pathogenetic theories and discuss the management in adolescent women, including the challenging road to diagnosis and the treatment alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Giuseppe Martire
- Gynecological Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.G.M.); (C.E.)
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Matteo Giorgi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Claudia D’Abate
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Irene Colombi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Alessandro Ginetti
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Alberto Cannoni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Francesco Fedele
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione “Policlinico-Mangiagalli-Regina Elena” University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Caterina Exacoustos
- Gynecological Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (F.G.M.); (C.E.)
| | - Gabriele Centini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Errico Zupi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
| | - Lucia Lazzeri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy; (M.G.); (C.D.); (I.C.); (A.G.); (A.C.); (G.C.); (L.L.)
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Moawad G, Youssef Y, Fruscalzo A, Faysal H, Kheil M, Pirtea P, Guani B, Ayoubi JM, Feki A. The Present and the Future of Medical Therapies for Adenomyosis: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6130. [PMID: 37834773 PMCID: PMC10573655 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine Adenomyosis is a benign condition characterized by the presence of endometrium-like epithelial and stromal tissue in the myometrium. Several medical treatments have been proposed, but still, no guidelines directing the management of adenomyosis are available. While a hysterectomy is typically regarded as the definitive treatment for adenomyosis, the scarcity of high-quality data leaves patients desiring fertility with limited conservative options. Based on the available data, the levonorgestrel-IUD appears to offer the most favorable outcomes. Other treatments, including GnRH antagonists, dienogest, prolactin, and oxytocin modulators, show promise; however, further data are required to establish their efficacy definitively. Furthermore, there are many emerging therapies that have been developed that seem worthy of consideration in the near future. The aim of this narrative review was to explore the current medical treatments available for adenomyosis and to provide a glimpse of future therapies under assessment. For this scope, we performed a literature search on PubMed and Medline from incept to September 2022 using the keywords: "medical treatment", "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory", "progesterone intrauterine device", "dienogest", "combined oral contraceptives", "gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist", "gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist", "danazol", "aromatase inhibitors", "ulipristal acetate", "anti-platelet therapy", "dopamine", "oxytocin antagonists", "STAT3", "KRAS", "MAPK", "micro-RNA", "mifepristone", "valproic acid", "levo-tetrahydropalamatine", and "andrographolide". The search was limited to articles in English, with subsequent screening of abstracts. Abstracts were screened to select relevant studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby Moawad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- The Center for Endometriosis and Advanced Pelvic Surgery, Washington, DC 22101, USA
| | - Youssef Youssef
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA
| | - Arrigo Fruscalzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HFR—Fribourg, Chemin des Pensionnats 2-6, 1708 Fribourg, Switzerland; (A.F.)
| | - Hani Faysal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Mira Kheil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Paul Pirtea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch–Faculté de Médecine Paris, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Benedetta Guani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HFR—Fribourg, Chemin des Pensionnats 2-6, 1708 Fribourg, Switzerland; (A.F.)
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch–Faculté de Médecine Paris, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Anis Feki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HFR—Fribourg, Chemin des Pensionnats 2-6, 1708 Fribourg, Switzerland; (A.F.)
