Effect and Safety of Kangfuyan Capsules () for Relieving Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Clinical Trial / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect and safety of Kangfuyan Capsules () for treating pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in a multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial.@*METHODS@#Totally, 240 PID patients with CPP were randomized into 2 groups using a computer generated random number at a 1:1 ratio from 10 hospitals in China between September 2014 and November 2015. Patients received either oral Kangfuyan Capsules or Gongyanping Capsules (, control); the regimen for both groups comprised 4 capsules (3 times daily) for 12 weeks, with follow-up visit 4 weeks after treatment. The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, clinical responses, remarkable cure rates for each symptom, and quality of life scores were assessed at baseline, and after 1, 2, and 3 months. Adverse events were also recorded.@*RESULTS@#The VAS scores were significantly lower (P<0.05), whereas the clinical responses, remarkable cure rates for lower abdominal pain, uterine tenderness, adnexal mass, and adnexal tenderness, and Health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) scores were higher in the Kangfuyan group than in the control group at 3 months (P<0.05). Common treatment-related adverse events included high hepatic enzyme levels, reduced hemoglobin levels, and elevated platelet counts, although all the adverse events were either mild or moderate in severity.@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with Gongyanping therapy, Kangfuyan therapy yielded markedly better analgesia effects for CPP caused by PID, with obvious long-term efficacy and good safety. (Registration No. ChiCTR190022732).

Effectiveness of the superior hypogastric plexus neurolytic block in the management of pelvic abdominal pain in adult patients diagnosed with cancer: A systematic literature review / Efectividad del bloqueo neurolítico del plexo hipogástrico superior en el manejo del dolor abdominopélvico en pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de cáncer. Revisión sistemática de la literatura

INTRODUCTION: Severe oncological pain occurs in up to 60% of pelvic abdominal cáncer patients, being refractory to medical management in up to 30% of cases. In 1990, the superior hypogastric plexus neurolytic block (SHPB) was described for the control of pain in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique for the control of oncological pain. METHODOLY: Studies that evaluated the effectiveness of the SHPB using the classic or transdiscal approach in adult patients with oncological abdominal-pelvic pain were systematically reviewed. A search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus from January 1, 1990, to August 31, 2019, without a language restriction. The visual analog scale (VAS), morphine milligram equivalents (MME) per day, quality of life and presence of complications were recorded. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Jadad and Ottawa-Newcastle scales. RESULTS: Eight studies met the inclusión criteria: 6 were descriptivo longitudinal studies, and 2 were controlled clinical trials, comprising 316 patients (75% female and 25% male; average age 53.2 years); the most frequent diagnoses were gynecological (65%) cancer. An average VAS reduction of 55%-60.8% was obtained as well as a MME reduction of 40%-60%. Three studies evaluated the quality of life using the (QLQ-C30), (PSS) and Zubrod scale all with positive results. Complications were reported in 18% of cases, pain related to the puncture was the most frequent. CONCLUSIONS: The SHPB may be an effective for the control of severe oncological abdominal-pelvic pain, decreasing the VAS and MME and improving the quality of life of patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El dolor oncológico severo se presenta hasta en el 60% de los pacientes con cáncer abdominopélvico, siendo refractario al manejo médico hasta en el 30% de los casos. En 1990, se describió el bloqueo del plexo hipogástrico superior (BPHS) para el control de dolor en estos pacientes. Nuestro objetivo en este estudio fue evaluar la efectividad de esta técnica. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de estudios que evaluaron la efectividad del BPHS técnicas guiadas por fluoroscopio en pacientes adultos con dolor oncológico abdominopélvico. Se realizó una búsqueda en Pubmed, EMBASE y Scopus desde el 1de enero de 1990 hasta el 31 de agosto de 2019, sin restricción de idioma. Se evaluó la escala visual análoga, el consumo de opioides: dosis equivalente de morfina día, calidad de vida, presencia de complicaciones y se evaluó la calidad de los estudios mediante escalas Jadad y Ottawa- Newcastle. RESULTADOS: Ocho estudios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión, 6 fueron longitudinales descriptivos y 2 ensayos clínicos controlados, con un total de 316 pacientes, 75% femenino y 25% masculino; edad promedio 53,2 años; diagnóstico más frecuente: Cáncer ginecológico (65%). Se logró una reducción de la escala visual análoga (EVA) de 55%-60,8% y reducción de la dosis equivalente de miligramos de morfina oral día (DEMO) del 40%-60%. Tres estudios evaluaron la calidad de vida con las escalas QLQ-C30, PSS y Zubrod, mostrando mejoría en todas. Se reportaron complicaciones en 18% de los casos, siendo el dolor en el sitio de punción la más frecuente.CONCLUSIONES: El BPHS puede ser efectivo en el control de dolor oncológico de origen abdominopélvico, disminuyendo escala visual análoga (EVA), dosis equivalente de miligramos de morfina oral día (DEMO) y mejorando la calidad de vida. Sin embargo, se requieren de estudios adicionales para dar una recomendación con alta calidad de evidencia.

