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MacLeod RGK, Parmar G, Zhang S, Noga H, Allaire C, Albert A, Flannigan R, Brotto LA, Orr NL, Wahl K, Yong PJ. Acceptability, reliability, and validity of a vaginal insert for the self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia: a cross-sectional study. J Sex Med 2023; 21:44-53. [PMID: 38014766 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately half of people with endometriosis experience deep dyspareunia; however, there is no means of objective self-testing of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. AIM The aim of this study was to assess the acceptability, test-retest reliability, and validity of a vaginal insert for a self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. METHODS Participants were recruited from a tertiary endometriosis center. Inclusion criteria were: 19 to 49 years of age, self-reported deep dyspareunia of ≥4 of 10, and surgically confirmed endometriosis. Participants completed 2 self-assessments using the vaginal insert to self-assess tenderness at the right and left pelvic floor, bladder, cervix-uterus, and posterior cul-de-sac (vaginal fornix). The participants recorded tenderness at each pelvic site and completed a questionnaire regarding the acceptability of the vaginal insert to assess deep dyspareunia. Test-retest reliability was assessed by correlating the tenderness scores between the 2 assessment dates. Over a 4-week period, the participants also recorded deep dyspareunia severity at each penetrative vaginal sex encounter. Validity was assessed by correlating vaginal insert tenderness to deep dyspareunia severity, and also to tenderness reported on a prior gynecologic pelvic examination. OUTCOMES The main outcome measures were the acceptability index score, tenderness (0-10) at each pelvic site, and prospective deep dyspareunia scores (0-10) over 4 weeks. RESULTS There were 19 participants (mean age 34 ± 7 years) who completed the study. The majority identified as female (94.7%), heterosexual (89.5%), and white (89.5%). The median acceptability index score was 0.72 (interquartile range, 0.66-0.81). For test-retest reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficients were 0.79 (P = .001) for the left pelvic floor, 0.82 (P < .001) for the right pelvic floor, 0.54 (P = .07) for the bladder, 0.89 (P < .001) for the cervix-uterus, and 0.77 (P = .003) for the cul-de-sac. The correlation between the highest self-assessed mean tenderness in each participant and self-reported deep dyspareunia over 4 weeks was r = 0.32, but correlations for each pelvic site varied significantly. Tenderness at each site on prior gynecologist pelvic exam was associated with higher self-assessed mean tenderness with the vaginal insert in each participant (effect sizes = 0.42-0.88). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The vaginal insert is acceptable and reliable for the objective self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia, with initial evidence of validity. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS A strength was the inclusion of participants who were avoiding sexual activity and a limitation was the small sample size. CONCLUSION Future studies with larger sample sizes are required to further establish the validity of the vaginal insert for the self-assessment of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G K MacLeod
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Gurkiran Parmar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Sandy Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K8, Canada
- British Columbia Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K8, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natasha L Orr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Kate Wahl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K8, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2K8, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Zoet G, Tucker DR, Orr NL, Alotaibi FT, Liu YD, Noga H, Köbel M, Yong PJ. Standardized protocol for quantification of nerve bundle density as a biomarker for endometriosis. Front Reprod Health 2023; 5:1297986. [PMID: 38098984 PMCID: PMC10720898 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1297986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We propose a standardized protocol for measurement of nerve bundle density in endometriosis as a potential biomarker, including in deep endometriosis (DE), ovarian endometriomas (OMA) and superficial peritoneal endometriosis (SUP). Methods This was a prospective cohort of surgically excised endometriosis samples from Dec 1st 2013 and Dec 31st 2017 at a tertiary referral center for endometriosis in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Surgical data were available from linked patient registry. Protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) was used to identify nerve bundles on immunohistochemistry. PGP9.5 nerve bundles were counted visually. To calculate nerve bundle density, PGP9.5 nerve bundle count was divided by the tissue surface area (total on the slide). All samples were assessed using NHS Elements software for semi-automated measurement of the tissue surface area. For a subset of samples, high power fields (HPFs) were also counted as manual measurement of the tissue surface area. Intraclass correlation was used to assess intra observer and inter observer reliability. Generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) with random intercepts only was conducted to assess differences in PGP9.5 nerve bundle density by endometriosis type (DE, OMA, SUP). Results In total, 236 tissue samples out of 121 participants were available for analysis in the current study. Semi-automated surface area measurement could be performed in 94.5% of the samples and showed good correlation with manually counted HPFs (Spearman's rho = 0.781, p < 0.001). To assess intra observer reliability, 11 samples were assessed twice by the same observer; to assess inter observer reliability, 11 random samples were blindly assessed by two observers. Intra observer reliability and inter observer reliability for nerve bundle density were excellent: 0.979 and 0.985, respectively. PGP9.5 nerve bundle density varied among samples and no nerve bundles could be found in 24.6% of the samples. GLMM showed a significant difference in PGP9.5 nerve bundle density between the different endometriosis types (X2 = 87.6, P < 0.001 after adjusting for hormonal therapy, with higher density in DE and SUP in comparison to OMA). Conclusion A standardized protocol is presented to measure PGP9.5 nerve bundle density in endometriosis, which may serve as a biomarker reflecting local neurogenesis in the endometriosis microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerbrand Zoet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Dwayne R. Tucker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natasha L. Orr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fahad T. Alotaibi