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Martire FG, Piccione E, Exacoustos C, Zupi E. Endometriosis and Adolescence: The Impact of Dysmenorrhea. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5624. [PMID: 37685691 PMCID: PMC10488856 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis affects approximately 10% of premenopausal women worldwide. Despite its impact on quality of life, the delay in diagnosing this chronic disease is well known. Many patients with endometriosis report having suffered from dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain in adolescence or at a young age. However, this painful symptom is often highly underestimated and considered a normal and transient symptom in young women. The real prevalence of endometriosis in adolescence remains uncertain. Some authors recently described at least one ultrasound feature of endometriosis in 13.3% of a general population of adolescent girls, which increased to 35.3% in young girls with severe dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is classified as primary dysmenorrhea or secondary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as a menstrual pain without organic disease, while secondary dysmenorrhea is defined as a menstrual pain associated with organic pelvic pathology. Since endometriosis represents the main cause of secondary dysmenorrhea in adolescents and young women, it is important to determine whether the patient has primary dysmenorrhea or additional suggestive symptoms related to endometriosis. Endometriosis in adolescent patients is a challenging problem with clinical and pathological differences compared with its presentation in premenopausal women. Adolescents and young women with dysmenorrhea and painful symptoms that suggest endometriosis should be referred to dedicated endometriosis centers for an early diagnosis and appropriate medical and surgical management. This paper aims to describe the role of dysmenorrhea in adolescents and the management of these young patients to confirm or exclude endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco G. Martire
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
| | - Emilio Piccione
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Catholic University “Our Lady of Good Counsel”, 1000 Tirane, Albania
| | - Caterina Exacoustos
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Section of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy;
| | - Errico Zupi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecological Clinic, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy;
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Singh S, Kumar P, Rathore SS, Singh Y, Garg N. Contemporary approaches in the management of uterine leiomyomas. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2023; 287:195-210. [PMID: 37385088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leiomyomas (fibroids), the most common benign solid tumours in females, originate from the myometrium and are associated with poor quality of life for patients. The current management of uterine leiomyomas mainly includes surgical interventions such as hysterectomy and myomectomy, either by laparoscopy or laparotomy, which have several complications and are not ideal for preserving fertility. Therefore, there is a need to develop or repurpose medical treatments that do not require surgical intervention. OBJECTIVE Many drugs are used to treat the symptoms associated with uterine fibroids. The main objective of this systematic review is to give an up-to-date account of potential pharmacological agents (non-surgical methods) for the management of uterine leiomyomas. SEARCH STRATEGY PubMed was searched for scientific and clinical literature using the keyword 'uterine fibroids' along with the drug names described in each section. For example, 'uterine fibroids' and 'ulipristal acetate' were the keywords used to search for literature on ulipristal acetate (UPA). RESULTS Various preclinical and clinical studies have shown that some drugs and herbal formulations exhibit activity in the management of uterine leiomyomas. Recent studies found that drugs such as UPA, elagolix, EC313, asoprisnol, nutritional supplements and herbal preparations were helpful in treating the symptoms associated with uterine leiomyomas. CONCLUSION Many drugs show efficacy in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids. UPA is one of the most studied and prescribed medicines for uterine fibroids; however, its usage has been restricted due to a few recent incidences of hepatic toxicity. Herbal drugs and natural supplements have also shown promising effects on uterine fibroids. The synergistic effects of nutritional and herbal supplements have been reported in certain cases, and should be studied in detail. Further research is warranted to identify the mode of action of the drugs, and to determine the precise conditions that would explain the causes of toxicity in some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikha Singh
- Department of Prasuti Tantra, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Praveen Kumar
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saurabh Singh Rathore
- Department of Biotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi Central University, Raghunathpur, Motihari, East Champaran, Bihar, India
| | - Yashasvi Singh
- Department of Urology, CSSB, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Neha Garg
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Ayurveda, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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Lambrecht I, Van den Bosch T. The use of a short course of Ulipristal Acetate for acute abnormal uterine bleeding in women without uterine fibroids. Facts Views Vis Obgyn 2023; 15:99-105. [PMID: 37436045 PMCID: PMC10410647 DOI: 10.52054/fvvo.15.2.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ulipristal Acetate (UPA) is a synthetic selective progesterone receptor modulator. It is used as emergency contraception and to reduce pain and blood loss in women of reproductive age with uterine fibroids. The first mechanism of action is myometrial apoptosis, the second is on the hypo-thalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and the third action, is an anti-proliferative effect on the endometrium. Mainly based on the latter two, UPA is increasingly used off-label in women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) without fibroids. OBJECTIVES The aim of this paper is to find evidence for a short course of UPA to treat acute AUB without fibroids, performing a systematic review as well as scrutinising literature data on the pharmacokinetics and on short term bleeding control in women with fibroids. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic electronic literature review was performed in February 2022. Inclusion criteria were UPA administered to women without myomas in a setting of acute uterine bleeding. Further criteria included papers describing early bleeding control using UPA, deemed independent of the presence of fibroids, with specific attention to the median time to amenorrhoea. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measured was the bleeding control within 10 days. RESULTS One case report was identified. The data on symptomatic women with fibroids using 5 mg or 10 mg daily revealed bleeding control was reported within 10 days in 81% and 89% respectively, with amenorrhoea in 57% and in 78% respectively. CONCLUSION A short-term administration may prove effective in abnormal uterine bleeding irrespective of the presence of uterine fibroids. However, more randomised controlled trials are needed and should be performed before implementation in general clinical practice. WHAT IS NEW? A short course of Ulipristal acetate as promising treatment for acute uterine bleeding without fibroids.
