Safety of medical treatments for endometriosis

Acupuncture and Related Therapies for Endometriosis: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Acupuncture and related therapies are effective and safe ways to relieve the pain, and improve the health and quality of life in women with endometriosis-related pain. However, it is still unclear which treatment is the most effective. Our study aims to summarize the evidence and determine the most effective and safe method to treat the endometriosis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of science, China Biology Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan fang Data, Chinese Scientific Journal Database and conducted manual searches of relevant papers, summarized randomized clinical trials of acupuncture-related therapies for endometriosis from database inception to 21 April 2024. After independent literature screening and data extraction that pain VAS was selected as the primary outcome measure. The quality evaluation was conducted by Review Manager 5.4. Perform network meta-analysis (NMA) used Stata 15.0 software.

Results

Forty-two eligible trials involving six acupuncture-related interventions and 3,635 participants were included in this NMA. Pairwise meta-analyses show that combination therapy was more efficacious than western medicine and Chinese herb medicine for pain VAS scores, serum CA125 level and response rate results. The NMA estimates indicated that: for pain VAS scores, acupuncture (SMD: -2.33; 95% CI: -4.37, -0.29) and combination therapy (SMD: 1.79 95% CI: 1.21, 2.41) were superior to western medicine. For serum CA125 level, acupoint application (SMD: -11.33 95% CI: -20.28, -2.97) and combination therapy (SMD: 6.20; 95% CI: 1.60, 10.75) were associated with better efficacy when considered alongside western medicine. For response rate, combination therapy (SMD: 0.20; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.29) and auricular therapy (SMD: 8.01; 95% CI: 2.08, 45.37) were more efficacious than western medicine. The comprehensive ranking results show that acupoint catgut embedding was the best performing at lowering pain VAS scores, acupoint application was identified as the most effective in reducing serum CA125 level, and auricular therapy was ranked first in improving the response rate.

Conclusion

Acupoint catgut embedding, auricular therapy, acupoint application and combination therapy may be the best solutions for the treatment of endometriosis. Additional trials are needed to develop higher-quality evidence and optimal regimens.

Acupuncture for clinical improvement of endometriosis-related pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is a common chronic gynecological condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity, leading to chronic inflammation, pelvic nodules and masses, pelvic pain, and infertility. Acupuncture has been shown to improve pain associated with endometriosis by modulating abnormal levels of prostaglandins, β-endorphins, dynorphins, electrolytes, and substance P. This review aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in treating endometriosis, specifically focusing on its efficacy in relieving pain associated with endometriosis.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted in eight databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the China Biology Medicine (CBM), Wanfang, and Weipu database) to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from database inception to December 16, 2022, which investigated the use of acupuncture for endometriosis-related pain. Two researchers independently screened articles, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata statistical software.

RESULTS

A total of 1991 articles were identified, and ultimately, 14 studies involving 793 patients (387 in the acupuncture group and 359 in the control group) were included. The control interventions in the included studies included placebo, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and Western medicine treatments. Meta-analysis results showed that compared to the control group, acupuncture treatment for pain associated with endometriosis demonstrated significant reductions in pain severity [SMD = - 1.10, 95% CI (- 1.45, - 0.75), P < 0.001], improved response rate [RR = 1.25, 95% CI (1.09, 1.44), P = 0.02], and decreased serum CA-125 levels [SMD = - 0.62, 95% CI (- 1.15, - 0.08), P = 0.024]. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that electroacupuncture and auricular acupuncture were superior to the control group in reducing pain severity, while auricular acupuncture and warm needling showed greater clinical efficacy compared to the control group. However, there were no significant differences between electroacupuncture or fire needling and the control group in terms of pain relief. The findings suggest that acupuncture is effective in improving pain associated with endometriosis.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, acupuncture is effective in alleviating dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain associated with endometriosis, reducing serum CA-125 levels, decreasing the size of nodules, improving patients' quality of life, and lowering the recurrence rate. However, it should be noted that the current evidence is limited by the design and quality flaws of the original studies, as well as a lack of research specifically focusing on subtypes of acupuncture. Therefore, caution should be exercised when interpreting the results.

Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: Modern Concepts of Their Clinical Outcomes, Treatment, and Management

Endometriosis and adenomyosis are complex gynecological conditions characterized by diverse clinical presentations, including superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SPE), ovarian endometrioma (OMA), and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). The hallmark features of these pathologies involve the manifestation of pain symptoms and infertility, and approximately 30% of patients are asymptomatic. Despite ongoing research, definitive treatments for these conditions remain elusive, and clinical management primarily revolves around medical or surgical interventions. Recent advancements in our understanding of the efficacy of various treatment modalities, including medical therapy and surgical interventions, have provided clinicians with valuable insights into pain relief and fertility preservation. This review aims to provide an updated overview of the latest literature on clinical outcomes, treatment options, and management strategies for different types of endometriosis. By synthesizing the newest available data, this review seeks to inform clinicians and guide decision making based on factors such as patients' symptom severity, childbearing desire, and overall health.

Artificial Intelligence in the Management of Women with Endometriosis and Adenomyosis: Can Machines Ever Be Worse Than Humans?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is experiencing advances and integration in all medical specializations, and this creates excitement but also concerns. This narrative review aims to critically assess the state of the art of AI in the field of endometriosis and adenomyosis. By enabling automation, AI may speed up some routine tasks, decreasing gynecologists' risk of burnout, as well as enabling them to spend more time interacting with their patients, increasing their efficiency and patients' perception of being taken care of. Surgery may also benefit from AI, especially through its integration with robotic surgery systems. This may improve the detection of anatomical structures and enhance surgical outcomes by combining intra-operative findings with pre-operative imaging. Not only that, but AI promises to improve the quality of care by facilitating clinical research. Through the introduction of decision-support tools, it can enhance diagnostic assessment; it can also predict treatment effectiveness and side effects, as well as reproductive prognosis and cancer risk. However, concerns exist regarding the fact that good quality data used in tool development and compliance with data sharing guidelines are crucial. Also, professionals are worried AI may render certain specialists obsolete. This said, AI is more likely to become a well-liked team member rather than a usurper.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of adjuvant gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) on pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis following conservative surgery

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis frequently results in pain and infertility. While conservative surgery offers some relief, it often falls short of ensuring satisfactory pregnancy outcomes. Adjuvant GnRH-a is administered post-surgery to mitigate recurrence; however, its impact on pregnancy outcomes remains debated. This study endeavors to assess the efficacy of adjuvant GnRH-a in enhancing pregnancy outcomes post-conservative surgery in endometriosis patients.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Medline (Ovid), Web of Science, and Scopus were rigorously searched up to 02 August 2023, without linguistic constraints. Identified articles were screened using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evaluated outcomes encompassed pregnancy rate, live birth rate, miscarriage rate, ectopic pregnancy rate, multiple pregnancy rate, mean postoperative pregnancy interval, recurrence rate, and adverse reaction rate. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and the Jadad score evaluated the included studies' quality. Subgroup and sensitivity analysis were implemented to analyze the pooled results. A meta-analysis model expressed results as standardized mean difference (SMD) and Risk ratio (RR).

