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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2012Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition defined by the presence of glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. It occurs in 7% to 10% of all women of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition defined by the presence of glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity. It occurs in 7% to 10% of all women of reproductive age and may present as pain or infertility. The pelvic pain may be in the form of dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia or pelvic pain. Initially a combination of estrogens and progestagens was used to create a pseudopregnancy and alleviate the symptoms associated with endometriosis. Progestagens alone or anti-progestagens have been considered as alternatives because they are inexpensive and may have a better side effect profile than other choices.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness of both the progestagens and anti-progestagens in the treatment of painful symptoms ascribed to the diagnosis of endometriosis.
SEARCH METHODS
We used the search strategy of the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group to identify all publications which described or might have described randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of any progestagen or any anti-progestagen in the treatment of symptomatic endometriosis. We updated the review in 2011.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We considered only RCTs which compared the use of progestagens and anti-progestagens with other interventions, placebo or no treatment for the alleviation of symptomatic endometriosis.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We have added six new studies, bringing the total of included studies to 13 in the update of this review. The six newly included studies evaluated progestagens (comparisons with placebo, danazol, oral or subdermal contraceptive, oral contraceptive pill and danazol, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue and other drugs). The remaining studies compared the anti-progestagen gestrinone with danazol, GnRH analogues or itself.
MAIN RESULTS
The progestagen medroxyprogesterone acetate (100 mg daily) appeared to be more effective at reducing all symptoms up to 12 months of follow-up (MD -0.70, 95% CI -8.61 to -5.39; P < 0.00001) compared with placebo. There was evidence of significantly more cases of acne (six versus one) and oedema (11 versus one) in the medroxyprogesterone acetate group compared with placebo. There was no evidence of a difference in objective efficacy between dydrogesterone and placebo.There was no evidence of a benefit with depot administration of progestagens versus other treatments (low dose oral contraceptive or leuprolide acetate) for reduced symptoms. The depot progestagen group experienced significantly more adverse effects.There was no overall evidence of a benefit of oral progestagens over other medical treatment at six months of follow-up for self-reported efficacy. Amenorrhoea and bleeding were more frequently reported in the progestagen group compared with other treatment groups.There was no evidence of a benefit of anti-progestagens (gestrinone) compared with danazol. GnRH analogue (leuprorelin) was found to significantly improve dysmenorrhoea compared with gestrinone (MD 0.82, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.49; P = 0.02) although it was also associated with increased hot flushes (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06 to -0.63; P = 0.006).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is only limited evidence to support the use of progestagens and anti-progestagens for pain associated with endometriosis.
Topics: Danazol; Dydrogesterone; Endometriosis; Female; Gestrinone; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Leuprolide; Medroxyprogesterone Acetate; Pelvic Pain; Progesterone Congeners; Progestins
PubMed: 22419284
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002122.pub2 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Jan 2012Menorrhagia limits normal activities, and causes anaemia in two-thirds of women with objective menorrhagia (loss of 80 mL blood per cycle). Prostaglandin disorders may... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Menorrhagia limits normal activities, and causes anaemia in two-thirds of women with objective menorrhagia (loss of 80 mL blood per cycle). Prostaglandin disorders may be associated with idiopathic menorrhagia, and with heavy bleeding due to fibroids, adenomyosis, or use of intrauterine devices (IUDs). Fibroids have been found in 10% of women with menorrhagia overall, and in 40% of women with severe menorrhagia; but half of women having a hysterectomy for menorrhagia are found to have a normal uterus.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of medical treatments for menorrhagia? What are the effects of surgical treatments for menorrhagia? What are the effects of endometrial thinning before endometrial destruction in treating menorrhagia? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to June 2011 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 39 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following medical interventions: combined pill, danazol, etamsylate, gonadorelin analogues, intrauterine progesterone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), progestogens, and the following surgical interventions: dilatation and curettage, endometrial destruction, and hysterectomy.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Danazol; Dilatation and Curettage; Endometrial Ablation Techniques; Female; Humans; Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; Menorrhagia; Progestins
PubMed: 22305976
DOI: No ID Found -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Jan 2011Breast pain may be cyclical (worse before a period) or non-cyclical, originating from the breast or the chest wall, and occurs at some time in 70% of women. Cyclical... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Breast pain may be cyclical (worse before a period) or non-cyclical, originating from the breast or the chest wall, and occurs at some time in 70% of women. Cyclical breast pain resolves spontaneously in 20% to 30% of women, but tends to recur in 60% of women. Non-cyclical pain responds poorly to treatment but tends to resolve spontaneously in half of women.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments for breast pain? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to May 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically; please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 24 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: antibiotics, bromocriptine, combined oral contraceptive pill, danazol, diuretics, evening primrose oil, gestrinone, gonadorelin analogues, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lisuride, low-fat diet, progestogens, pyridoxine, tamoxifen, tibolone, topical or oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), toremifene, and vitamin E.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Breast Diseases; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Mastodynia; Pain; Pain Measurement; Toremifene; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 21477394
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2010See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37341141/ for a more recent review that covers this topic and has superseded this review. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
EDITORIAL NOTE
See https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37341141/ for a more recent review that covers this topic and has superseded this review.
