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Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2023Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic condition that affects around 6-10% of reproductive age women. This clinical entity is characterized with pelvic pain,... (Review)
Review
Endometriosis is a chronic gynecologic condition that affects around 6-10% of reproductive age women. This clinical entity is characterized with pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and infertility which are the most often presenting symptoms. Aromatase P450 is the key enzyme for ovarian estrogen biosynthesis and there is evidence that endometriotic lesions express aromatase and are able to synthesize their own estrogens. Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are potent drugs that suppress the estrogen synthesis via suppression of aromatase. We performed a systematic review of systematic reviews and narrative reviews on the use of aromatase inhibitors in the medical management of endometriosis. We searched: PubMed (1950-2022), Google Scholar (2004-2022), Cochrane Library (2010-2022) and Researchgate (2010-2022). The search included the following medical subject headings (MeSH) or keywords: "Aromatase Inhibitors" AND "Endometriosis" AND "Systematic reviews" OR "Systematic review" AND "Reviews" OR "Reviews" AND "Endometriosis". The electronic database search yielded initially 12,106 studies from the different databases. Further assessment of the studies resulted in exclusion of (n = 12,015) studies due to duplicates and irrelevance; Finally, 24 studies were selected for inclusion, 5 were Systematic reviews and 19 were Narrative reviews. The 5 systematic reviews were assessed by AMSTAR-2 criteria and were found to have low quality. Narrative reviews were assessed with SANRA criteria and were found to have high-quality aromatase inhibitors are potent drugs that can manage the endometriosis-related symptoms in cases where initial medical management has failed to show positive results. However, their use is limited by the adverse effects that are linked with menopausal symptoms. aromatase inhibitors can be administered as an alternative treatment in patients. Future studies with randomized design are required to reach safer conclusions and further investigation. These studies should define the therapeutic dose, new add-back therapy modalities. Future directions should examine the most-appropriate way of administration and the duration of therapy.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aromatase; Aromatase Inhibitors; Endometriosis; Estrogens; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 37168488
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S315726 -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Mar 2023To compare the treatment efficacies of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), HIFU combined with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), and HIFU combined... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Comparison of the treatment efficacies of HIFU, HIFU combined with GnRH-a, and HIFU combined with GnRH-a and LNG-IUS for adenomyosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
To compare the treatment efficacies of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), HIFU combined with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a), and HIFU combined with GnRH-a and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for adenomyosis. We conducted a literature search in SCIENCE DIRECT, COCHRANE LIBRARY, WILLEY ONLINE LIBRARY, PUBMED, and TAYLOR FRANCIS. A total of 471 articles identified, 12 were included in a systematic review, and 11 of them deemed quantitively eligible included in the meta-analysis. The efficacies of the three treatment regimens were assessed using the dysmenorrhea and menstrual scores at 3, 6, 12, 24 months. Of the three regimens, HIFU combined with GnRH-a and LNG-IUS provides the best outcome. On dysmenorrhea score at 6 months there was significantly different higher heterogeneity with P < 0.00001 (I = 100% WMD 21.44 [6.34, 36.53]) with statistical significance P = 0.005. At 12 months there was significantly different higher heterogeneity P < 0.00001 (I = 100% WMD 23.47 [6.00, 40.94]) with statistically significant P < 0.008. At 24 months there was significantly different higher heterogeneity P < 0.0005 (I = 92% WMD 6.05 [4.81, 7.30]) with statistical significance P < 0.00001. HIFU combined with GnRH-a and LNG-IUS on menstrual score at 3 months was significantly different higher heterogeneity with P < 0.00001 (I = 100% WMD 56.23 [16.01, 96.45]) with statistical significance P = 0.006. At 6 months there was significantly different higher heterogeneity P < 0.00001 (I = 99% WMD 93.86 [64.15, 123.57]) with statistical significance P < 0.00001. At 12 months there was significantly different higher heterogeneity P < 0.00001 (I = 99% WMD 97.13 [67.81, 126.46]) with statistical significance P < 0.00001 compared to treatments with only HIFU and HIFU combined with GnRH-a. HIFU combined with GnRH-a and LNG-IUS treatment is more effective than only HIFU monotherapy and HIFU combined with GnRH-a.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adenomyosis; Dysmenorrhea; Levonorgestrel; Treatment Outcome; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated
PubMed: 36965889
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2022.11.009 -
BMC Women's Health Jan 2023Extrapelvic endometriosis occurring at skeletal muscle and joint sites is not rare and is prone to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Herein, endometriosis...