Hormone treatment as first line therapy is safe and relieves pelvic pain in women with bowel endometriosis / O tratamento hormonal como terapia de primeira linha é seguro e melhora a dor pélvica em mulheres com endometriose intestinal

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate clinical features and complications in patients with bowel endometriosis submitted to hormonal therapy. Methods: Retrospective study based on data extracted from medical records of 238 women with recto-sigmoid endometriosis treated between May 2010 and May 2016. Results: Over the course of follow-up, 143 (60.1%) women remained in medical treatment while 95 (39.9%) presented with worsening of pain symptoms or intestinal lesion growth (failure of medical treatment group), with surgical resection performed in 54 cases. Women in the Medical Treatment Group were older (40.5±5.1 years versus 37.3±5.8 years; p<0.0001) and had smaller recto sigmoid lesions (2.1±1.9 versus 3.1±2.2; p=0.008) compared to those who had failed to respond to medical treatment. Similar significant reduction in pain scores for dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, cyclic dyschezia and dysuria was observed in both groups; however greater reduction in pain scores for dyspareunia was noted in the Surgical Group. Subjective improvement in pain symptoms was also similar between groups (100% versus 98.2%; p=0.18). Major complications rates were higher in the Surgical Group (9.2% versus 0.6%; p=0.001). Conclusion: Patients with recto-sigmoid endometriosis who failed to respond to medical treatment were younger and had larger intestinal lesions. Hormonal therapy was equally efficient in improving pain symptoms other than dyspareunia compared to surgery, and was associated with lower complication rates in women with recto-sigmoid endometriosis. Medical treatment should be offered as a first-line therapy for patients with bowel endometriosis. Surgical treatment should be reserved for patients with pain symptoms unresponsive to hormonal therapy, lesion growth or suspected intestinal subocclusion.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar características clínicas e complicações em pacientes com endometriose intestinal submetidos ao tratamento hormonal. Métodos: Dados de prontuários de 238 pacientes com endometriose de retossigmoide tratadas entre maio de 2010 e maio de 2016 foram coletados para este estudo retrospectivo. Resultados: Durante o período de acompanhamento, 143 (60,1%) mulheres mantiveram tratamento clínico, enquanto 95 (39,9%) tiveram piora dos sintomas de dor ou aumento da lesão intestinal (grupo falha de tratamento clínico), sendo 54 submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico. As mulheres no Grupo Tratamento Clínico eram mais velhas (40,5±5,1 anos versus 37,3±5,8 anos; p<0,0001) e tinham lesões intestinais menores (2,1±1,9 versus 3,1±2,2; p=0,008) em comparação ao grupo falha de tratamento clínico. Redução significativa e semelhante do escore de dor na dismenorreia, dor pélvica crônica, disquezia cíclica e disúria cíclica foi observada nos Grupos Tratamento Clínico e Cirúrgico. Dispareunia, no entato, teve uma redução maior no Grupo Cirurgia. A redução subjetiva dos sintomas dolorosos também foi semelhante entre os Grupos Clínico e Cirúrgico (100% versus 98,2%; p=0,18). O Grupo Tratamento Cirúrgico foi relacionado a uma maior taxa de complicações graves (9,2% versus 0,6%; p=0,001) em comparação ao Grupo Tratamento Clínico. Conclusão: Falha no tratamento clínico em pacientes com endometriose de retossigmoide foi observada em mulheres mais jovens que tinham lesões intestinais maiores. O tratamento clínico hormonal foi igualmente eficaz na melhora dos sintomas de dor, exceto dispareunia, em comparação ao tratamento cirúrgico em mulheres com endometriose intestinal, mas com menor taxa de complicações. O tratamento clínico deve ser oferecido como primeira opção em pacientes com endometriose intestinal, enquanto o tratamento cirúrgico deve ser reservado para pacientes sem melhora nos sintomas de dor com tratamento hormonal, progressão das lesões ou suspeita de suboclusão intestinal.