RESULTS

A total of 17 studies about 2485 patients were assimilated. Meta-analysis revealed that post-surgery, the GnRH-a cohort experienced a marginally elevated pregnancy rate (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.02-1.41; P = 0.03) and a reduced mean time to conceive (RR = -1.17, 95% CI = -1.70- -0.64; P < 0.0001). Contrarily, other evaluated outcomes did not exhibit notable statistical differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Incorporating adjuvant GnRH-a following conservative surgery may be deemed beneficial for women with endometriosis, especially before Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Nonetheless, owing to pronounced heterogeneity, subsequent research is warranted to substantiate these potential advantages conclusively.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023448280.

Recent advances in the treatment of pain in endometriosis: A bibliometric analysis of experimental models

Background and Aim

Treatment of endometriosis involves pain relief which is achieved through the administration of analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with or without the addition of hormone therapy. At present, studies investigating endometriosis pain management using experimental rat models and the use of medications are scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically evaluate research trends and critical points in the field of endometriosis pain management using experimental models.

Materials and Methods

A total of 30 publications related to this topic that were published from 2012 to 2022 were retrieved from various databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL, using appropriate English keywords. The quality of the publications was evaluated using impact metrics, productivity, term density mapping, and author network.

Results

The average publication rate was three articles per year, reaching its peak in 2021 at five articles per year. The United States and China were found to be the most productive countries, with 12 and 10 publications per year, respectively. The field of medicine (37.0%) was the most abundant, although the H-index was relatively low (13:13). Term density mapping involved the search of 542 keywords, of which 35 were selected, with only 8 exhibiting significant density.

Conclusion

In the past decade, there has been a shortage of publications that have addressed pain in endometriosis in experimental models and, within this context the majority of the production and publication in this field has been performed by the United States and China. After performing this bibliometric review, it can be inferred that more research is required in this field, to develop new approaches and treatments for endometriotic pain.

Rodent Animal Models of Endometriosis-Associated Pain: Unmet Needs and Resources Available for Improving Translational Research in Endometriosis

Chronic pain induced by endometriosis is a maladaptive pain experienced by half of women with this disease. The lack of pharmacological treatments suitable for the long-term relief of endometriosis-associated pain, without an impact on fertility, remains an urgent unmet need. Progress has been slowed by the absence of a reproducible rodent endometriosis model that fully replicates human physiopathological characteristics, including pain symptoms. Although pain assessment in rodents is a complicated task requiring qualified researchers, the choice of the behavioral test is no less important, since selecting inappropriate tests can cause erroneous data. Pain is usually measured with reflex tests in which hypersensitivity is evaluated by applying a noxious stimulus, yet this ignores the associated emotional component that could be evaluated via non-reflex tests. We conducted a systematic review of endometriosis models used in rodents and the number of them that studied pain. The type of behavioral test used was also analyzed and classified according to reflex and non-reflex tests. Finally, we determined the most used reflex tests for the study of endometriosis-induced pain and the main non-reflex behavioral tests utilized in visceral pain that can be extrapolated to the study of endometriosis and complement traditional reflex tests.

Comparing the quality of life of endometriotic patients' before and after treatment with normal and infertile patients based on the EHP30 questionnaire

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the quality of life (QOL), in patients with endometriosis ± infertility (B and C groups) and compare those to healthy women, and also infertile groups without endometriosis as a control groups (A and D), considering the fact that endometriosis and infertility reduces the quality of life in patients.

METHODS

The present prospective comparative study was carried out between January 2018 and September 2020. A total of 400 women were included (100 women in each group). The participants filled in a validated questionnaire of quality of life, Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30), and a visual analog scale of pain used, at the first visit, and 3 months after the medical or surgical treatment in the endometriosis group without infertility, additionally.

RESULTS

The majority of the patients were married, categorized in the middle-class of socio-economic state and housewives. They were of Persian descent. BMI was high in the infertile groups; however, the time of infertility was not different between the two groups of B and C (P = 0.054). The mean score of QOL was significantly lower in B, C, and D groups in comparison to the healthy women as the control group (A) (P < 0.001). Moreover, the infertile group (B), in comparison to endometriosis ± infertility groups (C and D), had the lowest mean score of QOL (P < 0.001). In each group, those who were older and had better educational level reported a better quality of life than other participants in that group. Social support plays a very important role in reducing the endometriosis related pain symptoms both before and after treatment. Three months after the treatment of endometriosis (D), a significant improvement was observed in all the aspects of QOL-related endometriosis. Nonetheless, the improvement of the quality of life in the surgical group was significantly higher than that in the medical treatment. The mean visual analog score of pain decreased from 62.22 ± 22.78, to 5.15 ± 2.73 following the surgical treatment (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The lowest quality of life belonged to the infertile group, followed by the endometriosis group. The quality of life of the endometriosis group improved after the treatment. Thus, endometriotic patients' treatment in terms of improvement of quality of life should be considered by all professional health care teams.

Advances in targeting estrogen synthesis and receptors in patients with endometriosis

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease on the background of progesterone resistance. Increased estrogen production, low estrogen metabolization, and altered estrogen receptors (ERs) expression contribute to the hyperestrogenic milieu within endometriotic lesions. Since estrogens play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of the disease, inhibition of estrogen production is one of the main targets of available and emerging drugs.

AREAS COVERED

Firstly, we described the molecular alterations responsible for estrogen dependence. Secondly, we reviewed available and emerging treatments that interfere, through central (gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs (GnRH-a), GnRH antagonists) or local mechanisms (aromatase inhibitors (AIs), inhibitors of steroid sulfatase (STS) and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1)), with estrogen dependence. Finally, we focused on emerging treatments targeting ERs (selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), estrogen receptors agonists, and antagonists).