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Gonçalves-Henriques M, de Pinho A, Freixo M, Liz-Coelho M, Castro F, Ceschin N, Brandão P. Ulipristal Acetate in Adenomyosis. Gynecol Minim Invasive Ther 2022; 11:198-202. [PMID: 36660320 PMCID: PMC9844051 DOI: 10.4103/gmit.gmit_95_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenomyosis is defined as the invasion of the basal endometrium (stroma and glands) into the underlying myometrium. It may lead to abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), pelvic pain, and infertility. The definitive treatment is hysterectomy. Some conservative measures have been used in patients willing to procreate. Ulipristal acetate is a selective progesterone receptor modulator used to treat AUB caused by leiomyomas. This is a systematic review on the use of ulipristal to treat adenomyosis. Eight eligible articles were retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane Library. Only one randomized clinical trial was published until date concerning this matter. It seems that ulipristal acetate induces partial or complete remission of AUB caused by adenomyosis, but the evidence concerning its effect on pelvic pain and the radiologic findings of the disease is conflicting. Nevertheless, given the paucity of data, it is still preliminary to draw any conclusion about the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Gonçalves-Henriques
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando da Fonseca, Amadora, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António de Pinho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centro Hospitalar Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal,Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marília Freixo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centro Hospitalar Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal
| | - Maria Liz-Coelho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centro Hospitalar Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal
| | - Fabiana Castro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centro Hospitalar Tâmega e Sousa, Penafiel, Portugal
| | - Nathan Ceschin
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad - IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain,Feliccita Fertility Clinics, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Pedro Brandão
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal,Department of Reproductive Medicine, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad - IVIRMA Valencia, Valencia, Spain,Address for correspondence: Dr. Pedro Brandão, Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad, Plaza de la Policia Local 3, 46015, Valencia, Spain. E-mail:
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Value of Transabdominal Combined Transvaginal Color Doppler Ultrasonography in the Distinguish between Uterine Adenomyoma and Uterine Fibroids. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:9599571. [PMID: 35845931 PMCID: PMC9283036 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9599571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. To investigate the value of transabdominal combined transvaginal color Doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of uterine adenomyoma. Methods. A total of 80 patients with suspected uterine adenomyoma in our hospital from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. All of them were examined by transabdominal color Doppler ultrasound (TA-CDUS) and transvaginal color Doppler ultrasound (TV-CDUS), and the postoperative pathological examination results were taken as the gold standard to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of different examination methods for uterine adenomyoma. Results. By postoperative pathological biopsy, 46 cases (57.50%) were diagnosed as positive and 34 cases (42.50%) were diagnosed as negative, including 29 cases of uterine adenomyoma and 5 other cases. The sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value of TA-CDUS combined with TV-CDUS in the diagnosis of adenomyoma were higher than those of TA-CDUS (
), and the Kappa value between TA-CDUS and pathological diagnosis was 0.923, which was higher than the 0.615 between TV-CDUS and pathological diagnosis. TA-CDUS combined with TV-CDUS showed that there were significant differences in the distribution of Adier blood flow grades between patients with uterine adenomyoma and uterine fibroids (
), and the Adier blood flow grades of patients with uterine adenomyoma were mainly grade 0 and grade I; and the resistance index (RI), peak systolic velocity (Vs), and pulsatile index (PI) in patients with uterine adenomyoma were higher than those in patients with uterine fibroids (
). Conclusion. Compared with TA-CDUS, TA-CDUS combined with TV-CDUS is more sensitive and accurate in the diagnosis of uterine adenomyoma and has a good consistency with pathological diagnosis results. Attention should be paid to the blood flow parameter values in the differential diagnosis of uterine fibroids.