Evaluation of endometriosis-associated pain and influence of conventional treatment: a systematic review / Avaliação da dor associada à endometriose e influência do tratamento convencional: uma revisão sistemática

SUMMARY Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disease characterized by sustained painful symptoms that are responsible for a decline in the quality of life of sufferers. Conventional treatment includes surgical and pharmacological therapy aiming at reducing painful symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate pain levels in women with endometriosis, focusing on the influence of conventional treatment in controlling this variable. To do so, a literature search was conducted in the Medline/Pubmed databases, with 119 scientific articles found. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 27 were selected for reading and elaboration of this review. Thus, 9 studies evaluated the contribution of surgery, 17 the use of drugs to reduce pain levels in patients with endometriosis and one assessed surgical and medical treatment. The main results of these searches are presented and discussed in this revision. Surgery and the use of drugs provided reduced pain scores in patients with endometriosis but nevertheless exhibit disadvantages, such as risk of recurrence and side effects, respectively. Treatment of endometriosis is, therefore, a challenge for gynecologists and patients, as they must select the best therapeutic approach for this disease. However, improved quality of life in these patients has been obtained with the use of conventional treatment.

RESUMO A endometriose é uma doença ginecológica crônica caracterizada por quadros álgicos constantes responsáveis pela redução da qualidade de vida das portadoras. O tratamento convencional, que inclui o cirúrgico e farmacológico, tem por finalidade reduzir os sintomas de dor. Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os níveis de dor nas mulheres com endometriose, com enfoque na influência do tratamento convencional no controle dessa variável. Para isso, foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica no Medline/PubMed e foram encontrados 119 artigos científicos, sendo que, após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, 27 foram selecionados para leitura e elaboração desta revisão. Desse modo, nove estudos avaliaram a contribuição da cirurgia; dezessete, o uso de medicamentos para redução nos níveis de dor em pacientes com endometriose; e um, o tratamento cirúrgico e medicamentoso. Os principais resultados dessas pesquisas estão apresentados e discutidos nesta revisão. A cirurgia e o uso de medicamentos proporcionaram redução nos escores de dor nas pacientes com endometriose, no entanto, exibem desvantagens como risco de recorrência e efeitos colaterais, respectivamente. Assim, o tratamento para endometriose é um desafio para ginecologistas e pacientes, uma vez que é necessário selecionar a melhor abordagem terapêutica para essa doença. Entretanto, melhora na qualidade de vida das pacientes foi obtida com o emprego do tratamento convencional.

Estudio piloto de eficacia de imipramina en el tratamiento del síndrome de dolor vesical / Pilot study of the effectiveness of imipramine in the treatment of bladder pain syndrome

El síndrome de dolor vesical (SDV) es un cuadro que forma parte del dolor pelviano crónico (DPC), donde el origen del dolor esta en mecanismos de neuromodulación. En este sentido, los antidepresivos tricíclicos (ATC), especialmente amitriptilina, son la terapia de primera línea. Sin embargo, los efectos adversos dificultan la adherencia a la terapia. Imipramina, otro ATC, presenta menores efectos adversos, aunque su eficacia no ha sido evaluada en SDV. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de imipramina en el tratamiento de SDV en un estudio piloto. Metodología: Veinte pacientes con diagnóstico de SDV, fueron tratadas con imipramina 25 mg cada 8 horas vía oral durante 30 días. Se evaluó intensidad de dolor según EVA antes y al término del tratamiento. Además se evaluó sintomatología urinaria utilizando el cuestionario PUF. Resultados: Diecinueve pacientes completaron el tratamiento. Una paciente abandonó el tratamiento por síntomas gastrointestinales. Ocho de 19 pacientes mostraron una mejoría total del dolor al término del tratamiento. Tres pacientes más lograron una respuesta completa con 3 meses de tratamiento con imipramina. La intensidad del dolor según EVA y la puntuación en el cuestionario PUF mejoraron significativamente al término del tratamiento. Efectos secundarios a imipramina fueron referidos por 4 de 19 pacientes, y fueron menores. Conclusión: Imipramina mostró ser una terapia efectiva en el manejo de SDV, con efectos adversos menores. Se requieren estudios comparativos con mayor número de pacientes para considerar su utilidad clínica en el manejo del SDV...