EXPERT OPINION

Available treatments interfering with estrogen pathways exert a contraceptive effect, have hypoestrogenic side effects, and cannot prevent or definitively treat the disease. Preclinical and animal studies are focusing on emerging drugs targeting ERs in order to overcome limitations of available treatments. These treatments may represent a promising option, as they may produce a more specific inhibition of disease activity within endometriotic implants, avoiding prolonged hypoestrogenic status and limiting systemic side effects.

Nonsurgical management of adenomyosis: an overview of current evidence

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adenomyosis is a condition where endometrium-like tissue spreads within the myometrium. Although its prevalence in the general population is not exactly known, its clinical manifestations are well established and include pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), heavy menstrual bleeding and subfertility [1] . Adenomyosis often coexists with other gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis or fibroids, and may cloud the clinical presentation [2] . The aim of this article is to review current noninterventional, nonsurgical management modalities and wherever possible offer information that allows women to make safe and informed choices regarding their treatment options.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies support that medical strategies, including the Mirena coil, Dienogest and GnRH antagonists, are efficient in improving adenomyosis-associated symptoms. High-quality evidence is scarce and is needed to properly counsel women with this condition. Future research should prioritize overall pain, menstrual bleeding, quality of life and live birth as primary outcomes and assess women with different grades of adenomyosis.

SUMMARY

This review provides the most current evidence with regards to the nonsurgical management of adenomyosis. In light of the paucity and low quality of existing data, high-quality trials are needed to definitely determine the impact of conservative and medical treatment on the clinical management of adenomyosis.

Endometriosis: A Review of Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Pathogenesis

Endometriosis is a condition that affects women of reproductive age, and it is distinguished by the development of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. It is frequently accompanied by persistent pelvic discomfort and infertility. This investigation looks into recent findings on clinical manifestation to help doctors and improve women's health. PubMed and Google Scholar were used to review on clinical diagnosis of endometriosis. The search strategy contained the terms “endometriosis” and “clinical diagnosis.” All research articles published between 1960 and 2021 were included in the search. The findings were then categorized to summarize the evidence. There was a total of 29 instances of endometriosis discovered. The patients' ages varied from 20 to 45 years old, with a median of 28.8 years and a mean of 29.4±7.7 years. Dysmenorrhea is a common disorder among adolescent girls experiencing various physical and emotional symptoms which have a detrimental influence on their quality of life. In this study, scar endometriosis was shown to be the more common variety of endometriosis, with 50% of cases predominantly developing at the lower segment cesarean section (LSCS) scar site. As a result, women with endometriosis are more likely to have miscarriages, and the quality of their embryos declines as a result.

An Efficient UPLC-MS/MS Method Established to Detect Relugolix Concentration in Rat Plasma

Relugolix, a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist, has been well studied in the treatment of endometriosis symptomatic. It is mainly metabolized by the CYP3A subfamily of P450 enzymes, while minorly metabolized by CYP2C8. Daidzein in different dose groups exhibited a certain induction on the mRNA expression level of CYP3A4 and resulted in the potent induction of CYP3A4. However, it is still unknown whether daidzein and relugolix interact. We developed an effective ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to study the effect of daidzein on the pharmacokinetics of relugolix in rats after oral administration of 12 mg/kg relugolix in a single or mixed of 50 mg/kg daidzein. The results showed that the method had respectable linearity (r2 &gt; 0.999) on the scale of 0.7–1000 ng/mL. The intra-day precision was between 3.0% and 8.4% in this assay, and the inter-day was between 4.0% and 11.7%. The intra-day accuracy was from -4.3% to 6.1%, and the inter-day was 2.9% to 12.1%. Another three key indicators, including the stability, the recovery rate of extraction and the new technique’s matrix effect, were perfectly in accord with the test verification rule in the biological medium by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Meanwhile, treatment with daidzein led to a decrease in Cmax and AUC0–t of relugolix by about 15.56% and 21.36%, respectively. Although there was no statistical difference in pharmacokinetic parameters, it reflected the induction trend of daidzein on relugolix metabolism for food-drug interaction. It would provide reference and improvement value for subsequent experiments.

ESHRE guideline: endometriosis

STUDY QUESTION

How should endometriosis be diagnosed and managed based on the best available evidence from published literature?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The current guideline provides 109 recommendations on diagnosis, treatments for pain and infertility, management of disease recurrence, asymptomatic or extrapelvic disease, endometriosis in adolescents and postmenopausal women, prevention and the association with cancer.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Endometriosis is a chronic condition with a plethora of presentations in terms of not only the occurrence of lesions, but also the presence of signs and symptoms. The most important symptoms include pain and infertility.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

The guideline was developed according to the structured methodology for development of ESHRE guidelines. After formulation of key questions by a group of experts, literature searches and assessments were performed. Papers published up to 1 December 2020 and written in English were included in the literature review.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

Based on the collected evidence, recommendations were formulated and discussed within specialist subgroups and then presented to the core guideline development group (GDG) until consensus was reached. A stakeholder review was organized after finalization of the draft. The final version was approved by the GDG and the ESHRE Executive Committee.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

This guideline aims to help clinicians to apply best care for women with endometriosis. Although studies mostly focus on women of reproductive age, the guideline also addresses endometriosis in adolescents and postmenopausal women. The guideline outlines the diagnostic process for endometriosis, which challenges laparoscopy and histology as gold standard diagnostic tests. The options for treatment of endometriosis-associated pain symptoms include analgesics, medical treatments and surgery. Non-pharmacological treatments are also discussed. For management of endometriosis-associated infertility, surgical treatment and/or medically assisted reproduction are feasible. While most of the more recent studies confirm previous ESHRE recommendations, there are five topics in which significant changes to recommendations were required and changes in clinical practice are to be expected.

LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION

The guideline describes different management options but, based on existing evidence, no firm recommendations could be formulated on the most appropriate treatments. Also, for specific clinical issues, such as asymptomatic endometriosis or extrapelvic endometriosis, the evidence is too scarce to make evidence-based recommendations.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

The guideline provides clinicians with clear advice on best practice in endometriosis care, based on the best evidence currently available. In addition, a list of research recommendations is provided to stimulate further studies in endometriosis.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

The guideline was developed and funded by ESHRE, covering expenses associated with the guideline meetings, with the literature searches and with the dissemination of the guideline. The guideline group members did not receive payments. C.M.B. reports grants from Bayer Healthcare and the European Commission; Participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board with ObsEva (Data Safety Monitoring Group) and Myovant (Scientific Advisory Group). A.B. reports grants from FEMaLE executive board member and European Commission Horizon 2020 grant; consulting fees from Ethicon Endo Surgery, Medtronic; honoraria for lectures from Ethicon; and support for meeting attendance from Gedeon Richter; A.H. reports grants from MRC, NIHR, CSO, Roche Diagnostics, Astra Zeneca, Ferring; Consulting fees from Roche Diagnostics, Nordic Pharma, Chugai and Benevolent Al Bio Limited all paid to the institution; a pending patent on Serum endometriosis biomarker; he is also Chair of TSC for STOP-OHSS and CERM trials. O.H. reports consulting fees and speaker's fees from Gedeon Richter and Bayer AG; support for attending meetings from Gedeon-Richter, and leadership roles at the Finnish Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Nordic federation of the societies of obstetrics and gynecology. L.K. reports consulting fees from Gedeon Richter, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Dr KADE/Besins, Palleos Healthcare, Roche, Mithra; honoraria for lectures from Gedeon Richter, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Dr KADE/Besins, Palleos Healthcare, Roche, Mithra; support for attending meetings from Gedeon Richter, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Dr KADE/Besins, Palleos Healthcare, Roche, Mithra; he also has a leadership role in the German Society of Gynecological Endocrinology (DGGEF). M.K. reports grants from French Foundation for Medical Research (FRM), Australian Ministry of Health, Medical Research Future Fund and French National Cancer Institute; support for meeting attendance from European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), European Congress on Endometriosis (EEC) and ESHRE; She is an advisory Board Member, FEMaLe Project (Finding Endometriosis Using Machine Learning), Scientific Committee Chair for the French Foundation for Research on Endometriosis and Scientific Committee Chair for the ComPaRe-Endometriosis cohort. A.N. reports grants from Merck SA and Ferring; speaker fees from Merck SA and Ferring; support for meeting attendance from Merck SA; Participation on a Data Safety Monitoring Board or Advisory Board with Nordic Pharma and Merck SA; she also is a board member of medical advisory board, Endometriosis Society, the Netherlands (patients advocacy group) and an executive board member of the World Endometriosis Society. E.S. reports grants from National Institute for Health Research UK, Rosetrees Trust, Barts and the London Charity; Royalties from De Gruyter (book editor); consulting fees from Hologic; speakers fees from Hologic, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Intuitive, Olympus and Karl Storz; Participation in the Medicines for Women's Health Expert Advisory Group with Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA); he is also Ambassador for the World Endometriosis Society. C.T. reports grants from Merck SA; Consulting fees from Gedeon Richter, Nordic Pharma and Merck SA; speaker fees from Merck SA, all paid to the institution; and support for meeting attendance from Ferring, Gedeon Richter and Merck SA. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

DISCLAIMER

This guideline represents the views of ESHRE, which were achieved after careful consideration of the scientific evidence available at the time of preparation. In the absence of scientific evidence on certain aspects, a consensus between the relevant ESHRE stakeholders has been obtained. Adherence to these clinical practice guidelines does not guarantee a successful or specific outcome, nor does it establish a standard of care. Clinical practice guidelines do not replace the need for application of clinical judgement to each individual presentation, nor variations based on locality and facility type. ESHRE makes no warranty, express or implied, regarding the clinical practice guidelines and specifically excludes any warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose (Full disclaimer available at www.eshre.eu/guidelines.).

Endometriosis and cardiovascular disease

Endometriosis is a chronic gynaecological disease affecting 1 in 10 reproductive-age women. It is defined as the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus. Beyond this placid anatomical definition, endometriosis is a complex, hormonal, inflammatory, and systemic condition that poses significant familial, psychological, and economic burden. The interaction between the cardiovascular system and endometriosis has become a field of interest as the underlying mutual mechanisms become better understood. On the basis of accumulating fundamental and clinical evidence, it is likely that there exists a close relationship between endometriosis and the cardiovascular system. Therefore, investigating the endometriosis-cardiovascular interaction is highly clinically significant. In this review, we highlight our current understanding of the pathophysiology of endometriosis with systemic hormonal, pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, immunologic, and genetic processes beyond the peritoneal microenvironment. Additionally, we provide current clinical evidence about how endometriosis interacts with cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD). To date, only small associations between endometriosis and CVD have been reported in observational studies, inherently limited by the potential influence of unmeasured confounding. Cardiovascular disease in women with endometriosis remains understudied, under-recognized, and underdiagnosed. More detailed study of the cardiovascular-endometriosis interaction is needed to fully understand its clinical relevance, underlying pathophysiology, possible means of early diagnosis and prevention.

Conservative Management of Uterine Adenomyosis: Medical vs. Surgical Approach

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.

Medical Treatment for Endometriosis: Tolerability, Quality of Life and Adherence

Endometriosis is associated with painful symptoms, infertility, sexological difficulties, and psychological suffering. All these symptoms have a negative impact on the overall quality of life of women with the disease, with significant personal, social and economic costs. Several medical options are available to manage symptomatic endometriosis. The pharmacological treatment for endometriosis-related pain may be necessary for decades, or at least until there is a desire for pregnancy or physiologic menopause occurs. In this perspective, clinicians should consider not only the efficacy, but also side effects, tolerability, and costs, along with women's preferences toward different treatments. In this mini-review, we analyzed the pros and cons of the available drugs for the medical therapy of endometriosis, such as estrogen-progestins, progestins, GnRH agonist and GnRH antagonists.

Estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometriosis

BACKGROUND

This study aims to identify the presence of estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors in endometriosis implants and to determine whether hormone treatment influences the receptors in these implants.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with historical data collection. The analysis was conducted on 156 endometriosis implants from 67 patients undergoing endometriosis laparoscopy. The patients were divided into two groups: one group underwent hormone treatment (n = 20) and another group did not receive hormone treatment (n = 47) prior to surgery. Women of reproductive age with clinical pain and/or infertility who were diagnosed with endometriosis and underwent surgery were included. The specimens were analyzed after the estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors underwent immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

All analyzed topographies presented estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors. Progesterone hormone receptor expression was considerably superior than estrogen receptor expression (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hormone receptors are present in endometriosis implants on the ovarian fossae, uterosacral ligaments, sac fundus, and ovaries. Progesterone receptors predominate in implants, regardless of hormonal treatment.