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yang Doris Liu
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Martin Köbel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Paul J. Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Orr NL, Albert A, Liu YD, Lum A, Hong J, Ionescu CL, Senz J, Nazeran TM, Lee AF, Noga H, Lawrenson K, Allaire C, Williams C, Bedaiwy MA, Anglesio MS, Yong PJ. KRAS mutations and endometriosis burden of disease. J Pathol Clin Res 2023. [PMID: 36977195 DOI: 10.1002/cjp2.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The clinical phenotype of somatic mutations in endometriosis is unknown. The objective was to determine whether somatic KRAS mutations were associated with greater disease burden in endometriosis (i.e. more severe subtypes and higher stage). This prospective longitudinal cohort study included 122 subjects undergoing endometriosis surgery at a tertiary referral center between 2013 and 2017, with 5-9 years of follow-up. Somatic activating KRAS codon 12 mutations were detected in endometriosis lesions using droplet digital PCR. KRAS mutation status for each subject was coded as present (KRAS mutation in at least one endometriosis sample in a subject) or absent. Standardized clinical phenotyping for each subject was carried out via linkage to a prospective registry. Primary outcome was anatomic disease burden, based on distribution of subtypes (deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma, and superficial peritoneal endometriosis) and surgical staging (Stages I-IV). Secondary outcomes were markers of surgical difficulty, demographics, pain scores, and risk of re-operation. KRAS mutation presence was higher in subjects with deep infiltrating endometriosis or endometrioma lesions only (57.9%; 11/19) and subjects with mixed subtypes (60.6%; 40/66), compared with those with superficial endometriosis only (35.1%; 13/37) (p = 0.04). KRAS mutation was present in 27.6% (8/29) of Stage I cases, in comparison to 65.0% (13/20) of Stage II, 63.0% (17/27) of Stage III, and 58.1% (25/43) of Stage IV cases (p = 0.02). KRAS mutation was also associated with greater surgical difficulty (ureterolysis) (relative risk [RR] = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.02-2.11) and non-Caucasian ethnicity (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.47-0.89). Pain severities did not differ based on KRAS mutation status, at either baseline or follow-up. Re-operation rates were low overall, occurring in 17.2% with KRAS mutation compared with 10.3% without (RR = 1.66, 95% CI: 0.66-4.21). In conclusion, KRAS mutations were associated with greater anatomic severity of endometriosis, resulting in increased surgical difficulty. Somatic cancer-driver mutations may inform a future molecular classification of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Orr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Yang Doris Liu
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Amy Lum
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - JooYoon Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Catalina L Ionescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Janine Senz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tayyebeh M Nazeran
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anna F Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Women's and Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Women's Cancer Research Program at Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael S Anglesio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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Orr NL, Huang AJ, Liu YD, Noga H, Bedaiwy MA, Williams C, Allaire C, Yong PJ. Association of Central Sensitization Inventory Scores With Pain Outcomes After Endometriosis Surgery. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e230780. [PMID: 36848090 PMCID: PMC9972194 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.0780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE A subset of people who undergo surgery for endometriosis have persistent pain, suggesting that other factors besides the endometriosis, such as central sensitization, may play a role in this pain. The Central Sensitization Inventory, a validated self-reported questionnaire of central sensitization symptoms, may identify individuals with endometriosis who have more pain after surgery due to pain sensitization. OBJECTIVE To examine whether greater baseline Central Sensitization Inventory scores are associated with postsurgical pain outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective, longitudinal cohort study performed at a tertiary center for endometriosis and pelvic pain in British Columbia, Canada, included all patients aged 18 to 50 years with diagnosed or suspected endometriosis and a baseline visit between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, who underwent surgery after the baseline visit. Individuals who were menopausal, had a prior hysterectomy, or were missing data for outcomes or measures were excluded. Data analysis was performed from July 2021 to June 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was chronic pelvic pain at follow-up measured on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 to 3 indicating no pain or mild pain, 4 to 6 indicating moderate pain, and 7 to 10 indicating severe pain. Secondary outcomes were deep dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, dyschezia, and back pain at follow-up. The main variable of interest was baseline Central Sensitization Inventory score (measured from 0 to 100, consisting of 25 self-reported questions rated from 0 to 4 [never, rarely, sometimes, often, and always, respectively]). RESULTS A total of 239 patients (mean [SD] age, 34 [7] years; 189 [79.1%] White [11 (5.8%) identified as White mixed with another ethnicity], 1 [0.4%] Black or African American, 29 [12.1%] Asian, 2 [0.8%] Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 16 [6.7%] other, and 2 [0.8%] mixed race or ethnicity) with follow-up data at more than 4 months after surgery were included in this study (71.0% follow-up rate). The mean (SD) baseline Central Sensitization Inventory score was 43.8 (18.2), and the mean (SD) follow-up was 16.1 (6.1) months. Higher baseline Central Sensitization Inventory scores were significantly associated with higher chronic pelvic pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P = .02), deep dyspareunia (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P = .004), dyschezia (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P < .001), and back pain (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P = .02) at follow-up, when controlling for baseline pain scores. The Central Sensitization Inventory scores themselves decreased slightly from baseline to follow-up (mean [SD] score, 43.8 [18.2] vs 41.7 [18.9]; P = .05); however, individuals with high baseline Central Sensitization Inventory scores still had high scores at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this cohort study of 239 patients with endometriosis, higher Central Sensitization Inventory scores at baseline were associated with worse pain outcomes after endometriosis surgery, when controlling for baseline pain scores. The Central Sensitization Inventory could be used to counsel patients with endometriosis on their expected outcomes after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L. Orr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alice J. Huang
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yang Doris Liu
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Mohamed A. Bedaiwy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul J. Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- University of British Columbia Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Laboratory, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Women’s Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Fonseca MAS, Haro M, Wright KN, Lin X, Abbasi F, Sun J, Hernandez L, Orr NL, Hong J, Choi-Kuaea Y, Maluf HM, Balzer BL, Fishburn A, Hickey R, Cass I, Goodridge HS, Truong M, Wang Y, Pisarska MD, Dinh HQ, El-Naggar A, Huntsman DG, Anglesio MS, Goodman MT, Medeiros F, Siedhoff M, Lawrenson K. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of endometriosis. Nat Genet 2023; 55:255-267. [PMID: 36624343 PMCID: PMC10950360 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01254-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is a common condition in women that causes chronic pain and infertility and is associated with an elevated risk of ovarian cancer. We profiled transcriptomes of >370,000 individual cells from endometriomas (n = 8), endometriosis (n = 28), eutopic endometrium (n = 10), unaffected ovary (n = 4) and endometriosis-free peritoneum (n = 4), generating a cellular atlas of endometrial-type epithelial cells, stromal cells and microenvironmental cell populations across tissue sites. Cellular and molecular signatures of endometrial-type epithelium and stroma differed across tissue types, suggesting a role for cellular restructuring and transcriptional reprogramming in the disease. Epithelium, stroma and proximal mesothelial cells of endometriomas showed dysregulation of pro-inflammatory pathways and upregulation of complement proteins. Somatic ARID1A mutation in epithelial cells was associated with upregulation of pro-angiogenic and pro-lymphangiogenic factors and remodeling of the endothelial cell compartment, with enrichment of lymphatic endothelial cells. Finally, signatures of ciliated epithelial cells were enriched in ovarian cancers, reinforcing epidemiologic associations between these two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos A S Fonseca
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marcela Haro
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kelly N Wright
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xianzhi Lin
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Forough Abbasi
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jennifer Sun
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lourdes Hernandez
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Natasha L Orr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jooyoon Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yunhee Choi-Kuaea
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Horacio M Maluf
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bonnie L Balzer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Aaron Fishburn
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ryan Hickey
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ilana Cass
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Helen S Goodridge
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mireille Truong
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yemin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, and Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Margareta D Pisarska
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Huy Q Dinh
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Amal El-Naggar
- Board of Governors Regenerative Medicine Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
| | - David G Huntsman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, and Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S Anglesio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UBC, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia's Gynecological Cancer Research (OVCARE) Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver General Hospital, and BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marc T Goodman
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fabiola Medeiros
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Siedhoff
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kate Lawrenson
- Women's Cancer Research Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Center for Bioinformatics and Functional Genomics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Zhang SXJ, MacLeod RGK, Parmar G, Orr NL, Wahl KJ, Noga H, Albert A, Flannigan R, Brotto LA, Yong PJ. OHNUT VS WAITLIST CONTROL FOR THE SELF-MANAGEMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS-ASSOCIATED DEEP DYSPAREUNIA: A PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL PROTOCOL (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 12:e39834. [PMID: 36972117 PMCID: PMC10131731 DOI: 10.2196/39834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia is associated with reduced sexual quality of life, lower self-esteem, and impaired sexual function. OBJECTIVE The primary objective is to assess the acceptability of a phallus length reducer (brand name: Ohnut [OhnutCo]), which is a buffer worn over the penis or a penetrating object to reduce endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia, and the feasibility of a definitive randomized controlled trial (RCT). The secondary objective is to obtain estimates of the effectiveness of the buffer. An embedded substudy will explore the acceptability and the preliminary validity and reliability of a vaginal insert for the self-assessment of deep dyspareunia. METHODS Ours is an