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a symptom which is part of chronic pelvic pain (CPP), where the origin of the pain is in the neuromodulation mechanisms. In this context, tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), especially amitriptyline, are a first line therapy. However, adverse effects make continuing with the therapy difficult. Imipramine, another TCA, has lesser adverse effects, although its effectiveness has not been evaluated in BPS. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of imipramine in the treatment of BPS in a pilot study. Methodology: Twenty patients with a diagnosis of BPS were treated taking 25 mg of imipramine orally every 8 hours, for 30 days. The intensity of the pain following PIS was evaluated before and after the treatment. In addition, the urinary symptomatology was evaluated using the PUF questionnaire. Results: Nineteen patients completed the treatment. One patient abandoned the treatment due to gastrointestinal symptoms. Eight of the 19 patients had completely recovered at the end of the treatment. Three other patients achieved a complete recovery after 3 months of treatment with imipramine. The intensity of the pain following the PIS, and the score on the PUF questionnaire, significantly improved by the end of the treatment. Secondary effects to imipramine were referred by 4 of the 19 patients, and these were minor. Conclusion: Imipramine was shown to be an effective therapy for dealing with BPS, with minor adverse effects. Comparative studies are required with a higher number of patients to consider its clinical use in the handling of BPS...

Concentration of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Pelvic Floor Muscles: An Experimental Comparative Rat Model

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to explore non-steroid anti-inflammation drugs (NSAIDs) potency for pelvic floor muscle pain by measuring local concentration in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used nine NSAIDs, including nabumetone, naproxen, ibuprofen, meloxicam, piroxicam, diclofenac potassium, etodolac, indomethacin, and sulindac, and 9 groups of female Wister rats. Each group of rats was fed with one kind of NSAID (2 mg/mL) for three consecutive days. Thereafter, one mL of blood and one gram of pelvic floor muscle were taken to measure drug pharmacokinetics, including partition coefficient, lipophilicity, elimination of half-life (T1/2) and muscle/plasma converting ratio (Css, muscle/Css, plasma). RESULTS: Diclofenac potassium had the lowest T1/2 and the highest mean Css, muscle/Css, plasma (1.9 hours and 0.85+/-0.53, respectively). The mean Css, muscle/Css, plasma of sulindac, naproxen and ibuprofen were lower than other experimental NSAIDs. CONCLUSION: Diclofenac potassium had the highest disposition in pelvic floor muscle in a rat model. The finding implies that diclofenac potassium might be the choice for pain relief in pelvic muscle.

Dienogest: Uma nova opção terapêutica em endometriose / Dienogest: A new option in the treatment of endometriosis

Endometriose é uma doença crônica que afeta mulheres jovens em idade reprodutiva provocando dor, dispareunia, infertilidade e que também afeta a qualidade de vida das pacientes. Numerosos tratamentos existem, alguns clínicos e outros cirúrgicos. Entretanto, essa doença deve ser considerada como uma doença crônica que pode exigir muitos anos de tratamento, já que as recidivas são frequentes após as cirurgias ou após qualquer tratamento. Entre os novos tratamentos médicos, embora ainda não disponível no Brasil, está a administração oral de um novo progestagênio, Dienogest (DNG), o qual tem tido grande êxito no tratamento da endometriose, principalmente no tocante aos sintomas de dor associados. Esta revisão mostra os estudos mais relevantes realizados em diversos países com tratamentos em curto prazo - em geral 24 semanas - e em longo prazo - aproximadamente 53 semanas - e que mostraram alta eficácia, poucos eventos adversos e de pouca intensidade e alta satisfação das pacientes. A revisão também discute a relevância do DNG na prática clínica

Endometriosis is a chronic disease which affects young women at reproductive age and provokes pain, dyspareunia, infertility and which impaires patients' quality of life. Several treatments are available including medical and surgical. However, this disease must be considered as a chronic disease which could need many years of treatment because recurrences are common after surgery or any medical treatment. Among the new medical treatments, albeit not available in Brazil at the present time, there is the oral administration of a new progestin, Dienogest (DNG) which was successful in the treatment of endometriosis, mainly regarding pain-associated endometriosis. This review shows the main studies conducted in several countries with short term treatments - up to 24 weeks - as well as long-term treatments - in general up to 53 weeks - that showed high efficacy, few adverse events, and of middle or minimum intensity with high satisfaction of the patients. The review also discusses the relevance of DNG in the clinical practice

Celecoxib reduces symptoms in men with difficult chronic pelvic pain syndrome (Category IIIA)