Clinical Presentation and Management of Endometriosis-Related Hemorrhagic Ascites: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature

This study aims to analyze the patient profile and presentation of endometriosis-related hemorrhagic ascites and review its management to raise awareness among gynecologists and improve treatment strategies. We present a case report and engage in a systematic review involving human cases of histologically proven endometriosis with hemorrhagic ascites. Keywords were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Ovid Discovery databases from inception until December 2018. Studies that did not include a description of ascites or histopathologic results confirming endometriosis or those that involved patients with other conditions that may contribute to ascites were excluded. The review yielded 73 articles describing 84 premenopausal women with histologically proven endometriosis-related hemorrhagic ascites. Of note, 83% (65/78) of the patients were nulliparous and 69.35% (43/62) were of African descent. The most common chief complaint was abdominal enlargement (58.33%, 49/84) but a host of other symptoms were also reported. Pleural effusion was reported in 32.14% (27/84), and elevated CA-125 was seen in 74.42% (32/43). The majority (64.29%, 54/84) of the patients underwent laparotomy, and an increasing trend of minimally invasive surgical approaches (p<0.001) and fertility-sparing techniques (p<0.001) was observed. The mean ascites volume was 4228.27 mL (SD: 2625.66). Moderate to severe endometriosis was seen in 97.44% (76/78) of cases. The majority of the patients who received medical treatment were given gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists (63.79%, 37/58). The rate of recurrence after termination or suppression of ovarian function was 8.33% (7/84), and there was a mortality rate of 1.19% (1/84). Diagnosis of endometriosis-related hemorrhagic ascites may be challenging because it mimics several disease entities that cause ascites, thereby warranting a heightened clinical suspicion. Minimally invasive techniques are usually employed to establish a histologic diagnosis. The prevention of recurrence involves the recognition of endometriosis-related hemorrhagic ascites as a manifestation of severe endometriosis, which should prompt therapies directed at suppressing ovarian function. Since affected women are of childbearing age, ovary-preserving surgeries are generally preferred. The rate of recurrence is low after appropriate surgical and medical interventions.

Aromatase inhibitors for the treatment of endometriosis: a systematic review about efficacy, safety and early clinical development

INTRODUCTION

Pharmacotherapy has a key role in endometriosis treatment and management, however, a significant proportion of patients have only intermittent or limited benefits with current treatment options. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are necessary.

AREAS COVERED

This systematic review provides an overview of the efficacy and safety of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) as monotherapies and combination therapies for endometriosis. A systematic literature search was performed from January 1990 to April 2020 in the electronic database MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, and Web of Science.

EXPERT OPINION

Based on the critical role of estrogens and the rate-limiting step in the production of the estrogens represented by the aromatase enzyme, AIs are a potential therapeutic option for women affected by endometriosis. Nevertheless, further research is needed to clarify the efficacy of AIs in this setting. Adverse effects need to be investigated to clarify the preventive role of add-back therapy. On that basis, AIs should be adopted only as second-line therapy in patients who are refractory to standard treatments in the setting of scientific research. Further studies should define best dosages, appropriate add-back therapies, administration routes, treatment length, and which patients may benefit more from AIs.

Continuous oral contraceptives versus long-term pituitary desensitization prior to IVF/ICSI in moderate to severe endometriosis: study protocol of a non-inferiority randomized controlled trial

STUDY QUESTIONS

The primary objective is to investigate if continuous use of oral contraceptives is non-inferior compared to long-term pituitary desensitization with a GnRH agonist prior to IVF/ICSI in patients with moderate to severe endometriosis with regard to treatment efficacy. Secondary objectives concern treatment safety and cost-effectiveness.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Long-term pituitary desensitization with a GnRH agonist for 3-6 months prior to IVF/ICSI improves clinical pregnancy rates in women suffering from endometriosis. However, discussion about this treatment strategy exists because of its uncomfortable side effects. Alternatively, IVF/ICSI pre-treatment with continuously administered oral contraceptives may offer fewer side-effects and lower (in)direct costs, as well as encouraging IVF outcomes in women with endometriosis. To date, these two different IVF/ICSI pre-treatment strategies in women with endometriosis have not been directly compared.

STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION

An open-label, parallel two-arm randomized controlled multicenter trial is planned, including patients with moderate to severe endometriosis. To demonstrate an absolute difference of 13% (delta of 10% with non-inferiority margin of 3%) with a power of 80% 137 patients per group are sufficient. Taking into account a withdrawal of patients of 10% and a cancelation rate of embryo transfer after ovarian pick up of 10% (for instance due to fertilization failure), the sample size calculation is rounded off to 165 patients per group; 330 patients in total will be included. After informed consent, eligible patients will be randomly allocated to the intervention or reference group by using web based block randomization stratified per centre. Study inclusion is expected to be complete in 3-5 years.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS

The research population consists of patients with moderate to severe endometriosis (ASRM III/IV) who are scheduled for their first, second or third IVF/ICSI treatment attempt. Women aged over 41 years, younger than 18 years, with a known contraindication for the use of oral contraceptives and/or GnRH agonists or with severe male factor infertility will be excluded from participation. After informed consent patients are allocated to the intervention group (one-phase oral contraceptive continuously during three subsequent months) or the reference group (three Leuprorelin 3.75 mg i.m./s.c. depot injections during three subsequent months). Tibolon 2.5 mg can be given daily as add-back therapy in the reference group. After 3 months of pre-treatment the IVF/ICSI stimulation phase will be started. The primary outcome is live birth rate after fresh embryo transfer. Secondary outcomes are cumulative live birth rate after one IVF/ICSI treatment cycle (including fresh and frozen embryo transfers up to 15 months after randomization), ongoing pregnancy rate and time to pregnancy. In addition, treatment outcome parameters, adverse events, side-effects during the first 3 months, complications, recurrence of endometriosis (complaints), quality of life, patient preferences, safety and costs effectiveness will be reported. Measurements will be performed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 months after randomization.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

All authors have no conflict of interest related to this manuscript. The department of reproductive medicine of the Amsterdam UMC location VUmc has received several research and educational grants from Guerbet, Merck and Ferring not related to the submitted work.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The trial is registered as the COPIE trial (Continuous use of Oral contraceptives as an alternative for long-term Pituitary desensitization with a GnRH agonist prior to IVF/ICSI in Endometriosis patients) in the Dutch Trial Register (Ref. No. NTR6357, http://www.trialregister.nl).

