Age-Adjusted Prevalence and Characteristics of Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Korea: A Nationwide Population-Based Study (2010–2019)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age and is associated with an increased risk of obesity, compensatory hyperinsulinemia, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and endometrial cancer. This study analyzed 544619 women using the Korean Informative Classification of Disease, version 10, codes E28.0–E28.9 in the population-based National Health Information Databases from 2010 to 2019. The age-adjusted incidence and prevalence rates of PCOS over 10 years among Korean women were 2.8% and 4.3%, respectively; and they increased in the late teens, peaked in the 20s, and began to decrease at the age of 30. We also found that the body mass index, levels of fasting blood glucose, and high-density lipoprotein values in the recent two years (2018–2019) were higher in women with PCOS compared to the general population. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of PCOS in a nationwide population of reproductive-aged Korean women. Further research is needed to examine the short- and long-term health risks and psychological problems associated with PCOS.

Risk factors for malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the preoperative characteristics of benign mature cystic teratoma (MCT) and struma ovarii and their risk factors associated malignancies, and determine the appropriate treatment options for these tumors. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on 248 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with ovarian MCT, struma ovarii, or malignant transformations of these tumors at Inje University Haeundae Paik Hospital from March 2010 to January 2015. Routinely evaluated results of adnexal masses before surgery were compared. RESULTS: A total of six patients (2.4%) were confirmed to have malignant tumors. Of the struma ovarii patients, two out of five patients (40%) were confirmed to have malignancy. The mean age at the diagnosis of patients with malignant transformation of teratomas was 43.0 years (range, 27 to 67 years), which was higher than that of patients with benign teratomas (36.5 years). The mean diameter of the tumor before surgery in the malignant tumor group was 11.4 cm and larger than 6.5 cm of benign group (P=0.003). The mean CA-125 level in the malignant tumor group was higher than that in the benign tumor group (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Risk factors for malignant transformation of MCT include elevated CA-125 levels, older age, large tumor masses, and postmenopausal status.

Unusual Primary Peritonitis due to Streptococcus pyogenes in a Young Healthy Woman

We describe the first case of primary peritonitis in Korea of a healthy person due to Streptococcus pyogenes. In the absence of comorbid conditions, such as liver cirrhosis, immunosuppression, or nephrotic syndrome, primary peritonitis is uncommon in a young healthy woman. Abdomen computed tomography revealed ascites in the lower abdomen and peritoneal enhancement suggesting peritonitis. In diagnostic laparoscopy, purulent ascites was found in the pelvic cavity but both ovaries and fallopian tubes were intact. There were no intra-abdominal abnormalities such as bowel perforation, appendicitis, or necrosis. The reports of blood culture, ascites culture, and cervical swab culture confirmed S. pyogenes. After use of antibiotics, the patient was cured and discharged without sequelae.

The Correlation between the Endometrial Cancer and Postmenopausal Uterine Bleeding / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

OBJECTIVES: To investigate correlation between risk factors of endometrial carcinoma and histopatholgic findings of endometrium. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of 148 postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding, who underwent endometrial biopsy from January 2009 to April 2010. Women who had hematologic disease, or had non-uterine pelvic diseases were excluded. Hormone therapy was performed in indicated subjects. Age, body mass index (BMI), associated diseases, endometrial thickness checked by transvaginal sonography, whether hormone therapy was used were reviewed according to endometrial histopathology. RESULTS: Mean age of the subjects was 58.9 +/- 8.4years old. Among the endometrial histopathologic findings, atrophic endometrium was the most common finding (32.7%), followed by hyperplastic endometrium (17.8%), endometrial carcinoma (10.4%), and endometrial polyp (9.2%). BMI was not correlation of the prevalence of endometrial carcinoma and endometrial hyperplasia. Mean endometrial thickness was 9.8 +/- 5.56 mm, while it was 14.0 +/- 5.89 mm in endometrial hyperplasia, and 16.0 +/- 6.56 mm in endometrial carcinoma. The prevalence of endometrial cancer was high in those whose endometrial thickness was more than 10 mm (P < 0.001). The prevalence of endometrial hyperplasia in those whose postmenopausal bleeding was related to hormone therapy was higher than of women in whom hormone therapy was not performed. However, there were no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal bleeding must be considered as indicative of malignant disease until proven otherwise. Endometrial biopsy should be performed to exclude endometrial carcinoma in postmenopausal women whose endometrial thickness measured by transvaginal sonography is thick.