We investigated the effectiveness of celecoxib in reducing symptoms in patients with difficult chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), NIH category IIIA. Sixty-four patients with category IIIA CPPS were randomized into two groups of 32 subjects each. One group was treated with celecoxib (200 mg daily) and the other with placebo. All patients underwent treatment for 6 weeks and were evaluated clinically before (baseline) and after 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. The evaluation included the NIH Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) and a subjective global assessment (SGA). Repeated measures analysis of variance was used to evaluate treatment and time effects and their interaction. A decrease (means ± SD) in total NIH-CPSI score from 23.91 ± 5.27 to 15.88 ± 2.51 in the celecoxib group and from 24.25 ± 5.09 to 19.50 ± 2.50 in the placebo group was observed during treatment (0 to 6 weeks). A statistically significant decrease was observed in pain subscore (P < 0.006), quality of life subscore (P < 0.032) and total NIH-CPSI score (P < 0.015) after 2, 4 and 6 weeks, but not in urinary subscore. In addition, 38 percent of the celecoxib and 13 percent of the placebo subjects had at least a moderate improvement in SGA. The trend was similar for the NIH-CPSI scores. However, the response to treatment in terms of total NIH-CPSI score or subscore was not significantly different from placebo after interruption of treatment for 2 weeks. Our results show that celecoxib provides significant symptomatic improvement limited to the duration of the therapy in patients with difficult category IIIA CPPS compared to placebo.

Endometriose / Endometriosis

O tratamento da endometriose permanece controverso e o objetivo principal é o alívio da dor, a obtenção de gravidez e aprevenção de recorrências. Para o tratamento da dor pélvica, as drogas disponíveis e estudadas (análogos do GnRH, progestágenos, anticoncepcionais orais, danazol e gestrinona) apresentam eficácia semelhante. O SIU-LNG é uma opção eficaz para mulheres com dor pélvica que não desejam engravidar. O tratamento medicamentoso pós-operatório diminui e retarda a recorrência da dor. A ablação laparoscópica dos implantes endometrióticos resulta em redução significativa da dor, inclusive em caos de endometriose grave e profunda infiltrativa. A opção terapêutica em casos de infertilidade depende de fatores individuais (idade e tempo de infertilidade). O tratamento hormonal não deve ser usado e a ablação laparoscópica de lesões associada à lise de aderências está indicada em casos de endometriose mínima e leve. O papel da cirurgia em casos de endometriose moderada a grave ainda não foi completamente estabelecido. Recomenda-se a cistectomia laparoscópica para endometriomas maiores ou iguais a 4 cm de diâmetro. O IIU com estimulação da ovulação melhora a fertilidade em casos de endometriose mínima e leve. A FIV constitui opção em casos de distorção da anatomia pélvica ou se houver outros fatores de infertilidade associados.

The treatment of endometriosis remains controversial and still challenges gynecologists. Treatment options include medical therapy, surgery or a combination of both. Many studies have been published so far but the results are inconclusive and contradictory. Suppression of ovarian function for 6 months reduces endometriosis-associated pain; all hormonal drugs studies (GnRH agonists, oral contraceptives, progestagens, danazol and gestrinone) are equally effective. The LNG-IUS reduces endometriosis associated pain. Ablation of endometriotic lesions reduces endometriosis-associated pain including severe and deeply infiltrating disease. In women with endometriosis - related infertility treatment options should take into consideration individual factors (age and duration of infertility). In minimal-mild endometriosis, suppression of ovarian function to improve fertility is not effective, but ablation of endometriotic lesions plus adhesiolysis is effective compared to diagnostic laparoscopy alone. There is insufficient evidence available to determine whether surgical excision of moderate-severe endometriosis enhances pregnancy rates. Post-operative hormonal treatment has no effect on pregnancy rates. Laparoscopic cystectomy for ovarian endometriomas larger tham 4 cm in diameter improves fertility compared to drainage and coagulation. Intra-uterine insemination improves fertility in minimal-mild endometriosis. IVF is an appropriate treatment especially if there are coexisting causes of infertility and/or other treatments have failed.