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE

16 March 2017.

DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT

Enrollment is planned for November 2018.

The cost-effective, but forgotten, medical endometriosis therapy: a prospective, quasi-randomized study on progestin therapy

Endometriosis represents nowadays a real burden for the patients as well as for the physicians, as it requires surgical and/or medical treatment, often long - termed and repeated. Moreover, the high costs necessary to diagnose and treat endometriosis represent a real economic burden, being comparable to other chronic diseases like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the physicians dealing with this disease should take into account not only the efficacy of the treatment, but also the economic aspects and patients compliance. The present paper analyses the efficiency of progestins (lynestrenol and medrogestone) in endometriosis as a cost - effective, but forgotten medical therapy of the disease. Our study underlines the good tolerability of progestins, as they have limited side effects, the compliance of patients being high. They are also low-cost medications, which could represent an effective alternative method in the endometriosis treatment, especially in less - developed countries that cannot afford the higher therapeutic costs.

Effects of etonogestrel implant on quality of life, sexual function, and pelvic pain in women suffering from endometriosis: results from a multicenter, prospective, observational study

PURPOSE

Progestins are successfully employed as treatment for endometriosis. Our study evaluates the effects of the etonogestrel (ENG) implant on pelvic pain, quality of life, and sexual function in women requiring long-term reversible contraception and presenting ovarian cysts of probable endometriotic origin.

METHODS

We enrolled 25 women asking for contraception with the ENG implant and presenting a cyst with the ultrasound features of an endometrioma and pain symptoms. Patients were interviewed on pain symptoms (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, and dysuria) using a VAS score (0-10), on quality of life (QoL) using the Short Form-36 questionnaire, and on sexual activity using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire before inserting the implant (T0) and after 6 (T1) and 12 months (T2).

RESULTS

We found a significant decrease in dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia VAS scores comparing baseline scores to 6 and 12 months. After 12 months, the bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health domains of the QoL score were significantly improved. The total FSFI score results increased in comparison with baseline both at 6 and 12 months. In particular, we highlighted a significant improvement in desire, satisfaction, and pain domains already at 6 months; the arousal domain improved only after 12 months. Finally, mean diameters of endometrioma-like cysts were not changed after 12 months of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Etonogestrel implants seem to be able to reduce pelvic pain, improve sexual function, and quality of life in patients with ovarian cysts suspected of endometriotic origin.

Current understanding on pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety of progestins for treating pain associated to endometriosis

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is a chronic estrogen and progestogen responsive inflammatory disease associated with pain symptoms and infertility. The medical therapy of endometriosis aims to induce decidualization within the hormonally dependent ectopic endometrium, and it is often administered to ameliorate women' pain symptoms or to prevent post-surgical disease recurrence. A variety of progestins have been used in monotherapy for the medical management of women with endometriosis. Areas covered: This review aims to offer the reader a complete overview of pharmacokinetic (PK) and clinical efficacy of progestins for the treatment of endometriosis. Expert opinion: Each progestin has a distinct PK parameters and pharmacodynamics affinity not only for progesterone receptor, but also for other steroid receptors, such as estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid. Moreover, progestins can also be delivered in different formulations. All these characteristics influence their final biological effect. Randomized, controlled, non-blinded studies support the use of oral progestin-only treatment for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. Currently, the only two progestins approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of endometriosis are norethindrone acetate (NETA) and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug resistance in dysmenorrhea: epidemiology, causes, and treatment

Although nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs can alleviate menstrual pain, about 18% of women with dysmenorrhea are unresponsive, leaving them and their physicians to pursue less well-studied strategies. The goal of this review is to provide a background for treating menstrual pain when first-line options fail. Research on menstrual pain and failure of similar drugs in the antiplatelet category suggested potential mechanisms underlying nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug resistance. Based on these mechanisms, alternative options may be helpful for refractory cases. This review also identifies key pathways in need of further study to optimize menstrual pain treatment.

Shifting from Oral Contraceptives to Norethisterone Acetate, or Vice Versa, because of Drug Intolerance: Does the Change Benefit Women with Endometriosis?

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Oral contraceptives (OC) and norethisterone acetate (NETA) are among first-line medical therapies for symptomatic endometriosis, but their use is sometimes associated with intolerable side effects. We investigated whether shifting from low-dose OC to NETA (2.5 mg/day), or vice versa, improved tolerability.

METHODS

Sixty-seven women willing to discontinue their treatment because of intolerable side effects despite good pain relief, were enrolled in a self-controlled study, and shifted from OC to NETA (n = 35) or from NETA to OC (n = 32). The main study outcome was satisfaction with treatment 12 months after the change. Tolerability, pain symptoms, health-related quality of life, psychological status, and sexual functioning were also evaluated.

RESULTS

After treatment change, good tolerability was reported by 37% of participants who shifted to NETA, and by 52% of those who shifted to OC. At 12-month assessment, 51% of women intolerant to OC were satisfied with NETA, and 65% of those intolerant to NETA were satisfied with OC (intention-to-treat analysis). Other study variables did not vary substantially.

CONCLUSIONS

In selected endometriosis patients, shifting from OC to NETA, or vice versa, because of side effects, improved tolerability. Better results were observed when substituting NETA with OC rather than the other way round.

Pathogenesis of endometriosis: Interaction between Endocrine and inflammatory pathways

Despite an estimated prevalence of 11% in women and plausible historical descriptions dating back to the 17th century, the etiology of endometriosis remains poorly understood. Classical theories of the histological origins of endometriosis are reviewed below. Clinical presentations are variable, and signs and symptoms do not correlate well with the extent of disease. In this summary, we have attempted to synthesize the growing evidence that hormonal and immune factors conspire to activate a local inflammatory microenvironment that encourages endometriosis to persist and elaborate mediators of its two cardinal symptoms: pain and infertility. Surprisingly, in the search for novel therapeutics for medical treatment of endometriosis, some compounds appear to have dual pharmacological functions, simultaneously modifying the endocrine and immune system facets of this complex gynecologic syndrome. We predict that these lead drugs will provide more therapeutic choices for patients in the future.

Is Shifting to a Progestin Worthwhile When Estrogen-Progestins Are Inefficacious for Endometriosis-Associated Pain?