Decreased Bone Mineral density of Spine in Patients with Invasive Cervical Cancer / 대한골다공증학회지

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the spinal bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with invasive cervical cancer without bone metastases. METHODS: We measured spinal bone mineral densities by dual-photon absorptiometry in 119 patients with invasive uterine cervical cancer and compared them with measurements from 135 control women. RESULTS: When adjusted for age, mean bone mineral density in patients with uterine cervical cancer was 13.9% lower (P=0.0003) and age-matched percentiles were 9.2% lower (P=0.0003) than in control women. The deficits in bone mineral density and age-matched percentiles were confined to the uterine cervical cancer patients in their fifties. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that patients with invasive cervical cancer have a lower spinal BMD, resulting in an increased risk of osteoporosis.

To Investigate the Incidence of Non-responder to Hormone Therapy and the Bone Response in Postmenopausal Women / 대한골다공증학회지

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of non-responder to hormone therapy (HT) and to evaluate the bone response to HT according to basal bone mineral density(BMD) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: A total of 167 postmenopausal women received either continuous combined estrogenprogestogen replacement (n=102) or estrogen replacement (n=65) for 1 years. BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) before and 1 year after HT. RESULTS: The incidence of non-responder (women with >3% bone loss per year) to HT was 8.3% in the lumbar spine, and 22.1% in femoral neck. non-responder group had a higher basal BMD at the lumbar spine than responder group, and showed bone loss rate of 7.7% per year. After 1 year of HT, postmenopausal women with osteoporosis showed a higher rate of increase in BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck than women with normal BMD or osteopenia. CONCLUSIONS: The non-responders to HT have a higher basal lumbar BMD, compared with responders. The higher basal BMD at the lumbar spine is, the less bone conservation effect of HT is.

The Study of Bisphosphonate and Postmenopausal Hormone Treatment in Low Bone Mineral Density / 대한골다공증학회지

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of postmenopausal hormone therapy alone or in combination with bisphosphonate on bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women. METHODS: One hundred three women diagnosed with low BMD in postmenopausal women were included in this study. All patients were classified into two groups; oarl hormone therpy alone (Group I) or with alendronate (Group II), given for 12 months. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to measure BMD before and after 12 months of treatment. RESULTS: In all groups, significant increase in bone density measurements were seen at 12 months of treatment. The BMD of lumbar spine more increased significantly in Group II than Group I. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal hormone therapy is effective in osteopenic and osteoporotic women. However, the combined treatment with hormone therapy and bisphophonate is more effective in postmenopausal women with low BMD.

Preventive effect of ramosetron on patient-controlled analgesia-related nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic hysterectomy / 대한산부인과내시경학회지

OBJECTIVE: Patient-controlled-analgesia (PCA) using intravenous (IV) opioids is recognized a safe and effective method for pain control. However, postoperative analgesia with opioids is associated with a high incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) exceeding 30%. The 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 3 (5-HT3) antagonists alleviate nausea and vomiting. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of ramosetron and ondansetron in preventing PONV following laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign uterine diseases under general anesthesia. METHODS: The medical records of 1483 patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy between January 2005 and May 2009 were reviewed. Of the 1483 patients, 1184 patients who received IVPCA with ramosetron 0.3 mg (n=761) or ondansetron 8 mg (n=423) were analyzed. Fentanyl-based IVPCA was administered for 48 hours after surgery. The overall incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, bowel ileus, Levin tube insertion for severe bowel ileus, additional usage of pain killers and discontinuation of the IVPCA infusion with PCA-related severe nausea and vomiting were assessed for 48 hours after surgery. The amount of time until bowel gas passage resumption after surgery was measured. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding the duration until post-operative bowel gas passage resumption (1.78+/-0.79 days in the ramosetron group, and 2.23+/-0.83 days in the ondansetron group; p=0.005); however, there were no significant differences found in other aspects. CONCLUSION: Ramosetron is superior to ondansetron in terms of faster recovery in bowel mobility, with similar effects in preventing the incidence of PONV.

Protecting a Woman's Skeleton / 대한골다공증학회지

Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, is a silent condition resulting in increased fracture risk. Preventive methods for adulthood, early recognition of osteoporosis followed by timely and effective management can reduce fracture risk. Several pharmacologic therapies are currently available, and when choosing from the available options, clinicians should consider the efficacy and safety profiles of each therapy as well as the individual patient's needs and overall health. Ideally, therapy should satisfy multiple criteria: fracture protection across multiple skeletal sites; rapid onset of action to maximize the timing of fracture protection; and minimal side effects with proven long-term safety.