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition, characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue in sites other than the uterine cavity (excluding adenomyosis) that frequently presents with pain. The gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHas) comprise one intervention that has been offered for pain relief in pre-menopausal women. GnRHas can be administered intranasally, by subcutaneous, or intramuscular injection. They are thought to result in down regulation of the pituitary and induce a hypogonadotrophic hypogonadal state.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness and safety of GnRHas in the treatment of the painful symptoms associated with endometriosis.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Electronic searches of the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group specialist register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PSYCInfo and CINAHL were conducted in April 2010 to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs).
SELECTION CRITERIA
RCTs of GnRHas as treatment for pain associated with endometriosis versus no treatment, placebo, danazol, intra-uterine progestagens, or other GnRHas were included. Trials using add-back therapy, oral contraceptives, surgical intervention, GnRH antagonists or complementary therapies were excluded.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. The primary outcome was pain relief. Relative risk was used as the measure of effect for dichotomous data. For continuous data, mean differences or standardised mean differences were used.
MAIN RESULTS
Forty one trials (n=4935 women) were included. The evidence suggested that GnRHas were more effective at symptom relief than no treatment/placebo. There was no statistically significant difference between GnRHas and danazol for dysmenorrhoea RR 0.98 (95%CI 0.92 to 1.04; P = 0.53). This equates to 3 fewer women per 1000 (95%CI 12 to 6) with symptomatic pain relief in the GnRHa group. More adverse events were reported in the GnRHa group. There was a benefit in overall resolution for GnRHas RR1.10 (95%CI 1.01 to 1.21, P=0.03) compared with danazol. There was no statistically significant difference in overall pain between GnRHas and levonorgestrel SMD -0.25 (95%CI -0.60 to 0.10, P=0.46). Evidence was limited on optimal dosage or duration of treatment for GnRHas. No route of administration appeared superior to another.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
GnRHas appear to be more effective at relieving pain associated with endometriosis than no treatment/placebo. There was no evidence of a difference in pain relief between GnRHas and danazol although more adverse events reported in the GnRHa groups. There was no evidence of a difference in pain relief between GnRHas and levonorgestrel and no studies compared GnRHas with analgesics.
Topics: Danazol; Drug Administration Routes; Dysmenorrhea; Dyspareunia; Endometriosis; Estrogen Antagonists; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Levonorgestrel; Pain; Pelvic Pain; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 21154398
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008475.pub2 -
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism Feb 2011To review and summarize published information on the use, effectiveness, and adverse effects of danazol in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To review and summarize published information on the use, effectiveness, and adverse effects of danazol in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
METHODS
A MEDLINE search from January 1950 to July 2009 was conducted using 2 search strategies retrieving 51 and 62 references, respectively. We also searched 2 standard reference textbooks and bibliographies of the 38 articles selected.
RESULTS
Of the 38 articles selected, there were 19 case series/reports with a total of 153 patients, including 2 prospective trials of 7 and 16 patients, respectively, and 1 randomized controlled trial of 40 patients. Danazol has been used successfully in the treatment of hematologic manifestations of SLE such as thrombocytopenia, Evan's syndrome, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and a case of red cell aplasia. Thirteen patients responded to danazol after failing splenectomy. There is limited information on the use of danazol in nonhematologic manifestations of SLE. Adverse effects were generally tolerable but high doses may produce undesirable side effects for female patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Danazol is a useful drug in the treatment of SLE patients, especially in patients with refractory thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and premenstrual flares, and in some mild nonhematologic manifestations of SLE. It appears to be relatively well tolerated, safe, and efficacious.