The purpose of this study was to assess the proportion of patients satisfied with their treatment after a change from a low-dose oral contraceptive (OC) to norethisterone acetate (NETA) because of inefficacy of OC on pain symptoms. To this end, prospective, self-controlled study was conducted on 153 women using OC as a treatment for endometriosis and with persistence of one or more moderate or severe pain symptoms. At baseline and during 12 months after a shift from OC to oral NETA, 2.5 mg/d, pelvic pain was measured by means of a 0- to 10-point numerical rating scale and a multidimensional categorical rating scale. Variations in health-related quality of life, psychological status, and sexual function were also evaluated with validated scales. At the end of the study period, participants indicated the degree of satisfaction with their treatment according to a 5-degree scale from very satisfied to very dissatisfied. A total of 28 women dropped out of the study, the main reason was intolerable side effects (n = 15). At 12-month assessment, 70% of participants were very satisfied or satisfied with NETA treatment (intention-to-treat analysis). Statistically significant improvements were observed in health-related quality of life, psychological status, and sexual function. At per-protocol analysis, almost half of the patients (58/125) reported suboptimal drug tolerability. However, complaints were not severe enough to cause dissatisfaction, drug discontinuation, or request for surgery. These encouraging results could be used to counsel women with symptomatic endometriosis not responding to OC and to inform their decisions on modifications of disease management.

Meta-Analysis of Chinese Traditional Medicine Bushen Huoxue Prescription for Endometriosis Treatment

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bushen Huoxue prescription (BSHXP) for endometriosis.

Methods

A meta-analysis was performed, and studies were searched from the seven databases from the date of database establishment to April 30, 2017. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that explored the efficacy and safety of BSHXP for patients with endometriosis were included. Two assessors independently reviewed each trial. The Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool was used for quality assessment.

Results

In the 13 included studies, the total effectiveness rates of BSHXP were higher than those of Western medicine (RR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.03–2.32; P = 0.04), but the dysmenorrhea alleviation rates of the two treatments did not significantly differ (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.70–2.34; P = 0.42). The pregnancy rates of BSHXP were also higher than those of hormone therapy (RR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.17–3.39; P = 0.01). However, whether BSHXP is more effective than Western medicine in diminishing endometriotic cyst remains unknown.

Conclusions

Our study provides evidence that BSHXP is effective and safe for endometriosis, but this evidence is inconclusive because of the low methodological quality of the included RCTs. Our findings suggest that BSHXP is an alternative drug for endometriosis, but it should be further examined in future clinical research.

Adverse bone effects of medications used to treat non-skeletal disorders

There is a growing list of medications used to treat non-skeletal disorders that cause bone loss and/or increase fracture risk. This review discusses glucocorticoids, drugs that reduce sex steroids, antidiabetic agents, acid-reducing drugs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and heparin. A number of drugs are known to cause bone loss, increase fracture risk, or both. These drugs should be used in the lowest dose necessary to achieve the desired benefit and for the shortest time necessary, but in many cases, long-term treatment is required. Effective countermeasures are available for some.

Sexual Function and Quality of Life in Patients Affected by Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases and has an incidence of approximately 6%-10% in women of reproductive age. Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is considered the most aggressive form of endometriosis and is defined as a lesion that penetrates for more than 5 mm under the peritoneal surface. It has been demonstrated that DIE is associated with pelvic pain symptoms, and the intensity of pain is correlated with the depth of infiltration. Other symptoms are dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, and painful defecation and urination. These symptoms are strongly associated with a significant reduction of the quality of life and a marked impairment of sexual function in the affected women. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach and psychological support for women affected by DIE appear mandatory in order to reduce the impact of the disease on quality of life and sexual function as much as possible.

Oral contraceptive use and fracture risk-a retrospective study of 12,970 women in the UK

In the present retrospective case-control study, we compared 6485 women with fractures and 6485 women without fractures from 135 general practitioner offices in the UK. Women without bone fractures were statistically more likely to have been exposed to oral contraception, depending on their age and therapy duration.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this analysis was to compare the risk of bone fracture in women using hormonal contraception with that in women who have never used hormonal contraception.

METHODS

A total of 6485 women (mean age 37.8 years) with an initial diagnosis of fracture between January 2010 and December 2015 were identified in 135 doctors' offices in the UK Disease Analyzer database. In this nested case-control study, each case with a fracture was matched (1:1) to a control without a fracture for age, index year, and follow-up time. In total, 12,970 individuals were available for analysis. The main outcome of the study was the risk of fracture as a function of combined oral contraceptive (OC) therapy. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the effect of OC therapy and its duration on the risk of fracture in the entire population and in four age-specific subgroups.

RESULTS

Women without bone fractures were significantly more likely to have used oral contraception (OR 0.81). The usage of oral contraception was associated with a significantly lower risk of bone fracture (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.74-0.90). This effect was strongest in the age groups 18-25 and 26-35 and in patients with an OC treatment duration of more than 1 year.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that women without bone fractures were significantly more likely to have had exposure to combined oral contraception, especially where the duration of intake was at least 5 years.

Medical therapy for preventing recurrent endometriosis after conservative surgery: a cost-effectiveness analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the cost-effectiveness of different strategies, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) and oral contraceptive therapy, for the prevention of endometriosis recurrence after conservative surgery.

DESIGN

Cost-effectiveness analysis from a health care perspective.

SETTING

A health-resource-limited setting in China.

POPULATION

Patients who underwent conservative laparoscopic or laparotomic surgery for endometriosis.

METHODS

A Markov model was developed for the endometriosis disease course. Clinical data were obtained from published studies. Direct medical costs and resource utilization in the Chinese health care setting were taken into account. The health and economic outcomes were evaluated over a period from treatment initiation to menopause onset. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to test the impact of various parameters and assumptions on the model output.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and costs from a health care perspective.

RESULTS

The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of 6-month GnRH-a therapy compared with no therapy ranged from $6,185 per QALY in deep endometriosis to $6,425 with peritoneal endometriosis. A one-way sensitivity analysis showed considerable influential factors, such as remission rates and utility values. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that 6-month GnRH-a therapy is cost-effective in most cases at a threshold of $7,400/QALY, regardless of the type of endometriosis.

CONCLUSION

Six months of therapy with GnRH-a can be a highly cost-effective option for the prevention of endometriosis recurrence.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist is cost effective for the prevention of endometriosis recurrence.