A case of peritoneal desmoplastic small round cell tumor / 대한산부인과학회지

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a rare and aggressive tumor that affects young males. It is usually an abdominopelvic malignancy that demonstrates distinct histological appearances and a unique cytogenetic profile. There have been many different approaches to the treatment of desmoplastic small round cell tumor, but unfortunately it remains incurable and has poor long-term survival rates. However, with an aggressive approach to the treatment using multiple modalities, some temporary benefit to survival can be achieved. There has not yet been a case in which treatment has led to a curative outcome. Recently, we also experienced a case of very poor outcome of 31-year-old female with small round cell tumor in peritoneum. Here, we report the case with a brief review of literatures.

Comparison of the efficacy of additional vaginal dressing disinfectants for reduction of wound-related complications in laparoscopic hysterectomy / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of additional vaginal dressing disinfectants for reduction of wound-related complications in laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: From September 2006 to June 2007, 226 of 243 patients underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy were enrolled. The patients were classified into three groups (no additional disinfectant (n=76), povidone-iodine (n=68), and chlorhexidine (n=82) for disinfectants) and the short term postoperative complications related with wound morbidity were recorded by 2 months out-patient follow up. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 46.6+/-7.6 years old, and the mean BMI (body mass index) was 24.2+/-3.4, mean operation time was, 137.2+/-48.0 minutes, and the mean estimated blood loss was 451.8+/-240.2 ml. There was no significant difference among three groups in their mean age, mean BMI, frequency of vaginal culture (+) before surgery, frequency of wound/stump infection after surgery, frequency of wound disruption, and frequency of fever. The significant difference was shown in mean operation time and mean estimated blood loss but those did not affect frequency of vaginal culture (+) before surgery, frequency of wound/stump infection after surgery, frequency of wound disruption, and frequency of fever. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the kind of disinfectant for additional vaginal dressing for laparoscopic hysterectomy does not matter deeply in causing short term wound-related complications after the surgery.

Analysis of salpingeal patency in young-aged women underwent diagnostic laparoscopy with Fitz-High-Curtis Syndrome / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the tubal patency in the young-aged women underwent diagnostic laparoscopy with Fitz-High-Curtis Syndrome (FHCS). METHODS: Clinicopathologic results of young-aged women who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy with pelvic inflammatory disease from March 2005 through April 2007 were reviewed. Twenty six patients aged 19-29 years old and preserved their both tubes after diagnostic laparoscopy were included in this study. All were underwent chromopertubation test (CPT) during laparoscopy and postoperative hysterosalpingography (HSG) 3 months later. RESULTS: Of 26 patients, eight patients were diagnosed with FHCS and the others were not. There was no significant difference in mean age, mean hospitalization days, and frequency in past-history of parturition, abortion, chlamydia and gonococci infection between patients with FHCS and with non-FHCS (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in frequency of tubal obstruction in laparoscopic CPT (P>0.05) but not in postoperative outpatient HSG (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The tubal obstruction may be more frequent in FHCS than non-FHCS and the reliability of laparoscopic CPT for diagnosing the tubal obstruction is supposed to be low. Therefore, as for FHCS patients, HSG should be executed to investigate tubal factor which is helpful to forecast the fertility.

Proportion of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T lymphocyte in peripheral blood of patients with gynecologic cancer / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Recently the existence of a CD4+CD25+ regulatory (Treg) population has been described in rodents and humans. It is unclear how the immune response cells interact to tumor cells effectively, but the malignant tumor cell growth was suppressed by the main effect of T lymphocytes and natural killer cells in experimental studies using various biologic response modifier. This study was performed to investigate the proportion of CD4+CD25high Tregs and expression of Foxp3 in Peripheral blood (PBL)s in patients with cervical, ovarian or uterine cancers. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 10 healthy women and a total of 40 patients with gynecologic cancer at department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, from March 2005 to September 2005, were enrolled in study group. Information regarding patient history and tumor stage was recorded. They were diagnosed at same center at first, and never been treated any therapy. The population of CD4+CD25+high Tregs as a percentage of total CD4+cells was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis. We measured the proportion of Treg cell that co-express CD4 and CD25 in the peripheral blood lymphocytes form patients with either cervical, ovarian uterine cancer or carcinoma in situ of cervix. Expression of Foxp3 in the CD4+subsets defined by electrophoresis. RESULTS: The following tumor entities were included cervical cancer (n=10. 7 in stage I, 1 in stage II, 1 in stage III, 1 in stage IV); ovarian cancer (n=10. 4 in stage I, 0 in stage II, 5 in stage III, 1 in stage IV), ; uterine cancer (n=10. 9 in stage I, 0 in stage II, 0 in stage III, 1 in stage IV). In cervical cancer patient, ovarian cancer patients, uterine cancer patients and healthy women, the proportion of CD4+CD25high Tregs was 4.53% (SD 2.30), 6.89% (SD 7.81), 4.37% (SD 2.43) and 0.87% (SD 0.57) of the total CD4+cells respectively. The proportion of CD4+CD25+high T cells was significantly higher in cervical cancer patients (p=0.016), ovarian cancer patients (p=0.001) and uterine cancer patients (p=0.038) when compared with healthy women. But there was no significant difference in proportion of CD4+CD25+ Tregs comparing with healthy women. Expression of Foxp3 was significantly thicker in tumor-associated lymphocytes than control T cells by electrophoresis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our data suggested that the increase in frequency of regulatory T cells might play a role in modulation of the immune response against cervical, ovarian, uterine cancer could be important in design of immunotherapeutic approaches.