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Elbasueny B, Geerts M, Allaire C, Yong PJ, Bedaiwy MA. Medical Treatment of Adenomyosis. CURRENT OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s13669-022-00325-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Gulino FA, Dilisi V, Capriglione S, Cannone F, Catania F, Martire FG, Tuscano A, Gulisano M, D’Urso V, Di Stefano A, Cimino MC, Filippini M, Latella S, Sammarini M, Musmeci G, Palumbo MA. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and adenomyosis: Mini-review of literature of the last 5 years. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1014519. [PMID: 36120472 PMCID: PMC9471373 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1014519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adenomyosis is a form of endometriosis characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue in the myometrium. The correlation between anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) expression and adenomyosis is unclear. Few studies investigated this possible correlation with promising results. The aim of this mini-review is to illustrate the potential prognostic and therapeutic role of AMH in adenomyosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS A study protocol was completed conforming to the Preferred Reporting Items for Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for systematic reviews. We performed an electronic databases search from each database's inception from August 2017 to August 2022 for full-text articles and published abstracts. For database searches, the following main keywords were the following text words: "adenomyosis" or "uterine endometriosis" [Mesh] AND "AMH" or "anti-mullerian hormone". RESULTS From the literature search, 8 abstracts of studies were retrieved and independently screened for inclusion by three authors. It was found that the most common therapeutic strategies (such as adenomyomectomy and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) do not alter AMH levels. Moreover, a higher expression of the AMH receptor II was observed in adenomyotic tissue, hence a possible therapeutic use of AMH was hypothesized. CONCLUSION The available evidence shows an unclear relationship between adenomyosis and AMH. Probably, women with adenomyosis have lower levels of AMH and the surgical treatment (adenomyomectomy, HIFU) does not alter this characteristic, therefore in all of them, ovarian function is not influenced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Antonio Gulino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS) Garibaldi, Catania, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ferdinando Antonio Gulino,
| | - Valentina Dilisi
- Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Gynecology and Obstetrics Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stella Capriglione
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale “Santa Maria Alla Gruccia”, Montevarchi, Italy
| | - Francesco Cannone
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda di Rilievo Nazionale e Alta Specializzazione (ARNAS) Garibaldi, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Catania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale “Santa Maria Alla Gruccia”, Montevarchi, Italy
| | | | - Attilio Tuscano
- Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Gynecology and Obstetrics Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marianna Gulisano
- Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Gynecology and Obstetrics Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Valentina D’Urso
- Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Gynecology and Obstetrics Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Di Stefano
- Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Gynecology and Obstetrics Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Monia Caterina Cimino
- Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Gynecology and Obstetrics Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Maurizio Filippini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ospedale di Stato, Cailungo, San Marino
| | - Silvia Latella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ospedale di Stato, Cailungo, San Marino
| | - Margaret Sammarini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ospedale di Stato, Cailungo, San Marino
| | - Giulia Musmeci
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, San’Elia Hospital, Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Marco Antonio Palumbo
- Department of Medical Surgical Specialties, Gynecology and Obstetrics Section, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Uterine Adenomyosis Treated by Linzagolix, an Oral Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Antagonist: A Pilot Study with a New 'Hit Hard First and then Maintain' Regimen of Administration. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10245794. [PMID: 34945090 PMCID: PMC8706704 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10245794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of the present pilot study was to study the effect of a new oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist on adenomyosis. (2) Methods: Eight premenopausal women, aged between 37 and 45 years, presenting with heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and dysmenorrhea due to diffuse and disseminated uterine adenomyosis, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), received 200 mg linzagolix once daily for a period of 12 weeks, after which they were switched to 100 mg linzagolix once daily for another 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in volume of the adenomyotic uterus from baseline to 24 weeks, evaluated by MRI. Secondary efficacy endpoints included the change in uterine volume from baseline to 12 and 36 