investigator-initiated, 2-arm RCT. We will recruit 40 patient participants with diagnosed endometriosis between the ages of 19 and 49 years, as well as their sexual partners. The participating couples will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into the experimental arm or the waitlist control arm. The length of the study period will be 10 weeks, during which time all participants will record deep dyspareunia severity following each episode of sexual intercourse. In weeks 1 to 4, all patient participants will record deep dyspareunia severity at each sexual encounter. In weeks 5 to 10, participants in the experimental arm will use the buffer during vaginal penetration; participants in the waitlist control arm will continue engaging in vaginal penetration as usual. Participants will complete questionnaires for assessing measures of anxiety, depression, and sexual function at baseline, at 4 weeks, and at 10 weeks. In the substudy, patient participants will self-assess dyspareunia by using a vaginal insert on 2 occasions, at least 1 week apart. The primary outcomes-the acceptability and feasibility of the buffer-will be assessed with descriptive statistics, and the secondary outcome-phallus length reducer effectiveness-will be assessed by using an analysis of covariance-based approach. For the vaginal insert, we will assess acceptability, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity via correlation analyses comparing the use of the insert to clinical examination in terms of dyspareunia assessment outcomes. RESULTS Our pilot will provide initial data on the acceptability and effectiveness of the buffer and the feasibility of the study methodology. The results from our study are expected to be submitted for publication by the spring of 2023. As of September 2021, we have consented 31 couples into the study. CONCLUSIONS Our study will provide preliminary evidence for the self-assessment and management of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia. The findings will inform the decision to proceed to a definitive RCT. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04370444; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04370444. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/39834.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy X J Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Rebecca G K MacLeod
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Gurkiran Parmar
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natasha L Orr
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate J Wahl
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ryan Flannigan
- Department of Urology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis, British Columbia Women's Hospital & Health Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Orr NL, Wahl KJ, Lisonek M, Joannou A, Noga H, Albert A, Bedaiwy MA, Williams C, Allaire C, Yong PJ. Central sensitization inventory in endometriosis. Pain 2022; 163:e234-e245. [PMID: 34030173 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT A key clinical problem is identifying the patient with endometriosis whose pain is complicated by central nervous system sensitization, where conventional gynecologic treatment (eg, hormonal therapy or surgery) may not completely alleviate the pain. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) is a questionnaire previously validated in the chronic pain population. The objective of this study was an exploratory proof-of-concept to identify a CSI cutoff in the endometriosis population to discriminate between individuals with significant central contributors (identified by central sensitivity syndromes [CSS]) to their pain compared to those without. We analyzed a prospective data registry at a tertiary referral center for endometriosis, and included subjects aged 18 to 50 years with endometriosis who were newly or re-referred to the center in 2018. The study sample consisted of 335 subjects with a mean age of 36.0 ± 7.0 years. An increasing number of CSS was significantly correlated with dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, dyschezia, and chronic pelvic pain scores (P < 0.001), and with the CSI score (0-100) (r = 0.731, P < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated that a CSI cutoff of 40 had a sensitivity of 78% (95% CI: 72.7%-84.6%) and a specificity of 80% (95% CI: 70.3%-84.5%) for identifying a patient with endometriosis with ≥3 CSS. In the group with CSI ≥ 40, 18% retrospectively self-reported pain nonresponsive to hormonal therapy and 40% self-reported daily pain, compared with 6% and 20% in the CSI < 40 group (P = 0.003 and 0.002, respectively). In conclusion, a CSI ≥ 40 may be a practical tool to help identify patients with endometriosis with pain contributors related to central nervous system sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Orr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate J Wahl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michelle Lisonek
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Angela Joannou
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Arion K, Orr NL, Noga H, Allaire C, Williams C, Bedaiwy MA, Yong PJ. A Quantitative Analysis of Sleep Quality in Women with Endometriosis. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 29:1209-1215. [PMID: 32176592 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2019.8008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Endometriosis is a complex condition that can negatively affect a woman's quality of life, including her sleep. This study aims to assess the multifactorial variables associated with poorer quality of sleep in women with endometriosis. Materials and Methods: Data from the Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Interdisciplinary Cohort (EPPIC) data registry were analyzed for women who underwent surgery at the BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis with histopathological confirmation of endometriosis (June 2015 to June 2017). The primary outcome was quality of sleep preoperatively, from the Chronic Pain Sleep Inventory (0-100 VAS). Bivariate analysis and multivariable linear regression were done to determine any significant associations between preoperative patient variables and overall quality of sleep, based on p-value of 0.05. Results: Two hundred and seventy-five women met the study criteria. Poorer overall quality of sleep was independently associated with poorer functional quality of life (EHP-30) (b = -0.18, p = 0.0026), more depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) (b = -1.62, p < 0.001), and painful bladder syndrome (PBS) (b = -5.82, p = 0.035). This indicates that a 1 point increase in the EHP-30 (worsening quality of life), a 1 point increase in the PHQ-9 (worsening depression), and the presence of PBS increased the primary outcome (i.e., toward poorer quality of sleep) by 0.18, 1.62, and 5.82 points. Conclusions: Poorer quality of sleep in women with endometriosis is associated with poorer quality of life, more depressive symptoms, and bladder pain. Research into interventions that improve sleep is warranted as part of the management of some women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Arion