BACKGROUND
Extrapelvic endometriosis occurring at skeletal muscle and joint sites is not rare and is prone to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Herein, endometriosis of the skeletal muscular system (ESMS) is systematically reviewed to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.
METHODS
Literature on ESMS published before March 2022 was retrieved from the Ovid Medline and Web of Science databases, and the major clinical data were extracted for descriptive analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 62 studies (78 ESMS cases) met these requirements. The ESMS included the abdominal muscles (50.7%), pelvic floor muscles (11.6%), lower limb muscles (11.6%), hip muscles (8.7%), lumbar muscles (7.2%), joints (5.8%), upper limb muscles (2.9%), and shoulder-neck muscles (1.4%). The age was 34.0 ± 7.2 years (range 17-49 years). Approximately 63.8% of patients had at least one previous pelvic surgery, and 76.8% of local symptoms were related to the menstrual cycle. The course of disease was 29.6 ± 25.4 months (range 0.5-96 months). Only 30.3% of the patients sought initial medical advice from gynecologists, while 69.7% sought initial medical advice from a nongynecological physician. Twenty-seven patients underwent fine-needle aspiration (FNA) under ultrasound or CT monitoring, and only 44.4% (12/27) were confirmed to have endometriosis by FNA tissue pathology. Approximately 47.4% (37/78) of the patients had a normal pelvic cavity appearance. Surgical resection was performed in 92.3% (72/78) of the patients, of whom 88.9% (64/72) underwent complete resection of the lesion (negative surgical margin) and 20.8% (15/72) received postoperative hormone therapy. At 16.7 months of follow-up, 83.3%, 13.8%, 2.9%, and four patients had complete response, partial response, recurrence, and permanent function impairment, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Endometriosis can occur at almost any site in the musculoskeletal system. For women of reproductive age with catamenial pain or a mass in the musculoskeletal system, endometriosis should be suspected. Fine-needle aspiration can easily lead to missed diagnoses. Surgical resection for negative margins is the main treatment, and permanent impairment of function may occur in a few patients due to delayed diagnosis. Vascular lymphatic metastasis is the most likely mechanism of pathogenesis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adolescent; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Endometriosis; Dysmenorrhea; Menstrual Cycle; Muscle, Skeletal; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 36703173
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02184-8 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Auricular acupressure (AA) is widely used in treatment of dysmenorrhea, but the safety and efficacy of auricular acupressure on dysmenorrhoea are still lack of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Auricular acupressure (AA) is widely used in treatment of dysmenorrhea, but the safety and efficacy of auricular acupressure on dysmenorrhoea are still lack of evidence-based basis.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of auricular acupressure on dysmenorrhea.
DATA SOURCES
A systematic search was conducted in six electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CINAHL), Weipu (CQVIP), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang databases, to retrieve studies published from the inception dates to June 10, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effectiveness of AA on dysmenorrhea were identified.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
The data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies were performed by two reviewers independently. Outcomes were abstracted to determine the effect measure by using mean differences (MD), standardized mean differences (SMD), or odds ratio (OR) from a random effects model.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Cure rate, total effective rate, and visual analogue scale (VAS) were described as primary outcomes; Short-form Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQs), symptom scores, serum nitric oxide (NO) level, and adverse events were recorded as secondary outcomes.