Adult Stem Cells in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Endometriosis

The human endometrium is a dynamic tissue that undergoes approximately 400 cyclical episodes of proliferation, differentiation, shedding, and regeneration in a woman's reproductive lifespan. The regenerative capacity of human endometrium is likely mediated by adult stem cells. At the cellular level, endometrial mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, located in both the functionalis and basalis layers, support regeneration of the stromal vascular compartment and epithelial progenitor cells, postulated to reside in the basalis epithelium, likely regenerate the glands. Bone marrow adult stem cells, including endothelial progenitor cells, may also participate. Endometriosis can be considered an endometrial proliferative disorder due to dysregulation of the cellular and molecular regenerative processes.

Endometriosis is primarily thought to occur via retrograde menstruation of endometrial debris. It is postulated that endometrial stem/progenitor cells, which have been identified in menstrual blood, are shed into the peritoneal cavity where they adhere to pelvic organs and initiate endometriotic lesions. The homing of bone-marrow-derived adult stem cells to endometriotic lesions is thought to drive progression of the disease.

New drug therapies are urgently required for the treatment of endometriosis due to frequent disease recurrence with current surgical or medical treatments. Medications directly targeting endometrial stem/progenitor cells during menstruation, or following surgery, or targeting bone marrow cell trafficking, are potential targets for future therapies to manage disease initiation and progression.

In this review, we will summarize the current literature on adult stem cell contributions to the development of endometriosis and will then examine the current potential therapies that may target endometrial stem/progenitor cells.

Sexual function in endometriosis patients and their partners: effect of the disease and consequences of treatment

BACKGROUND

Sexual function is an important aspect of health and quality of life and is influenced by both medical conditions and health-care interventions, especially when gynecologic disorders are involved. Coital pain is among the main factors that affect sexual functioning, and this symptom is reported by almost half of women suffering from endometriosis. However, sexuality is a complex phenomenon driven by social, psychological and biological/hormonal factors and the presence of endometriosis might further affect domains of sexual function and the quality of a sexual relationship.

OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE

The objective of this report is to review the current state of knowledge on the impact that endometriosis and its treatments have on the sexual function of women and their sexual partners.

SEARCH METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies evaluating sexual function in endometriosis patients, and a narrative analysis of results is presented. The review discusses relevant quantitative and qualitative studies analyzing the effect of endometriosis and its hormonal and surgical treatments on measures of sexual function and quality of sexual relationship.

OUTCOMES

Endometriosis negatively affects different domains of sexual function, and the presence of dyspareunia is not the only determinant of sexual health in these women. Chronic pelvic pain, advanced stages of disease and the presence of physical and mental comorbidities affect sexual function, as well as personality traits and women's expectations. Although a number of studies have evaluated the effect of surgery and hormonal treatment on deep dyspareunia, overall sexual function and quality of the relationship with the partner are often under-investigated.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS

Multiple clinical and personal determinants affect sexual function in women with endometriosis, with potentially negative consequences on the sexual function of partners and quality of the relationship. Additional prospective and longitudinal investigations are warranted using specific instruments to analyze biopsychosocial variables of sexual pain in endometriosis patients and the effects that actual treatments have on measures of quality of sexual function and relationship.

Analysis of subsequent surgery rates among endometriosis patients who underwent surgery with and without concomitant leuprolide acetate therapy

Objective To compare subsequent endometriosis-related surgery following initial laparoscopy among women treated with leuprolide acetate (LA) or other endometriosis therapies versus women who received no pharmacotherapy. Research design and methods This retrospective cohort analysis utilized MarketScan Commercial claims data. Women with endometriosis aged 18-49 who underwent laparoscopy between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2011 were identified using diagnosis and procedures codes and were categorized into four cohorts based on claims within 90 days of laparoscopy: surgery plus adherent LA, surgery plus non-adherent LA, surgery plus other therapy, and surgery alone. Patients with proportion of days covered ≥0.80 in the 6 months after laparoscopy were considered adherent to LA. Main outcome measures Subsequent endometriosis-related surgery (laparoscopy, laparotomy or other excision/ablation/fulguration of endometriosis lesions, oophorectomy, or hysterectomy) was measured in the 6 and 12 months following initial laparoscopy. Risk of subsequent surgery was compared using multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results Most women were treated with surgery only (n = 9865); fewer were treated with LA (adherent: n = 202; non-adherent: n = 490) or other therapies (n = 230). The proportion of patients with subsequent surgery ranged from 2.0% to 10.0% during the 6 month follow-up (12 month: 9.7% to 13.5%). Adherent LA use was associated with significantly lower risk of surgery compared to surgery alone (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.31, p = 0.020) while use of other therapies was associated with significantly higher risk (HR = 1.51, p = 0.045) over the 6 month follow-up. There was no significant difference between the surgery plus non-adherent LA and surgery only cohort over 6 months (p = 0.247). The association between adherent LA and subsequent surgery was not significant over the 12 month follow-up. Conclusion Therapy with LA after laparoscopy for endometriosis was associated with lower risk of subsequent surgery at 6 months among women who were adherent to LA. Key limitations include lack of ability to capture disease severity which may have resulted in uncontrolled confounding.

Postoperative hormonal therapy after surgical excision of deep endometriosis

The clinical management of women with deep peritoneal endometriosis remains controversial. The debate focuses mainly on the precise role of hormonal medical treatment and surgery and on the most suitable surgical technique to be used. In particular, considering the risks of second-line surgery, prevention of recurrences after first-line surgery is a priority in this context. Post-surgical medical therapy has been advocated to improve the effectiveness of surgery and prevent recurrences. However, adjuvant therapy, i.e. a short course of 3-6 months of hormonal therapy after surgery, has been proven to be of limited or no benefit for endometriosis in general and for deep peritoneal endometriosis in particular. On the other hand, two cohort studies suggest a beneficial effect of prolonged hormonal therapy after surgery for deep endometriosis. Even if this evidence is too weak to confidently advocate systematic administration of prolonged medical therapy after surgery, we argue in favour of this approach because of the strong association of deep endometriosis with other disease forms. In fact, women operated on for deep endometriosis may also face recurrences of endometriomas, superficial peritoneal lesions and pelvic pain in general. The demonstrated high effectiveness of prolonged postoperative therapy for the prevention of endometriomas' formation and dysmenorrhea recurrence should thus receive utmost consideration in the decision-making process.