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Natasha L Orr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,BC Women's Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
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Wahl KJ, Orr NL, Lisonek M, Noga H, Bedaiwy MA, Williams C, Allaire C, Albert AY, Smith KB, Cox S, Yong PJ. Deep Dyspareunia, Superficial Dyspareunia, and Infertility Concerns Among Women With Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2020; 8:274-281. [PMID: 32061579 PMCID: PMC7261667 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2020.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Deep dyspareunia is a cardinal symptom of endometriosis, and as many as 40% of people with this condition experience comorbid superficial dyspareunia. Aim To evaluate the relationship between sexual pain and infertility concerns among women with endometriosis. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted at a university-based tertiary center for endometriosis. 300 reproductive-aged participants in the prospective Endometriosis Pelvic Pain Interdisciplinary Cohort (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02911090) with histologically confirmed endometriosis were included (2013–2017). Main Outcome Measure The total score on the infertility concerns module of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 categorized into 5 groups (0, 1–4, 5–8, 9–12, 13–16). Results The odds of infertility concerns did not increase with severity of deep dyspareunia (odds ratio = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.95–1.09, P = .58). However, the odds of infertility concerns increased with severity of superficial dyspareunia (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02–1.16, P = .011); this relationship persisted after adjusting for endometriosis-specific factors, infertility risk factors, reproductive history, and demographic characteristics (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06–1.24, P < .001). Other factors in the model independently associated with increased infertility concerns were previous difficulty conceiving (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.04–4.19, P = .038), currently trying to conceive (AOR = 5.23, 95% CI 2.77–9.98, P < .001), nulliparity (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI 1.63–6.41, P < .001), and younger age (AOR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89–0.98, P = .005). Conclusion Severity of superficial dyspareunia, but not deep dyspareunia, was associated with increased odds of infertility concerns among women with endometriosis. Strengths of the study included the use of a validated measure of infertility concerns and disaggregation of sexual pain into deep and superficial dyspareunia. Limitations included the setting of a tertiary center for pelvic pain, which affects generalizability to fertility clinic and primary care settings. Women experiencing introital dyspareunia, who can have difficulties with achieving penetrative intercourse, may be concerned about their future fertility and should be counselled appropriately. Wahl KJ, Orr NL, Lisonek M, et al. Deep Dyspareunia, Superficial Dyspareunia, and Infertility Concerns Among Women With Endometriosis: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2020;8:274–281.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Wahl
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Natasha L Orr
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Michelle Lisonek
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Y Albert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kelly B Smith
- BC Center for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Susan Cox
- School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- Center for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Center for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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10
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Orr NL, Wahl KJ, Noga H, Allaire C, Williams C, Bedaiwy MA, Albert A, Smith KB, Yong PJ. Phenotyping Sexual Pain in Endometriosis Using the Central Sensitization Inventory. J Sex Med 2020; 17:761-770. [PMID: 31983669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deep dyspareunia, a common symptom in endometriosis, has previously been associated with bladder and/or pelvic floor tenderness (BPFT), which suggests a role for central nervous system sensitization. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI, 0-100) is a validated self-reported scale for patients with central sensitization. AIM The objective of this study was to phenotype deep dyspareunia using BPFT and the CSI. METHODS The methods included cross-sectional analysis from a prospective registry from January 2018 to June 2018 at a tertiary center for endometriosis (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT02911090). Included were women aged 18-50 years with endometriosis (previously surgically diagnosed, current visualized endometrioma on ultrasound, or current palpable or visualized nodule on ultrasound), who were newly or re-referred to the center. Severity of deep dyspareunia was self-reported using an 11-point numeric rating scale (0 = no pain; 10 = worst pain imaginable), categorized as no or low deep dyspareunia (0-4) and high deep dyspareunia (5-10). We identified the subgroup with high deep dyspareunia and presence of BPFT, where we hypothesized a central component of the sexual pain. This subgroup was compared with 2 other subgroups: no or low deep dyspareunia and high deep dyspareunia but no BPFT. The CSI was compared between the groups using analysis of variance, followed by post hoc testing (P < .05). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The main outcome measure was the CSI score ranging from 0 to 100. RESULTS Data from 163 women with endometriosis were analyzed. The mean age of this cohort was 36.4 ± 6.8 years, and the mean CSI score was 41.0 ± 18.6. 