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de Haro-Romero T, Peinado FM, Vela-Soria F, Lara-Ramos A, Fernández-Parra J, Molina-Lopez A, Ubiña A, Ocón O, Artacho-Cordón F, Freire C. Association between exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and endometriosis in the ENDEA case-control study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175593. [PMID: 39179042 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants present in a wide range of consumer products and frequently detected in drinking water. They have been linked to adverse reproductive health outcomes in women, but there is limited human evidence on the association of PFAS exposure with endometriosis. OBJECTIVE/AIM To explore the association between plasma concentrations of several PFAS, considered individually and as a mixture, and the risk of endometriosis in women of childbearing age. METHODS Between 2018 and 2020, 42 patients with endometriosis and 90 controls undergoing abdominal surgery were recruited at two public hospitals in Granada, Spain. The presence or absence of endometriosis was ascertained by laparoscopic inspection of the pelvis and biopsy of suspected lesions (histological diagnosis). Concentrations of 10 PFAS were quantified in plasma samples from participants. Unconditional logistic regression was employed to examine associations of individual PFAS and summed concentrations of short (∑SC) and long-chain (∑LC) PFAS with odds of endometriosis, and quantile g-computation was used to assess their mixture effect. RESULTS In models adjusted for age, schooling, and parity, perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) was associated with higher odds of endometriosis (odds ratio [OR] = 1.74; 95 % CI = 1.11-2.73 per 2-fold increase in plasma concentrations), while marginally significant associations were found for perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) (OR = 1.45, 95 % CI = 0.94-2.21) and ∑SC PFAS (OR = 1.48; 95 % CI = 0.96-2.30). No associations were found for the remaining PFAS. The PFAS mixture was non-significantly associated with 1.7-fold higher odds of endometriosis (95 % CI = 0.73-3.80), with perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), PFHxS, and PFTrDA being the major contributors to this effect. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that exposure to certain PFAS may increase the odds of endometriosis. However, given the modest sample size, further studies are warranted to verify these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa de Haro-Romero
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain; Clinical Laboratory Management Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Francisco M Peinado
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain; Biomedical Research Centre (CIBM), University of Granada, 18100 Granada, Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Fernando Vela-Soria
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain; Clinical Laboratory Management Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Ana Lara-Ramos
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Jorge Fernández-Parra
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Molina-Lopez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain; Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Alfredo Ubiña
- General Surgery Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, E-18016, Granada, Spain
| | - Olga Ocón
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain; Gynaecology and Obstetrics Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - Francisco Artacho-Cordón
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain; General Surgery Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, E-18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Carmen Freire
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18016 Granada, Spain; CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain.
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Taffs L, Waters N, Marino J, Rapsey C, Peate M, Girling JE. Supportive Care Needs of Young Adults With Endometriosis: An Open-Ended Online Survey and Exploration of Unmet Needs. Health Expect 2024; 27:e70045. [PMID: 39358975 PMCID: PMC11446957 DOI: 10.1111/hex.70045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 09/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to identify and explore the unmet needs of adolescents and young adults living with endometriosis. DESIGN An open-ended online survey was conducted, with questions derived from prior research looking at areas of unmet need in healthcare, career and work, financial, information, psychological, social and cultural domains. SETTING AND POPULATION Self-selecting 18-25 year olds with surgically diagnosed endometriosis (self-reported) currently living in Australia were included as participants. METHODS Invitation to participate in an open-ended online survey was shared through the social media of Australian endometriosis organisations and the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. Surveys were analysed qualitatively through template analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Recording of the unmet supportive care needs of this population was carried out. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-one respondents fit the eligibility criteria of being aged 18-25 years (median age 23 years). Most were born in Australia (94%), university-educated (54%) and lived in a metropolitan setting (69%). There was a range of unmet needs that were presented across education, work, healthcare and relationships. Group-specific challenges were identified: doctors either over- or underemphasising future fertility; disrupted sexual and romantic life due to painful sex; managing pain in the classroom and workplace where periods are taboo; and being gender-queer in gynaecological medical spaces. CONCLUSIONS The increasingly young age at which patients are receiving an endometriosis diagnosis precipitates a shift in patient care. The treatment decisions that are being made must be reflective of the unique needs of the adolescents who carry the burden of the disease. Clinicians are advised to be aware of and discuss needs with their patients. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The nine open-ended questions in this survey were developed from data from a preliminary series of interviews with endometriosis patients in a tertiary women's healthcare centre. In asking these data-informed questions to the online endometriosis community, patients across broader sociocultural demographics and disease states (including less symptomatic endometriosis) have provided a broader understanding of their supportive care needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Taffs