Topics: Danazol; Estrogen Antagonists; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 20541792
DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2010.03.005 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Aug 2010Ectopic endometrial tissue is found in 1.5% to 6.2% of women of reproductive age, in up to 60% of those with dysmenorrhoea, and in up to 30% of women with subfertility,... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Ectopic endometrial tissue is found in 1.5% to 6.2% of women of reproductive age, in up to 60% of those with dysmenorrhoea, and in up to 30% of women with subfertility, with a peak incidence at around 40 years of age. However, symptoms may not correlate with laparoscopic findings.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical questions: What are the effects of hormonal treatments given at diagnosis of endometriosis? What are the effects of hormonal treatments before surgery for endometriosis? What are the effects of non-hormonal medical treatments for endometriosis? What are the effects of surgical treatments for endometriosis? What are the effects of hormonal treatment after conservative surgery for endometriosis? What are the effects of hormonal treatment after oophorectomy (with or without hysterectomy) for endometriosis? What are the effects of treatments for ovarian endometrioma? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and other important databases up to December 2009 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 40 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: combined oral contraceptives, danazol, dydrogesterone, gestrinone, gonadorelin analogues, aromatase inhibitors, hormonal treatment before surgery, hormonal treatment, laparoscopic cystectomy, laparoscopic removal of endometriotic deposits (alone or with uterine nerve ablation), laparoscopic removal plus presacral neurectomy, laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, presacral neurectomy alone, and progestogens other than dydrogesterone.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aromatase Inhibitors; Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; Danazol; Drug Administration Schedule; Dysmenorrhea; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Pelvic Pain
PubMed: 21418683
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2009Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common hematologic disorder caused by immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. The magnitude of the maternal-fetal risk of ITP... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a common hematologic disorder caused by immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. The magnitude of the maternal-fetal risk of ITP during pregnancy is controversial. Labour management of pregnant women with ITP remains controversial. Management of ITP during pregnancy is complex because of the disparity between maternal and fetal platelet counts.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and safety of corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin, vinca alkaloids, danazol, dapsone, and any other types of pharmacological treatments for the treatment of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (February 2009), LILACS (1982 to 8 February 2009), ClinicalTrials.gov (8 February 2009), Current Controlled Trials (16 February 2009), Google Scholar (16 February 2009) and ongoing and unpublished trials cited in the reference lists of relevant articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on any medical treatments for idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura during pregnancy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently evaluated methodological quality and extracted trial data. Any disagreement was resolved by discussion or by consulting a third review author.
MAIN RESULTS
This review included one RCT in which 38 women (41 pregnancies) were randomised, with only 26 women (28 pregnancies) being analysed.This RCT comparing the effect of betamethasone (1.5 mg/day) with no medication found no statistically significant difference in neonatal thrombocytopenia (risk ratio (RR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 2.05) and neonatal bleeding (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.24 to 4.13). Review authors conducted an intention-to-treat analysis which showed similar findings: RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.45 and RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.24 to 4.61, respectively. Maternal death, perinatal mortality, postpartum haemorrhage and neonatal intracranial haemorrhage were not studied by this RCT.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence indicates that compared to no medication, betamethasone did not reduce the risk of neonatal thrombocytopenia and neonatal bleeding in ITP during pregnancy. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of betamethasone for treating ITP. This Cohrane review does not provide evidence about other medical treatments for ITP during pregnancy. This systematic review also identifies the need for well-designed, adequately powered randomised clinical trials for this medical condition during pregnancy. Unless randomised clinical trials provide evidence of a treatment effect and the trade off between potential benefits and harms are established, policy-makers, clinicians, and academics should not use betamethasone for ITP in pregnant women. Any future trials on medical treatments for treating ITP during pregnancy should test a variety of important maternal, neonatal or both outcome measures, including maternal death, perinatal mortality, postpartum haemorrhage and neonatal intracranial haemorrhage.
Topics: Betamethasone; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic; Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune
PubMed: 19821437
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007722.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2009Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) is a benign yet debilitating social and health condition. Treatments prescribed in order to reduce excessive menstrual blood loss... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding) is a benign yet debilitating social and health condition. Treatments prescribed in order to reduce excessive menstrual blood loss include prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors, antifibrinolytics, the oral contraceptive pill and other hormones. The combined oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is claimed to have a variety of beneficial, inducing a regular shedding of a thinner endometrium and inhibiting ovulation thus having the effect of treating menorrhagia and providing contraception.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills compared with other medical therapies, placebo or no therapy in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group trials register (search dates: Oct 1996, May 2002, June 2004, April 2006 and June 2009) for all publications which describe randomised trials of OCP for the treatment of menorrhagia. This register is based on regular searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, the hand searching of 20 relevant journals and conference proceedings, and searches of several key grey literature sources.
SELECTION CRITERIA
All randomised controlled comparisons of OCP versus other medical therapies, placebo or no treatment for the treatment of menorrhagia. Women of reproductive years with regular heavy periods, measured either objectively or subjectively and greater than, or equal to, two months follow up.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
All assessments of trial quality and data extraction were performed unblinded by at least two reviewers. Only one trial of 45 women met the inclusion criteria and none were excluded.