37 percent (61/163) had high deep dyspareunia and BPFT; 29% (47/163) had high deep dyspareunia and no BPFT; and 34% (55/163) had no or low deep dyspareunia. The CSI significantly differed between the 3 groups (analysis of variance: F = 22.4, P < .001). In post hoc testing, the CSI was higher in women with high deep dyspareunia and BPFT (51.3 ± 16.9), compared with women with no or low deep dyspareunia (30.9 ± 15.4, P < .001) and compared with women with high deep dyspareunia but no BPFT (39.4 ± 17.2, P = .001). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The CSI could be used to classify and phenotype patients with endometriosis-associated sexual pain. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS Strengths include a prospective registry with integrated pain scores, validated questionnaires, and physical examination findings. Limitations include the lack of quantitative sensory testing for central sensitization. CONCLUSIONS In women with endometriosis, the subgroup with high deep dyspareunia and bladder and/or pelvic floor tenderness had a significantly higher score on the CSI than other subgroups, suggesting that this group may have a central component to their sexual pain. Orr NL, Wahl KJ,Noga H, et al. Phenotyping Sexual Pain in Endometriosis Using the Central Sensitization Inventory. J Sex Med 2020;17:761-770.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Orr
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kate J Wahl
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arianne Albert
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kelly B Smith
- BC Centre for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Centre for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Ng N, Wahl K, Orr NL, Noga H, Williams C, Allaire C, Bedaiwy MA, Yong PJ. Endometriosis and Negative Perception of the Medical Profession. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2019; 42:248-255. [PMID: 31864912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogc.2019.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study sought to identify factors independently associated with a negative impression of the medical profession in patients with endometriosis who were presenting to a tertiary referral centre. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a prospective data registry between December 2013 and June 2017 at a tertiary referral centre for pelvic pain and endometriosis. The main outcome variable, negative impression about the medical profession, was measured with the four-item subscale of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 and divided into three groups: no (0), some (1-8), and many (9-16) negative impressions. Patients with a surgical and histological diagnosis of endometriosis were included. Postmenopausal women were excluded. Bivariate analyses determined significant associations (P < 0.05) between variables from the registry and the main outcome. Variables with a significant association were put into ordinal logistic regression with sequential backwards elimination. RESULTS Negative impression of the medical profession was independently associated with previous surgery that did not help symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.77; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-2.87; P = 0.021), presentation to an emergency room in the past 3 months (aOR 1.90; 95% CI 1.17-3.07; P = 0.009), and previous visits to a complementary health care provider (aOR 2.16; 95% CI 1.42-3.29; P < 0.0005), while controlling for an endometriosis pain-related morbidity composite variable. CONCLUSION Negative perception of the medical profession in women with endometriosis was associated with surgical treatment failure, emergency room use, and accessing complementary health care. Each identified factor offers an opportunity for intervention to improve the perception of the medical profession among women with endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Ng
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Kate Wahl
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Natasha L Orr
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Heather Noga
- British Columbia Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
| | - Christina Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; British Columbia Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC
| | - Catherine Allaire
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; British Columbia Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- British Columbia Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; British Columbia Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC
| | - Paul J Yong
- British Columbia Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC; British Columbia Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC.
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12
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Orr NL, Noga H, Williams C, Allaire C, Bedaiwy MA, Lisonkova S, Smith KB, Yong PJ. Deep Dyspareunia in Endometriosis: Role of the Bladder and Pelvic Floor. J Sex Med 2019; 15:1158-1166. [PMID: 30078464 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The etiology of endometriosis-associated deep dyspareunia may include direct endometriosis-specific factors (eg, stage or invasiveness of disease) and/or indirect contributors such as bladder/pelvic floor dysfunction (eg, related to myofascial mechanisms or nervous system sensitization). AIM This study aimed to determine whether bladder/pelvic floor tenderness and painful bladder syndrome were associated with severity of deep dyspareunia in women with endometriosis, regardless of Stage (I/II vs III/IV) or other endometriosis-specific factors. METHODS Observational study from a prospective patient registry (January 2014 to December 2016) at a tertiary centre for endometriosis. Included were women aged 18 to 49 years who had surgical removal and histopathologic confirmation of endometriosis at the centre. Cases with Stage I/II vs Stage III/IV endometriosis were analyzed separately. Bivariate associations with the primary outcome (severity of deep dyspareunia) were tested for bladder/pelvic floor tenderness, painful bladder syndrome, as well as endometriosis-specific factors identified at the time of laparoscopic surgery (eg, deep infiltrating endometriosis) and demographic factors (eg, age). Multivariable ordinal logistic regression was carried out to adjust for factors associated with the primary outcome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Primary outcome was severity of deep dyspareunia on an 11-point numeric rating scale, categorized as none/mild (0-3), moderate (4-6), and severe (7-10), from a preoperative self-reported questionnaire. RESULTS Overall, 411 women had surgically confirmed endometriosis: 263 had Stage I/II and 148 had Stage III/IV endometriosis. Among women with Stage I/II endometriosis, severity of deep dyspareunia was associated with both bladder/pelvic floor tenderness and painful bladder syndrome (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.11-3.38, P = .019 and AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.15-3.44, P = .013, respectively), independent of endometriosis-specific factors or other factors associated with deep dyspareunia severity. Similar associations were found in women with Stage III/IV endometriosis (bladder/pelvic floor tenderness AOR =2.51, 95% CI: 1.25-5.02, P = .01, painful bladder syndrome: AOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.01-3.57, P = .048). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Myofascial or nervous system mechanisms may be important for deep dyspareunia in women with endometriosis, even in those with moderate-to-severe disease (Stage III/IV). STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS Strengths include the prospective registry, and histological confirmation of endometriosis and staging by experienced endometriosis surgeons. Limitations include assessment of only one pelvic floor muscle (levator ani). CONCLUSION In women with Stage I/II or Stage III/IV endometriosis, severity of deep dyspareunia was strongly associated with bladder/pelvic floor tenderness and painful bladder syndrome, independent of endometriosis-specific factors, which suggests the role of myofascial or sensitization pain mechanisms in some women with deep dyspareunia. Orr NL, Noga H, Williams C, et al. Deep Dyspareunia in Endometriosis: Role of the Bladder and Pelvic Floor. J Sex Med 2018;15:1158-1166.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha L Orr
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christina Williams
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Catherine Allaire
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohamed A Bedaiwy
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarka Lisonkova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kelly B Smith
- BC Centre for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul J Yong
- BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Centre for Vulvar Health, Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Lac V, Verhoef L, Aguirre-Hernandez R, Nazeran TM, Tessier-Cloutier B, Praetorius T, Orr NL, Noga H, Lum A, Khattra J, Prentice LM, Co D, Köbel M, Mijatovic V, Lee AF, Pasternak J, Bleeker MC, Krämer B, Brucker SY, Kommoss F, Kommoss S, Horlings HM, Yong PJ, Huntsman DG, Anglesio MS. Iatrogenic endometriosis harbors somatic cancer-driver mutations. Hum Reprod 2019; 34:69-78. [PMID: 30428062 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does incisional endometriosis (IE) harbor somatic cancer-driver mutations? SUMMARY ANSWER We found that approximately one-quarter of IE cases harbor somatic-cancer mutations, which commonly affect components of the MAPK/RAS or PI3K-Akt-mTor signaling pathways. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Despite the classification of endometriosis as a benign gynecological disease, it shares key features with cancers such as resistance to apoptosis and stimulation of angiogenesis and is well-established as the precursor of clear cell and endometrioid ovarian carcinomas. Our group has recently shown that deep infiltrating endometriosis (DE), a form of endometriosis that rarely undergoes malignant transformation, harbors recurrent somatic mutations. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In a retrospective study comparing iatrogenically induced and endogenously occurring forms of endometriosis unlikely to progress to cancer, we examined endometriosis specimens from 40 women with IE and 36 women with DE. Specimens were collected between 2004 and 2017 from five hospital sites in either Canada, Germany or the Netherlands. IE and DE cohorts were age-matched and all women presented with histologically typical endometriosis without known history of malignancy. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Archival tissue specimens containing endometriotic lesions were macrodissected and/or laser-capture microdissected to enrich endometriotic stroma and epithelium and a hypersensitive cancer hotspot sequencing panel was used to assess for presence of somatic mutations. Mutations were subsequently validated using droplet digital PCR. PTEN and ARID1A immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed as surrogates for somatic events resulting in functional loss of respective proteins. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Overall, we detected somatic cancer-driver events in 11 of 40 (27.5%) IE cases and 13 of 36 (36.1%) DE cases, including hotspot mutations in KRAS, ERBB2, PIK3CA and CTNNB1. Heterogeneous PTEN loss occurred at similar rates in IE and DE (7/40 vs 5/36, respectively), whereas ARID1A loss only occurred in a single case of DE. While rates of detectable somatic cancer-driver events between IE and DE are not statistically significant (P > 0.05), KRAS activating mutations were more prevalent in DE. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Detection of somatic cancer-driver events were limited to hotspots analyzed in our panel-based sequencing assay and loss of protein expression by IHC from archival tissue. Whole genome or exome sequencing, or epigenetic analysis may uncover additional somatic alterations. Moreover, because of the descriptive nature of this study, the functional roles of identified mutations within the context of endometriosis remain unclear and causality cannot be established. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS The alterations we report may be important in driving the growth and survival of endometriosis in ectopic regions of the body. Given the frequency of mutation in surgically displaced endometrium (IE), examination of similar somatic events in eutopic endometrium, as well as clinically annotated cases of other forms of endometriosis, in particular endometriomas that are most commonly linked to malignancy, is warranted. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by a Canadian Cancer Society Impact Grant [701603, PI Huntsman], Canadian Institutes of Health Research Transitional Open Operating Grant [MOP-142273, PI Yong], the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Foundation Grant [FDN-154290, PI Huntsman], the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant [PJT-156084, PIs Yong and Anglesio], and the Janet D. Cottrelle Foundation through the BC Cancer Foundation [PI Huntsman]. D.G. Huntsman is a co-founder and shareholder of Contextual Genomics Inc., a for profit company that provides clinical reporting to assist in cancer patient treatment. R. Aguirre-Hernandez, J. Khattra and L.M. Prentice have a patent MOLECULAR QUALITY ASSURANCE METHODS FOR USE IN SEQUENCING pending and are current (or former) employees of Contextual Genomics Inc. The remaining authors have no competing interests to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Lac