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Newborn Health, The Royal Women's Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Niamh Waters
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Newborn Health, The Royal Women's Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jennifer Marino
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Charlene Rapsey
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand
| | - Michelle Peate
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Newborn Health, The Royal Women's Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jane E Girling
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Newborn Health, The Royal Women's Hospital and The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Anatomy, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand
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El-Ali AM, Tong A, Smereka P, Lala SV. MRI for endometriosis in adolescent patients. Pediatr Radiol 2024:10.1007/s00247-024-06050-z. [PMID: 39289214 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-024-06050-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Endometriosis, a chronic condition that often starts in adolescence, can have a significant impact on quality of life due to symptoms of dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain. Although laparoscopy with direct visualization and pathologic correlation is the reference standard for the diagnosis of endometriosis, some authors have called for a greater emphasis on clinical diagnosis - including imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides highly reproducible, large field of view, multiplanar, and multiparametric imaging of pelvic endometriosis and is well tolerated in adolescent patients. As such, pediatric radiologists need to be familiar with the manifestations of endometriosis on MRI and how these findings may differ from those seen in adult populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M El-Ali
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 660 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
| | - Angela Tong
- Division of Abdominal Imaging, Department of Radiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Paul Smereka
- Division of Abdominal Imaging, Department of Radiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shailee V Lala
- Division of Pediatric Radiology, Department of Radiology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, 660 First Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA
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Kaltsas A, Stavropoulos M, Symeonidis EN, Kratiras Z, Zachariou A, Zikopoulos A, Chrisofos EE, Dimitriadis F, Sofikitis N, Chrisofos M. Endometriosis in Transgender Men: Bridging Gaps in Research and Care-A Narrative Review. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1481. [PMID: 39062054 PMCID: PMC11274608 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071481] [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: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a debilitating gynecological condition commonly seen in individuals designated female at birth; however, there has been limited research focused on its prevalence and impact among transgender men. This narrative review aims to fill a critical knowledge gap by exploring the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, management strategies, and quality-of-life implications of endometriosis among transgender individuals who identify as male. Specifically, this study seeks to estimate the prevalence rates and describe the symptoms experienced by transgender men undergoing testosterone therapy. Additionally, it addresses the diagnostic challenges posed by hormonal treatments and the lack of culturally competent healthcare services for this population. Recent molecular studies indicate that hormonal imbalances, such as increased estrogen synthesis and progesterone resistance, are significant factors in the persistence of endometriosis symptoms despite testosterone therapy. Moreover, evidence suggests that testosterone therapy may not always suppress endometrial activity completely, contributing to the persistence of symptoms in some individuals. Endometriosis in transgender men requires personalized approaches that consider both testosterone therapy and its interactions with endometriosis, as well as fertility preservation and the psychosocial aspects of treatment. This review emphasizes the necessity of taking an inclusive approach in both research and clinical practice to improve healthcare outcomes for this underserved population. The results demonstrate how continued research, education, and healthcare services tailored specifically to transgender men are necessary to better understand and treat endometriosis, thus improving both their overall health and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aris Kaltsas
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Marios Stavropoulos
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Evangelos N. Symeonidis
- Department of Urology II, European Interbalkan Medical Center, 55535 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Zisis Kratiras
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.S.); (Z.K.)
| | - Athanasios Zachariou
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece;
| | - Athanasios Zikopoulos
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3LJ, UK;
| | | | - Fotios Dimitriadis
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Nikolaos Sofikitis
- Department of Urology II, European Interbalkan Medical Center, 55535 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.N.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Michael Chrisofos
- Third Department of Urology, Attikon University Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 12462 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (M.S.); (Z.K.)