RESULTS
Thirty-five RCTs involving 3960 participants were included in this study. Our findings indicated that, overall, AA was associated with a significant benefit in cured rate (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: [1.34, 2.83], P=0.0004, I = 75%), total effective rate (OR = 3.58, 95%CI: [2.92, 4.39], P<0.00001, I = 67%), VAS score (MD = -1.45, 95%CI: [-1.73, -1.17], P<0.00001, I = 67%), and symptom scores compared to the control group (SMD = -0.85, 95%CI: [-1.28, -0.43], P<0.0001, I = 91%). However, no difference in serum NO (SMD = 0.77, 95%CI: [-0.39, 1.92], P = 0.19, I = 89%) and MDQs (SMD = -0.58, 95%CI: [-1.26, 0.10], P = 0.10, I = 79%) was found between the two groups. Furthermore, subgroup analysis results indicated that AA showed significant superiorities in increasing cured rate and total effective rate, and reducing VAS score and symptom scores when compared to analgesics and non-intervention. Moreover, AA presented the same superiorities when used as an adjunctive strategy to other therapy. However, these benefits were not detected in AA used alone when compared to the therapies, including Chinese herbs, acupuncture, external application of Chineseherbal medicine, moxibustion, auricular needle, and health education.
CONCLUSIONS
Overall, AA, as a potential safety therapy, is effective for the management of dysmenorrhea, such as increasing cured rate, total effective rate, VAS, and symptom scores. Nevertheless, AA showed no significant improvement in serum NO and MDQs. It is furtherly found that AA used alone is superior to analgesics and non-intervention regarding cured rate, total effective rate, VAS, and symptom scores. Furthermore, the same superiorities are observed when AA serves as an adjunctive strategy to other therapy. However, AA alone has little effect on them compared to other therapies, and there is no definite conclusion on the benefits of AA compared to placebo for patients with dysmenorrhea. Rigorous RCTs with blind method and placebo control are warranted to confirm these findings.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022338524.
Topics: Female; Humans; Dysmenorrhea; Acupressure; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Acupuncture Therapy; Analgesics; Nitric Oxide
PubMed: 36686444
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1016222 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Oct 2023The aim of this NMA is to comprehensively analyze evidence of oral GnRH antagonist in the treatment of moderate-to-severe endometriosis-associated pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
The aim of this NMA is to comprehensively analyze evidence of oral GnRH antagonist in the treatment of moderate-to-severe endometriosis-associated pain.
METHODS
Literature searching was performed to select eligible studies published prior to April 2022 in PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science. Randomized controlled trials involving patients who suffered from moderate-to-severe endometriosis-associated pain and treated with oral nonpeptide GnRH antagonists or placebo were included.
RESULTS
Elagolix 400 mg and ASP1707 15 mg were most efficient in reducing pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia. Relugolix 40 mg was best in reducing the analgesics use. The rates of any TEAEs and TEAEs-related discontinuation were highest in relugolix 40 mg and elagolix 250 mg, respectively, while rates of hot flush and headache were highest in relugolix 40 mg and elagolix 150 mg. Significantly decreased spinal BMD was observed in elagolix 250 mg.
CONCLUSION
Oral GnRH antagonists were effective in endometriosis-associated pain in 12w, and most of the efficiency and safety outcomes were expressed in a dose-dependent manner, but linzagolix 75 mg was an exception.
Topics: Female; Humans; Endometriosis; Network Meta-Analysis; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Hormone Antagonists; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 36656435
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-022-06862-0 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2022This study aimed to identify factors associated with the prevalence and severity of menstrual-related symptoms. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021208432).... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study aimed to identify factors associated with the prevalence and severity of menstrual-related symptoms. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021208432). We conducted literature searches of PubMed and Ichushi-Web and used the Jonna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist to assess the quality. Of the 77 studies included in the meta-analysis, significant odds ratios (ORs) were obtained for eight factors associated with primary dysmenorrhea (PD): age ≥ 20 years (OR: 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04−1.34), body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2 (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.01−2.26), longer menstrual periods (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04−0.28), irregular menstrual cycle (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.13−1.45), family history of PD (OR: 3.80; 95% CI: 2.18−6.61), stress (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.30−2.72), sleeping hours < 7 h (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 1.04−1.35), and bedtime after 23:01 (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.16−1.45). Two factors were associated with severity of PD (moderate vs. severe): BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (OR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.01−3.54) and smoking (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.08−3.47). PD severity (mild vs. severe) and prevalence of premenstrual syndrome were associated with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.04−3.50) and smoking (OR: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.31−2.66), respectively. The identified risk factors could be utilized to construct an appropriate strategy to improve menstrual symptoms and support women’s health.