MAIN RESULTS
As the trial used a cross-over design, only data from the first treatment period (cycles three and four) were analysed. The results from all the three mefenamic acid groups were combined. There was no significant difference in menstrual blood loss (MBL) between those women treated with the OCP and danazol, mefenamic acid or naproxen.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
One small study found no significant difference between groups treated with OCP, mefenamic acid, low dose danazol or naproxen. Overall, the evidence from the one study is not sufficient to adequately assess the effectiveness of OCP.This review was unable to achieve its stated objectives because of the paucity of the data.
Topics: Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Contraceptives, Oral; Danazol; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Mefenamic Acid; Menorrhagia; Naproxen
PubMed: 19821266
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000154.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2009Uterine fibroids (myomas, fibromyomas, leiomyomas) are the most common benign tumours of the female genital tract. Danazol, a synthetic isoxazole derivative chemically... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Uterine fibroids (myomas, fibromyomas, leiomyomas) are the most common benign tumours of the female genital tract. Danazol, a synthetic isoxazole derivative chemically related to 17-ethinyl testosterone, has been used for many years for the treatment of women with uterine fibroids.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of danazol in women with uterine fibroids.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Review Group Specialised Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 4); MEDLINE; EMBASE; Chinese Biomedical Disc; and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure for relevant trials (to December 2008). Attempts were made to identify trials from references in published studies. We also searched for ongoing trials in the five major clinical trials registries.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials of danazol versus placebo or any other medical therapy in women with uterine fibroids confirmed by medical procedures, regardless of the women's symptoms or age. Women with malignancies were excluded.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were not been performed because there were no identified studies.
MAIN RESULTS
We did not identify any studies which met our full inclusion criteria.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is no reliable evidence available from randomised controlled trials regarding the benefits and or harms of the use of danazol for treating uterine fibroids.
Topics: Danazol; Estrogen Antagonists; Female; Humans; Leiomyoma; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 19588442
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007692.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2009Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of tissue that is morphologically and biologically similar to normal endometrium in locations outside the uterus. Surgical... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of tissue that is morphologically and biologically similar to normal endometrium in locations outside the uterus. Surgical and hormonal treatment of endometriosis have unpleasant side effects and high rates of relapse. In China, treatment of endometriosis using Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is routine and considerable research into the role of CHM in alleviating pain, promoting fertility, and preventing relapse has taken place.
OBJECTIVES
To review the effectiveness and safety of CHM in alleviating endometriosis-related pain and infertility.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library) and the following English language electronic databases (from their inception to the present): MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, NLH on the 30/04/09.We also searched Chinese language electronic databases: Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Sci & Tech Journals (VIP), Traditional Chinese Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System (TCMLARS), and Chinese Medical Current Contents (CMCC).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving CHM versus placebo, biomedical treatment, another CHM intervention, or CHM plus biomedical treatment versus biomedical treatment were selected. Only trials with confirmed randomisation procedures and laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis were included.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Risk of bias assessment, and data extraction and analysis were performed independently by three review authors. Data were combined for meta-analysis using relative risk (RR) for dichotomous data. A fixed-effect statistical model was used, where appropriate. Data not suitable for meta-analysis are presented as descriptive data.
MAIN RESULTS
Two Chinese RCTs involving 158 women were included in this review. Both these trials described adequate methodology. Neither trial compared CHM with placebo treatment.There was no evidence of a significant difference in rates of symptomatic relief between CHM and gestrinone administered subsequent to laparoscopic surgery (95.65% versus 93.87%; risk ratio (RR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93 to 1.12, one RCT). The intention-to-treat analysis also showed no significant difference between the groups (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.18). There was no significant difference between the CHM and gestrinone groups with regard to the total pregnancy rate (69.6% versus 59.1%; RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.59, one RCT).CHM administered orally and then in conjunction with a herbal enema resulted in a greater proportion of women obtaining symptomatic relief than with danazol (RR 5.06, 95% CI 1.28 to 20.05; RR 5.63, 95% CI 1.47 to 21.54, respectively).Overall, 100% of women in all the groups showed some improvement in their symptoms.Oral plus enema administration of CHM showed a greater reduction in average dysmenorrhoea pain scores than did danazol (mean difference (MD) -2.90, 95% CI -4.55 to -1.25; P < 0.01).Combined oral and enema administration of CHM showed a greater improvement, measured as the disappearance or shrinkage of adnexal masses, than with danazol (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.04 to 2.78). For lumbosacral pain, rectal discomfort, or vaginal nodules tenderness, there was no significant difference either between CHM and danazol.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Post-surgical administration of CHM may have comparable benefits to gestrinone but with fewer side effects. Oral CHM may have a better overall treatment effect than danazol; it may be more effective in relieving dysmenorrhea and shrinking adnexal masses when used in conjunction with a CHM enema. However, more rigorous research is required to accurately assess the potential role of CHM in treating endometriosis.
Topics: Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Endometriosis; Female; Gestrinone; Humans; Pelvic Pain; Progestins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 19588398
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006568.pub2