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Li HJ, Esencan E, Song Y, Taylor HS, Cho Y, Vash-Margita A. Medical Management of Endometriosis in Adolescent and Young Adult Women: A Review of 91 Cases of Biopsy-Confirmed Endometriosis. JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY CANADA 2024; 46:102562. [PMID: 38759792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2024.102562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To characterise contemporary trends in the hormonal management of endometriosis in adolescent and young adult patients with biopsy-proven endometriosis. METHODS Retrospective chart review of women aged 14-25 years who underwent laparoscopy for pelvic pain with biopsy-proven endometriosis between January 2011 and September 2020 at an academic tertiary hospital system. The final sample included 91 patients with biopsy-confirmed endometriosis. RESULTS Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) were the most common initial treatment (64% of patients). Progestin-only formulations (low- and high-dose norethindrone acetate) were offered to younger patients (age 15.9 ± 2.7 years) than those offered COCs (19.9 ± 3.3 years) and levonorgestrel intrauterine devices (LNG-IUDs) (21.9 ± 1.7 years). Current treatments varied widely and included COCs (32%), LNG-IUDs (18%), oral progestins (low- and high-dose norethindrone, medroxyprogesterone) (14%), elagolix (9%), and leuprolide (8%). Oral adjuncts to LNG-IUD were common: usually low- or high-dose norethindrone (37% of patients with an LNG-IUD), but also included progesterone, COCs, and elagolix. CONCLUSIONS Oral progestins, LNG-IUDs, and COCs were the mainstay of initial treatment. Subsequent treatments varied widely and included COCs, LNG-IUDs, oral progestins, elagolix, leuprolide, and combinations of these agents. We observed that most young women switched between therapies, suggesting that a personalised approach is often used to determine treatment plans among the wide range of options currently available. This study helps define the spectrum of treatment regimens for endometriosis in adolescent females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard J Li
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ecem Esencan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yue Song
- Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Hugh S Taylor
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yonghee Cho
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alla Vash-Margita
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Tyson N, Shim J, Lee T, King CR, Einarsson J, Hornstein MD, Laufer MR. Surgical Considerations in the Management of Adolescent Endometriosis-An Expert Commentary. J Minim Invasive Gynecol 2024; 31:378-386. [PMID: 38325581 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2024.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Given the complexities and controversies that exist in diagnosing adult endometriosis, as well as optimizing medical and surgical management, it is not surprising that there is even more ambiguity and inconsistency in the optimal surgical care of endometriosis in the adolescent. This collaborative commentary aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations optimizing the role of surgical interventions for endometriosis in the adolescent patient with input from experts in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, pediatric and adolescent gynecology, and infertility/reproductive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nichole Tyson
- Center for Academic Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California (Dr. Tyson).
| | - Jessica Shim
- Division of Gynecology, Boston Children's Hospital; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr. Shim)
| | - Ted Lee
- NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, New York (Dr. Lee)
| | - Cara R King
- Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (Dr. King)
| | - Jon Einarsson
- Division of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr. Einarsson)
| | - Mark D Hornstein
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Hornstein)
| | - Marc R Laufer
- Division of Gynecology, Boston Children's Hospital; Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (Dr. Laufer)
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Abramiuk M, Mertowska P, Frankowska K, Świechowska-Starek P, Satora M, Polak G, Dymanowska-Dyjak I, Grywalska E. How Can Selected Dietary Ingredients Influence the Development and Progression of Endometriosis? Nutrients 2024; 16:154. [PMID: 38201982 PMCID: PMC10781184 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic, hormone-dependent disease characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue in ectopic locations. Since the treatment options for this disease are still limited, and the cure rate is unsatisfactory, the search for ways to treat symptoms and modify the course of the disease is of key importance in improving the quality of life of patients with endometriosis. So far, the literature has shown that nutrition can influence endometriosis through hormonal modification and altering the inflammatory or oxidative response. Since the importance of nutrition in this disease is still a subject of scientific research, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the role of dietary modifications in endometriosis. Our review showed that nutrients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, including most vitamins and several trace elements, may influence the pathogenesis of endometriosis and can be considered as the nutrients preventing the development of endometriosis. However, despite the many discoveries described in this review, further interdisciplinary research on this topic seems to be extremely important, as in the future, it may result in the development of personalized therapies supporting the treatment of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Abramiuk
- Independent Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (G.P.); (I.D.-D.)
| | - Paulina Mertowska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (E.G.)
| | - Karolina Frankowska
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Students’ Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Paulina Świechowska-Starek
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynaecology and Gynaecology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Satora
- 1st Chair and Department of Oncological Gynecology and Gynecology, Students’ Scientific Association, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (K.F.); (M.S.)
| | - Grzegorz Polak
- Independent Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (G.P.); (I.D.-D.)
| | - Izabela Dymanowska-Dyjak
- Independent Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Gynaecology and Gynaecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 St., 20-081 Lublin, Poland; (G.P.); (I.D.-D.)
| | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (P.M.); (E.G.)
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