Topics: Female; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Dysmenorrhea; Prevalence; Menstruation Disturbances; Premenstrual Syndrome; Menstruation
PubMed: 36612891
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010569 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2022This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
AIM
This systematic review aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
METHODS
Electronic databases, namely PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus, Science, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP, were searched before September 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, case-control studies, and single-arm studies were included. Furthermore, the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for Systematic Reviews version 1 was used for the risk of bias assessment on RCTs. The Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool was used for risk of bias assessment on non-randomized studies. The risk ratio (RR) was calculated for dichotomous data. Mean difference (MD) or standardized MD (SMD) were used as the effect size for continuous data.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies involving 2,251 participants with dysmenorrhea were included. When Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) conventional 24/4-day regimen was compared with placebo, the total efficiency rate (defined as pain symptom disappearing or being relieved) in Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) 24/4-day regimen group was higher than in placebo group (RR = 5.55, 95%CI: 2.48-12.39, < 0.0001). No clear differences were found on risk of overall adverse events or specific adverse events. When Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) was compared with active control drugs, no clear differences were found on the total efficiency rate or visual analog scale (VAS) scores for dysmenorrhea and other related pain. The risk of overall adverse events decreased in Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) conventional 24/4-day regimen (13/53 vs. 66/148, RR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.33-0.91) when compared with active control drugs group. When Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) flexible extended regimen was compared with conventional 24/4-day regimen, the number of days of dysmenorrhea (MD=-3.98, 95%CI: -5.69 to -2.27), and dysmenorrhea associated with unscheduled bleedings (MD = -1.6, 95%CI: -2.8 to -0.5), were fewer in flexible extended regimen. In addition, there were no differences found on risk of adverse events (including mood changes, spotting, headache, breast pain, nausea, and vomiting) between compared groups ( > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Drospirenone and Ethinylestradiol Tablets (II) could improve symptoms of dysmenorrhea and decrease other related pain symptoms. More high-quality evidence is needed to confirm the advantages.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021271605], identifier [CRD42021271605].
PubMed: 36590937
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.938606 -
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology... Dec 2022There is a growing body of human, animal and in vitro studies on vitamin D (vit D) substitution in endometriosis. The aim of this systematic review is to critically... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
There is a growing body of human, animal and in vitro studies on vitamin D (vit D) substitution in endometriosis. The aim of this systematic review is to critically appraise and qualitatively synthesize the results of the available studies that examine the supplementation of vit D for endometriosis treatment.
METHODS
A systematic search of the literature was conducted in four electronic databases (Medline, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase) and grey literature for original research articles on humans, animals and in vitro models published in any language.
RESULTS
Four human studies, four animal studies and four in vitro studies were included. Quantitative synthesis of human studies showed no significant effect of vit D intake for dysmenorrhea (2 studies, 44 vit D vs 44 placebo, mean -0.71, 95% CI -1.94, 0.51) and non-cyclic pelvic pain (2 studies, 42 vit D vs 38 placebo, mean 0.34, 95% CI -0.02, 0.71). Regarding reproductive outcomes in women with endometriosis after in vitro fertilization, the only available study showed no differences between women taking vit D and women taking placebo. Three of the four included animal studies showed regression of endometriotic implants when treated with vit D. The in vitro studies demonstrated that vit D decreases invasion and proliferation of endometriotic lesions without affecting apoptosis.