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Room 3-218, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rm G227, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - L Verhoef
- Department of Pathology of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Aguirre-Hernandez
- Contextual Genomics, 2389 Health Sciences Mall #204, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - T M Nazeran
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Room 3-218, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - B Tessier-Cloutier
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rm G227, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - T Praetorius
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Room 3-218, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Women's Health, Tuebingen University Hospital, Calwerstrasse 7, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - N L Orr
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Suite 930, 1125 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Women' Health Centre, F2-4500 Oak St, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - H Noga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Suite 930, 1125 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Women' Health Centre, F2-4500 Oak St, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - A Lum
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Room 3-218, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J Khattra
- Contextual Genomics, 2389 Health Sciences Mall #204, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - L M Prentice
- Contextual Genomics, 2389 Health Sciences Mall #204, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - D Co
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Room 3-218, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M Köbel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - V Mijatovic
- Academic Endometriosis Center VUmc, Department of Reproductive Medicine, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A F Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rm G227, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - J Pasternak
- Department of Women's Health, Tuebingen University Hospital, Calwerstrasse 7, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - M C Bleeker
- Academic Endometriosis Center VUmc, Department of Reproductive Medicine, VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B Krämer
- Department of Women's Health, Tuebingen University Hospital, Calwerstrasse 7, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - S Y Brucker
- Department of Women's Health, Tuebingen University Hospital, Calwerstrasse 7, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - F Kommoss
- Institute of Pathology, Medizin Campus Bodensee, Roentgenstrasse 2, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - S Kommoss
- Department of Women's Health, Tuebingen University Hospital, Calwerstrasse 7, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - H M Horlings
- Department of Pathology of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P J Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Suite 930, 1125 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,BC Women's Centre for Pelvic Pain & Endometriosis, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Women' Health Centre, F2-4500 Oak St, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - D G Huntsman
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Room 3-218, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rm G227, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Anatomical Pathology, Vancouver General Hospital, 899 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Suite 930, 1125 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - M S Anglesio
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Room 3-218, 675 West 10th Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rm G227, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Suite 930, 1125 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Alotaibi FT, Peng B, Klausen C, Lee AF, Abdelkareem AO, Orr NL, Noga H, Bedaiwy MA, Yong PJ. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression in endometriosis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219064. [PMID: 31315131 PMCID: PMC6637014 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is defined as an endometriotic lesion penetrating to a depth of >5 mm and is associated with pelvic pain, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Our objective is to investigate whether plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 expression (PAI-1) in endometriotic tissues is increased in women with DIE. Methods In this blinded in vitro study, immunohistochemistry and Histoscore were used to examine the expression of PAI-1 in glandular epithelium (GECs) and stroma (SCs) in a total of 62 women: deep infiltrating uterosacral/rectovaginal endometriosis (DIE; n = 13), ovarian endometrioma (OMA; n = 14), superficial peritoneal uterosacral/cul-de-sac endometriosis (SUP; n = 23), uterine (eutopic) endometrium from women with endometriosis (UE; n = 6), and non-endometriosis eutopic endometrium (UC; n = 6). The following patient characteristics were also collected: age, American Fertility Society stage, hormonal suppression, phase of menstrual cycle, dysmenorrhea score and deep dyspareunia score. Results PAI-1 expression in GECs and SCs of the DIE group was significantly higher than that of SUP group (p = 0.01, p = 0.01, respectively) and UE group (p = 0.03, p = 0.04, respectively). Interestingly, increased PAI-1 expression in GECs and SCs was also significantly correlated with increased dysmenorrhea (r = 0.38, p = 0.01; r = 0.34, p = 0.02, respectively). Conclusions We found higher expression of PAI-1 in DIE, and an association between PAI-1 and worse dysmenorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahad T. Alotaibi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Bo Peng
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Christian Klausen
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Anna F. Lee
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Amr O. Abdelkareem
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Natasha L. Orr
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Heather Noga
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mohamed A. Bedaiwy
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul J. Yong
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- * E-mail:
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