A case of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor with mucinous heterologous element in a postmenopausal woman / 대한산부인과학회지

Ovarian Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are rare sex cordstromal tumors, and these neoplasms account for less than 0.5% of all ovarian tumors. Those are more often encountered in young women between the ages of 20 and 30 years who usually become virilized. Recently, we experienced an unusual case of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor with mucinous heterologous elements in a 71-year-old postmenopauseal woman. We present it with brief review of literatures.

Clinicopathologic Analysis and Prognosis of Endodermal Sinus Tumor of the Ovary / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics of endodermal sinus tumor (EST) of the ovary. METHODS: Seventeen patients who were treated with EST of the ovary between September 1991 and February 2005 were reviewed retrospectively for clinicopathologic characteristics, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS: Median age at diagnosis was 22.0 years (range 7-43). Nine patients (52.9%) were stage I, 3 (17.6%) stage II, 4 (23.5%) stage III, and 1 (5.9%) stage IV. Twelve of 17 patients underwent conservative surgery including unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, unilateral oophorectomy and others were underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. All patients received adjuvant combination chemotherapy. Eleven patients received BEP (bleomycin, etoposide, cisplatin) combination chemotherapy and the others received VAC (vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide). One patient had recurred, and 3 patients had died of the disease. The mean overall survival is 153.6 months. Patients with stage I and II had a more favorable prognosis than those with stage III and IV disease (p<0.05). Patients received BEP combination chemotherapy showed significantly better prognosis than patients received VAC (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Less advanced stage and BEP combination chemotherapy showed significantly better prognosis.

Comparison of characteristics of Dendritic Cells derived from CD 14+ Monocyte and CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem Cell in Human Umbilical Cord Blood / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To compare the morphological, phenotypical, and functional characteristics of dendritic cells (DCs) generated from two precursor cell sources (CD 14+ monocyte and CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell) of human umbilical cord blood (UCB) under identical ex vivo generation conditions and to determine the best cellular source for DCs-based anticancer immunotherapy. METHODS: CD14+ monocytes and CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells were isolated from human UCB and induced to differentiate into DCs under identical culture conditions using granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (800 U/mL) and IL-4 (500 U/mL). Then maturation of DCs was induced with IFN-gamma (1000 U/mL) and LPS (1 microgram/mL). Morphology was compared with confocal microscopy and phenotypical analysis was done with FACS. The level of IL-12p70 production was determined with ELISA kit and T cell proliferation capacity was assessed with mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR). RESULTS: Eight-day-old mature DCs from CD14+ monocytes or CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells had identical morphology. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that CD14+ monocyte-derived DCs (M-DCs) and CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell-derived DCs (CD34-DCs) showed similar enhanced expression of CD80, CD83, and CD86 (P>0.05). The level of IL-12p70 production was significantly higher in mature DCs (8-day-old) than immature DCs (6-day-old) of either source (P<0.05), but it was significantly highly elevated in CD34-DCs (P<0.05). DCs of both precursors showed potent stimulation capacity in MLR, with CD34-DCs having a maximum effect at 1:2 ratio and M-DCs at 1:20 ratio, although CD34-DCs had significantly greater proliferative effects at all ratios (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that CD34-DCs may be a more attractive source for DC-based immunotherapy. But because of morphologic, phenotypical, and functional similarities between the two cellular sources, both are good sources for generating DCs and one is not superior to the other. Thus cellular availability could be an important factor in determining DC-generation protocol to be used if all other issues are equal. Further comparative testing for these two precursors is in need.