weeks by MRI, and also weeks 12, 24, and 36 assessed by transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS). Other endpoints were overall pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, dyspareunia, amenorrhea, quality of life measures, bone mineral density (BMD), junctional zone thickness, and serum estradiol values. (3) Results: Median serum estradiol was suppressed below 20 pg/mL during the 12 weeks on linzagolix 200 mg, and maintained below 60 pg/mL during the second 12 weeks on linzagolix 100 mg. At baseline, the mean ± SD uterine volume was 333 ± 250 cm3. After 24 weeks of treatment, it was 204 ± 126 cm3, a reduction of 32% (p = 0.0057). After 12 weeks, the mean uterine volume was 159 ± 95 cm3, a reduction of 55% from baseline (p = 0.0001). A similar pattern was observed when uterine volume was assessed by TVUS. Improvements in overall pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, non-menstrual pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and dyschezia, as well as quality of life measured using the EHP-30 were also observed. Mean percentage BMD loss at 24 weeks was, respectively, -2.4%, -1.3%, and -4.1% for the spine, femoral neck, and total hip. The most common adverse events were hot flushes, which occurred in 6/8 women during the first 12 weeks, and 1/8 women between 12 and 24 weeks. (4) Conclusions: Linzagolix at a dose of 200 mg/day reduced uterine volume, and improved clinically relevant symptoms. Treatment with 100 mg thereafter retains the therapeutic benefits of the starting dose while minimizing side effects. This 'hit hard first and then maintain' approach may be the optimal way to treat women with symptomatic adenomyosis.
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Stratopoulou CA, Donnez J, Dolmans MM. Conservative Management of Uterine Adenomyosis: Medical vs. Surgical Approach. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4878. [PMID: 34768397 PMCID: PMC8584979 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10214878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine adenomyosis is a commonly encountered estrogen-dependent disease in reproductive-age women, causing heavy menstrual bleeding, intense pelvic pain, and infertility. Although adenomyosis was previously considered a disease of multiparous women, it is becoming increasingly evident that it also affects younger nulliparous women and may compromise their fertility potential. It is clear that hysterectomy, the standard approach to definitively manage the disease, is not an option for patients wishing to preserve their fertility, so there is an urgent need to develop novel conservative strategies. We searched the current literature for available methods for conservative management of adenomyosis, including both pharmacological and surgical approaches. There is no existing drug that can cure adenomyosis at present, but some off-label treatment options may be used to tackle disease symptoms and improve fertility outcomes. Adenomyosis in patients wishing to conceive can be 'treated' by conservative surgery, though these procedures require highly experienced surgeons and pose a considerable risk of uterine rupture during subsequent pregnancies. While currently available options for conservative management of adenomyosis do have some capacity for alleviating symptoms and enhancing patient fertility perspectives, more effective new options are needed, with gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists showing encouraging results in preliminary studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Anna Stratopoulou
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Jacques Donnez
- Société de Recherche pour l’Infertilité, 1150 Brussels, Belgium;
- Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium;
- Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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12
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Donnez J, Stratopoulou CA, Dolmans MM. Uterine Adenomyosis: From Disease Pathogenesis to a New Medical Approach Using GnRH Antagonists. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18199941. [PMID: 34639243 PMCID: PMC8508387 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18199941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Uterine adenomyosis is a common chronic disorder frequently encountered in reproductive-age women, causing heavy menstrual bleeding, intense pelvic pain, and infertility. Despite its high prevalence, its etiopathogenesis is not yet fully understood, so there are currently no specific drugs to treat the disease. A number of dysregulated mechanisms are believed to contribute to adenomyosis development and symptoms, including sex steroid signaling, endometrial proliferation and invasiveness, and aberrant immune response. Abnormal sex steroid signaling, particularly hyperestrogenism and subsequent progesterone resistance, are known to play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis, which is why various antiestrogenic agents have been used to manage adenomyosis-related symptoms. Among them, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists are swiftly gaining ground, with recent studies reporting efficient lesion regression and symptom alleviation. The aim of the present review is to compile available information on the pathogenesis of adenomyosis, explore the etiology and mechanisms of hyperestrogenism, and discuss the potential of antiestrogenic therapies for treating the disease and improving patient quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Donnez
- Société de Recherche Pour l’Infertilité, 1150 Brussels, Belgium
- Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
- Correspondence:
| | - Christina Anna Stratopoulou
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (C.A.S.); (M.-M.D.)