CONCLUSIONS
Although in vitro and animal studies suggest regression of the endometriotic implants and decrease of invasion and proliferation after vit D supplementation, this was not reflected in the results of the meta-analysis, which showed no benefit of vit D supplementation in patients with endometriosis and dysmenorrhea or non-cyclic pelvic pain as well as on the outcome of IVF treatment. However, given the heterogeneity and the diversity of the available studies, more research is required to shed light on the role of vit D supplementation in women with endometriosis.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Female; Endometriosis; Dysmenorrhea; Vitamin D; Vitamins; Pelvic Pain; Dietary Supplements
PubMed: 36578019
DOI: 10.1186/s12958-022-01051-9 -
Frontiers in Global Women's Health 2022To compare efficacy and safety of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) with systemic medication or blank control in the treatment of dysmenorrhea. (Review)
Review
Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system vs. systemic medication or blank control for women with dysmenorrhea: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AIMS
To compare efficacy and safety of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) with systemic medication or blank control in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Data were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing LNG-IUS with systemic medication or blank control among women diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea or secondary dysmenorrhea (adenomyosis or endometriosis) from inception to 2020.04. Der Simonian-Laird random-effect model was used to pool data.
RESULTS
Seventy-one RCTs (6551 patients) were included. Overall bias risk was medium. Sixty-two articles enrolled patients with adenomyosis; LNG-IUS significantly reduced the visual analogue scale (VAS) score compared with the systemic medication group among adenomyosis women at 3 months (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.22 to -0.40); 6 months (SMD = -1.25, 95%CI: -1.58 to -0.92); 9 months (SMD = -1.23, 95%CI: -1.63 to -0.83); 12 months (SMD = -1.66, 95%CI: -2.14 to -1.18). No difference was found in the incidence of irregular vaginal bleeding (16 RCTs; RR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.62-1.33, = 0.63, = 4%) and other adverse outcomes. Sensitivity analysis regarding randomization methods was robust. Nine RCTs enrolled endometriosis women. Pooling results showed no significant difference between LNG-IUS and systemic medication treatment in terms of VAS at 6 months (SMD = -0.27, 95% CI: -0.97-0.43). Moreover, LNG-IUS was associated with higher risk of irregular vaginal bleeding (26.8% vs. 0).
CONCLUSIONS
LNG-IUS was associated with a reduced severity of dysmenorrhea compared with systemic medication; it was also beneficial for better control of menstrual blood loss and fewer adverse outcomes. Owing to small sample sizes, further well-designed RCTs are warranted to confirm these findings and long-term effects of LNG-IUS in the treatment of dysmenorrhea.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42021228343.
PubMed: 36405811
DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.1013921 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2022Endometriosis is defined as ectopic endometrial tissues dispersed outside the endometrium. This can cause disruption in hormonal and immunological processes, which may... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Endometriosis is defined as ectopic endometrial tissues dispersed outside the endometrium. This can cause disruption in hormonal and immunological processes, which may increase susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Worsening of endometriosis symptoms may occur as a result of this infection. The aim of our review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in endometriosis patients. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis. MEDLINE, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched, using the keywords: (endometriosis) AND (COVID-19 OR SARS-CoV-2). Forest plots and pooled estimates were created using the Open Meta Analyst software. After screening 474 articles, 19 studies met the eligibility criteria for the systematic review, and 15 studies were included in the meta-analyses. A total of 17,799 patients were analyzed. The pooled prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in endometriosis patients was 7.5%. Pooled estimates for the health impacts were 47.2% for decreased access to medical care, 49.3% increase in dysmenorrhea, 75% increase in anxiety, 59.4% increase in depression, and 68.9% increase in fatigue. Endometriosis patients were undeniably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the worsening of symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Topics: Female; Humans; COVID-19; Endometriosis; SARS-CoV-2; Pandemics; Dysmenorrhea; Prevalence; Fatigue
PubMed: 36361745
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112951