Small Cell Carcinoma of the uterine Cervix: Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of the 19 cases / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinicopathologic characteristics, prognostic factors, and survival time of small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. METHODS: The medical records of 19 patients who were diagnosed with small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix and whose initial treatment was between October 1996 and December 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. Clinicopathologic characteristics, FIGO stage (classification according to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics), tumor size, lymph node metastasis, treatments, and overall survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age at diagnosis was 48.4 years. The overall survival time was 57.3 months, and 5-year survival rate was 52.6%. Twelve patients were in FIGO stage I or IIa and 7 were in FIGO stages IIb-IV. Immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining for neuroendocrine marker, chromogranin and synaptophysin, in 17 patients, and negative in 2 patients. Tumor size at diagnosis was under 2 cm in 12 patients and over 2 cm in 7 patients. Disease recurred in 8 patients, and 9 patients died. Through analyzing Overall survival time, FIGO stage and tumor size were significant prognostic factors in small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. CONCLUSION: Our study found FIGO stage and tumor size were significant prognostic factors in small cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

Urinary tract injuries after total hysterectomy / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence, characteristics, and convalescence times of urinary tract injury after gynecological surgery, total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), total vaginal hysterectomy (VH), radical hysterectomy (RH), and laparoscopic-assisted radical hysterectomy (LRH). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 109 patients with urinary tract injuries after total hysterectomy from May 1989 to April 2004. During the study period, 18,721 hysterectomies were carried out. RESULTS: The total incidence of urinary tract injury after total hysterectomy was 0.59%, as follows: TAH, 0.55%; LAVH, 0.64%; VH, 0.62%; RH, 0.69%; and LRH, 1.56%. The total incidence of bladder and ureteric injury was, respectively, 0.51 and 0.09%, as follows: TAH, 0.51 and 0.04%; LAVH, 0.57 and 0.07%; VH, 0.62 and 0%; RH, 0.21 and 0.49%; and LRH, 1.79 and 0.89%. There was no significant difference of the incidence of urinary tract injury type of operation with benign findings (P>0.05), but there was significant difference of the incidence of injury between type of operation with benign and malignant findings (P<0.05). The convalescence times were 10.3+/-8.7 days after bladder injury and 44.4+/-16.27 days after ureteric injury diagnosed intraoperatively, but 33.3+/-46.6 days after bladder injury and 69.0+/-16.4 days after ureteric injury diagnosed postoperatively. There was significant difference between both groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, total hysterectomy resulted in 0.59% incidence of urinary tract injury and repair of these injuries was successful in all cases. There was no significant difference for incidence of urinary tract injury between types of operation with benign findings, but there was significant difference between types of operation for benign and malignant findings. The convalescence times for intraoperatively recognized injuries were significantly shorter than those for injuries recognized postoperatively. 109, but significant difference between benign and malignant gynecological operations (P<0.05). Tintraoperatively recognized.

Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor of the Uterus: Retrospective Study of 26 cases / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To review the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients with malignant mixed Mullerian tumor (MMMT) of the uterus. METHODS: Retrospective clinical study was done on 26 patients diagnosed with the MMMT of the uterus at our hospital from Janurary, 1994 to December, 2004. Demographic data, pathologic findings, stages, treatment, prognosis and survival time were reviewed. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 59 years. Most of the patients (76.9%) were in the postmenopausal state. The most common symptom was vaginal bleeding (65.4%). There were 17 patients (65.4%) with stage I, 3 patients (11.6%) with stage II, 4 patients (15.4%) with stage III, 2 patients (7.6%) with stage IV disease in this study. Of the hysterectomy specimens, 4 (15.4%) of them were heterologous tumors, 22 (84.6%) of them were homologous tumors. Overall 5 year survival rate of all stages was 60% and the patients with advanced stages (III, IV) showed poorer prognosis than the patients with early stages (I, II) (P=0.001). Myometrial invasion depth was also significant prognostic factor (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The MMMT of the uterus is a highly malignant tumor and the significant prognostic factor is the FIGO stage and myometrial invasion depth.

Clinical Analysis of 23 Cases of Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the survival, recurrence and prognostic factors of endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). METHODS: Twenty three patients who had diagnosed with ESS and managed between June 1989 and December 2004 were included. Clinicopathologic characteristics were evaluated including age, parity, menopause, stage, grade, type of surgery, adjuvant therapy, overall survival, disease free survival. RESULTS: The mean age of the group was 44 years. Eighty two percents of patients were premenopause and the most common symptom was vaginal bleeding. Thirteen patients were in stage I and four patients were in stage II and III. Six patients were not able to determine the stage. Eighteen patients were low grade ESS and five patients were high grade. The median overall survival was 179 months and the median disease free survival was 134 months. Disease had recurred in 6 patients and 2 patients died of the disease. Higher tumor grade was associated with lower overall survival (P=0.047) and disease free survival (P=0.035). CONCLUSION: The prognostic factor of ESS is tumor grade.