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (C.A.S.); (M.-M.D.)
- Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
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13
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Sharara FI, Kheil MH, Feki A, Rahman S, Klebanoff JS, Ayoubi JM, Moawad GN. Current and Prospective Treatment of Adenomyosis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:3410. [PMID: 34362193 PMCID: PMC8348135 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10153410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Adenomyosis is a poorly understood entity which makes it difficult to standardize treatment. In this paper we review and compare the currently approved medical and surgical treatments of adenomyosis and present the evidence behind them. (2) Methods: A PubMed search was conducted to identify papers related to the different treatments of adenomyosis. The search was limited to the English language. Articles were divided into medical and surgical treatments. (3) Results: Several treatment options have been studied and were found to be effective in the treatment of adenomyosis. (4) Conclusions: Further randomized controlled trials are needed to compare treatment modalities and establish a uniform treatment algorithm for adenomyosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fady I. Sharara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC 20037, USA; (F.I.S.); (S.R.)
- Virginia Center for Reproductive Medicine, 11150 Sunset Hills Rd., Suite 100, Reston, VA 20190, USA
| | - Mira H. Kheil
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon;
| | - Anis Feki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cantonal Hospital Fribourg, 1702 Fribourg, Switzerland;
| | - Sara Rahman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC 20037, USA; (F.I.S.); (S.R.)
| | - Jordan S. Klebanoff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Main Line Health, Wynnewood, PN 19096, USA;
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch, 92150 Suresnes, France;
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, Université Paris-Saclay, 78000 Versailles, France
| | - Gaby N. Moawad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC 20037, USA; (F.I.S.); (S.R.)
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Calderon L, Netter A, Grob-Vaillant A, Mancini J, Siles P, Vidal V, Agostini A. Progression of adenomyosis magnetic resonance imaging features under ulipristal acetate for symptomatic fibroids. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 42:661-668. [PMID: 33349531 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION What is the evolution of adenomyosis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after a 3-month treatment course of daily 5 mg doses of ulipristal acetate (UPA) for symptomatic fibroids? DESIGN A monocentric prospective pilot study on patients who underwent a 3-month treatment course of UPA for symptomatic fibroids between January 2014 and December 2017. Patients underwent pelvic MRI shortly before (pre-MRI) and after treatment (post-MRI). The diagnosis of adenomyosis on MRI was defined by the observation of intramyometrial cysts and/or haemorrhagic foci within these cystic cavities and/or a thickening of the junctional zone >12 mm. The progression of adenomyosis was defined by the presence of at least one of the aforementioned criteria of adenomyosis on the pre-MRI and by at least one of the following on the post-MRI: (i) increased thickness of the junctional zone ≥20% and/or (ii) increased number of intramyometrial cysts. The appearance of adenomyosis was defined by the absence of the aforementioned criteria of adenomyosis on the pre-MRI and the presence of at least one of these criteria on the post-MRI. RESULTS Seventy-two patients were included. The MRI features of adenomyosis progressed for 12 of 15 patients (80.0%) for whom adenomyosis was identified on the pre-MRI. An appearance of adenomyosis was identified after treatment for 15 of 57 patients (26.3%) for whom adenomyosis was not identified on the pre-MRI. CONCLUSIONS A 3-month treatment course of daily 5 mg doses of UPA could provoke a short-term progression or an emergence of typical adenomyosis intramyometrial cysts on MRI examinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Calderon
- Department of Medical Imaging, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone Hospital, Aix Marseille University, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Antoine Netter
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Conception Hospital, Aix Marseille University, Marseille 13005, France; Institut Méditerranéen de Biodiversité et d'Écologie marine et continentale (IMBE), Aix Marseille University, CNRS, IRD, Avignon University, Marseille, France.