O uso dos inibidores da aromatase na endometriose / The use of aromatase inhibitors in endometriosis

Endometriose é uma doença proliferativa e inflamatória crônica caracterizada por implantes de tecido endometrial fora da cavidade uterina. Afeta aproximadamente 10-15 porcento das mulheres em idade reprodutiva e é caracterizada clinicamente por dor pélvica e infertilidade. Apresenta etiologia multifatorial, entre as quais menstruação retrógrada, fatores genéticos, imunológicos e alterações intrínsecas do foco endometriótico, sendo a única certeza a sua dependência estrogênica. A aromatase é enzima chave na síntese de estrogênio, sendo responsável pela transformação de androstenediona e testosterona em estrona e estradiol, respectivamente, estando normalmente presente na granulosa do folículo ovariano, tecido gorduroso, fígado, fibroblastos da pele e cérebro. Baseado na demonstração da expressão aberrante desta enzima no foco endometriótico, a utilização de inibidores da aromatase vem sendo realizada para tratamento desta enigmática doença.

Pesquisa de puntos gatillo abdominales en pacientes que consultan por algia pelviana / Search of abdominal trigger block points in patients with chronic pelvic pain

En seis pacientes que consultan por dolor pelviano crónico se efectuó el diagnóstico de dolor mioponeurótico. Se procedió a infiltrar los puntos gatillo con lidocaína al 2 por ciento para establecer el diagnóstico y posteriormente con fenol al 10 por ciento para obtener una remisión más duradera del dolor. Tres pacientes obtuvieron excelente respuesta con desaparición del dolor, dos pacientes, aunque mejoraron, hubo persistencia de dolor y en una paciente no hubo respuesta. Se revisa brevemente la fisiología del dolor. El ginecólogo debe tener presente la posibilidad de que la paciente con dolor pelviano crónico sea portadora de puntos gatillo, los que son fácilmente diagnosticados y en algunos casos, definitivamente tratados

Gestrinona en endometriosis pélvica. Evaluación a un año / Gestrinone on pelvic endometriosis. Evaluation after one year treatment

Se evaluó la eficacia terapéutica de la gestrinona para el tratamiento de la endometriosis; y los efectos secundarios a largo plazo del fármaco. Estudio clínico prospectivo, Hospital "Dr. Alejandro Castanedo Kimball" (PEMEX), Salamanca, Guanajuato. Treinta mujeres con diagnóstico laparoscópico de endometriosis fueron estudiadas. Las pacientes recibieron tratamiento con gestrinona (2.5 mg. dos veces a la semana, durante 6 meses). Se realizó laparoscopia antes del tratamiento con gestrinona; y la respuesta clínica fue evaluada con otra laparoscopia seis meses después. Se determinó la tas de embarazos; la frecuencia de efectos secundarios y la recurrencia de la sintomatología. Después del tratamiento se observó una mejoría significativa en el grado de la endometriosis; así como en los síntomas referidos por las pacientes. Se obtuvieron cuatro gestaciones después de terminado el tratamiento. Los efectos secundarios más frecuentes fueron: incremento ponderal, cambio en el timbre de la voz e hisutismo; los cuales remitieron en la mayoría de las pacientes después de un año de vigilancia clínica. La gestrinona es un fármaco útil para el tratamiento de la endometriosis, no obstante, su uso debe basarse en la selección cuidadosa de las pacientes y en la valoración del beneficio versus el costo y los efectos metabólicos del medicamento

Etodolac em dismenorréia primária / Etodolac in primary dysmenorrhea

Para avaliar a eficácia e tolerabilidade de uma nova droga antiinflamatória näo hormonal no tratamento da dismenorréia primária, 40 pacientes com sintomatologia de intensidade moderada a intensa foram avliadas em um estudo duplo-sego cruzado, comparativo com placebo, por dois ciclos menstruais consecutivos. As pacientes foram aleatoriamente distribuídas em dois grupos de tratamento: etodolac 200 mg duas vezes ao dia, por cinco dias durante o primeiro ciclo menstrual, e placebo no segundo (20 pacientes); placebo durante o primeiro ciclo menstrual e etodolac no segundo (20 pacientes). As avaliaçöes clínicas foram realizadas no pré e após cada ciclo de tratamento. A análise estatística demonstrou significância no alívio da dor pélvica durante o tratamento com etodolac. A diferença entre os tratamentos com etodolac e placebo foi significante a p < 0,005. Resultado similar foi obtido em relaçäo à fadiga, dor em membros inferiores e depressäo. Näo houve diferença significante entre etodolac e placebo com relaçäo às reaçöes adversas, demonstrando uma boa tolerabilidade da droga neste ensaio clínico. Os autores discutem a relaçäo de prostaglandinas com a dismenorréia primária e seu tratamento com antiinflamatórios näo hormonais, bem como a importância de estudos duplo-cegos, cruzados, randomizados, comparativos com placebo, para avaliaçäo de uma nova droga na indicaçäo em questäo.