How to Use CA-125 More Effectively in the Diagnosis of Deep Endometriosis.

Deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) is a severe form of the disease. The median time interval from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of endometriosis is around 8 years. In this prospective study patients were divided into two groups: cases (34 DIE patients) and control (20 tubal ligation patients). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of CA-125 measurement in the menstrual and midcycle phases of the cycle, as well as the difference in its levels between the two phases, for the early diagnosis of DIE. Area Under the Curve (AUC) of CA-125 in menstrual phase and of the difference between menstrual and midcycle phases had the best performance (both with AUC = 0.96), followed by CA-125 in the midcycle (AUC = 0.89). The ratio between menstrual and midcycle phases had the worst performance. CA-125 may be useful for the diagnosis of deep endometriosis, especially when both are collected during menstruation and in midcycle. These may help to decrease the long interval until the definitive diagnosis of DIE. Multicentric studies with larger samples should be performed to better evaluate the cost-effectiveness of measuring CA-125 in two different phases of the menstrual cycle.

Taxas de gravidez após cirurgia de endometriose profunda / Pregnancy rate after deep endometriosis

A endometriose é uma doença que acomete mulheres em idade reprodutiva e está associada com impacto negativo na sua fertilidade e qualidade de vida. Este artigo tem o objetivo de avaliar, por meio de uma revisão detalhada, as taxas de gestação espontâneas ou obtidas por técnicas de reprodução assistida, após o tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes portadoras de endometriose infiltrativa profunda associada à infertilidade. A análise dos resultados dos estudos sobre possível vantagem do tratamento cirúrgico visando à melhora da infertilidade foi inconclusiva, devendo o médico definir individualmente o tratamento, de acordo com os sintomas e desejo da paciente.(AU)

Endometriosis is a disease that affects women in their reproductive years with a negative impact on their fertility and quality of life. This study aims at evaluating, through a detailed review, the pregnancy rates obtained spontaneously or after assisted reproductive techniques following surgical treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis associated with infertility. The analysis of the available studies on the possible advantage of the surgical treatment to improve infertility was inconclusive; physicians should individually tailor the treatment, according patients' symptoms and wishes.(AU)