| | - Anaïs Grob-Vaillant
- Department of Medical Imaging, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone Hospital, Aix Marseille University, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Julien Mancini
- Aix Marseille University, APHM, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Public Health Department, La Timone Hospital, BIOSTIC, 264 Rue Saint Pierre, 13005 Marseille 05, Marseille, France
| | - Pascale Siles
- Department of Women's Health Imaging, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone Hospital, Aix Marseille University, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Vincent Vidal
- Department of Medical Imaging, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Timone Hospital, Aix Marseille University, Marseille 13005, France
| | - Aubert Agostini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, La Conception Hospital, Aix Marseille University, Marseille 13005, France
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Donnez O, Donnez J. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (linzagolix): a new therapy for uterine adenomyosis. Fertil Steril 2020; 114:640-645. [PMID: 32507315 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy of a selective progesterone receptor modulator, ulipristal acetate, and a gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, linzagolix, in a case of severe uterine adenomyosis. DESIGN Case report. SETTING Private clinic and infertility research unit. PATIENT One patient born in 1981 who presented because of heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and dysmenorrhea due to diffuse and disseminated uterine adenomyosis confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). INTERVENTION The patient received a first treatment of 5 mg UPA daily for one course of 3 months. This therapy was discontinued because MRI revealed a worsened aspect. One year later, a once-daily dose of 200 mg linzagolix administered orally was initiated for 3 months, followed by another 3-month course of 100 mg once daily. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical symptoms and MRI aspect. RESULTS During treatment with UPA, the symptoms (pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, bulk symptoms) worsened and MRI revealed aggravation of the adenomyotic lesions. During the 12-week course of once-daily 200 mg linzagolix, the patient remained in amenorrhea and noted a very significant improvement in symptoms. On MRI, the uterine volume had fallen from 875 cm3 to 290 cm3, and the adenomyotic lesions had significantly regressed. During the 100-mg linzagolix course (weeks 13-24), the patient reported continued alleviation of her symptoms. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of linzagolix, a new oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist that significantly reduced lesion size and improved quality of life in a patient with severe adenomyosis, who was previously nonresponsive to treatment with a selective progesterone receptor modulator, ulipristal acetate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Donnez
- Institut du Sein et de Chirurgie Gynécologique d'Avignon, Polyclinique Urbain V, Avignon, France; Elsan Group, Avignon, France
| | - Jacques Donnez
- Société de Recherche pour l'Infertilité, Brussels, Belgium; Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium.
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Ulipristal Acetate Prior to Surgery for Endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2020; 27:1707-1714. [PMID: 32006245 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-020-00146-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Selective progesterone receptor modulators may have a role in the treatment of endometriosis. The aim of this report is to review the effect of ulipristal acetate (UPA) on endometriosis lesions and symptoms in women treated prior to surgery. A pathology review of eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesions was conducted by two gynecologic pathologists. The main outcome measures reported are pain reduction, amenorrhea, and pathologic progesterone receptor modulator-associated endometrial changes (PAECs). Overall, fifteen women with endometriosis received UPA over a 27-month study period. UPA was administered in an intermittent fashion in the majority of patients while 27% of patients had continuous treatment, between 6 and 24 months. Eleven (73%) patients reported amenorrhea on UPA and 11 (92%) of 12 patients with pain reported pain reduction or resolution. Fourteen patients (93%) proceeded with surgical management. Thirteen (93%) patients underwent excision of suspected endometriosis at surgery. Twelve cases (86%) had concurrent eutopic endometrium specimens and PAEC was identified in 58% (n = 7). Among the 14 cases that underwent surgery, a total of 49 extraovarian sites were sampled. Endometriosis was definitively identified in 31 (63%) of these sites. Three cases (21%) showed morphologic features similar to PAEC within foci of endometriosis. All cases of PAEC-like features in endometriosis also had PAEC in the endometrium. These patients had all noted pain reduction and amenorrhea preoperatively. In conclusion, PAECs may be found in endometriosis lesions in patients treated with UPA. Further prospective investigation is required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SPRMs in women with endometriosis.
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