(-)-Carvone Inhibits Oxytocin-induced Writhing Via Uterine Relaxation in Rodents.

(-)-Carvone, a ketone monoterpene, is the main component of essential oils from several medicinal plants and has been reported to have anti-arthriric, anticonvulsive, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the spasmolytic activity of (-)-carvone in rodent models. The isolated virgin rat uterus was mounted in an organ bath apparatus, and the relaxing effect of ( -)-carvone and its mechanism of action were evaluated in tonic contractions induced by carbachol, KCl, PGF2α, or oxytocin. The animal model of primary dysmenorrhea was replicated with the injection of estradiol benzoate in female mice for three consecutive days, followed by intraperitoneal administration of oxytocin. Non-clinical acute toxicity evaluation was also performed. (-)-Carvone potency and effectiveness were larger in carbachol (pEC50 = 5.41 ± 0.14 and Emax = 92.63 ± 1.90% at 10-3 M) or oxytocin (pEC50 = 4.29 ± 0.17 and Emax = 86.69 ± 1.56% at 10-3 M) contractions. The effect of ( -)-carvone was altered in the presence of 4-aminopyridine, glibenclamide, L-NAME, or methylene blue. Mice pre-treated with (-)-carvone at a dose of 100 mg/kg showed a significant reduction in the number of writhing after oxytocin administration. No toxicity was observed after oral administration of 1 g/kg ( -)-carvone. Taken together, we showed that (-)-carvone reduced writhing by a spasmolytic effect, probably through the participation of KV and KATP channels and the nitric oxide pathway.

Dexketoprofen más pamabrom versus acetaminofen en dismenorrea primaria: estudio controlado, randomizado, doble ciego, multicéntrico / Dexketoprofen plus pamabrom versus acetaminophen in primary dysmenorrhea: a controlled, randomized, double-blind, multicenter study

RESUMEN Introducción: se sabe que las concentraciones plasmáticas de hormona antidiurética o vasopresina son más altas en las mujeres con dismenorrea primaria (DiPr) y podría ser causa de retención de agua con signos y síntomas concomitantes que agravan su cuadro clínico. La monoterapia con AINEs en ocasiones alcanza solo un alivio parcial porque no incide sobre la vasopresina. Objetivo: evaluar la eficacia y tolerabilidad del dexketoprofeno + pamabrom en la DiPr tomando como referencia el acetaminofén. Materiales y métodos: estudio doble ciego, controlado, randomizado, en pacientes con DiPr asignados al azar. Fueron aleatorizadas 172 pacientes, 86 en cada grupo 1) Grupo casos (DP): dexketoprofeno + pamabrom o 2) Grupo control (AC): acetaminofén. Se evaluó la evolución de la intensidad del dolor, el alivio del dolor, la gravedad de otros síntomas presentes y la satisfacción global del médico y paciente. Se registró las reacciones adversas. Resultados: la disminución de la intensidad del dolor, de los síntomas acompañantes y el alivio del dolor evaluados por la EVA, la PID, la SPID, el PAR y el TOTPAR respectivamente es mayor y más rápida de modo significativo en todos los tiempos para la combinación DP. Las reacciones adversas fueron mínimas. La satisfacción global de pacientes y médicos respecto al tratamiento es significativa a favor de la combinación DP. Conclusiones: dexketoprofeno + pamabrom es significativamente más eficaz y rápido en el control del dolor y otros síntomas presentes en la dismenorrea primaria que acetaminofén demostrando la validez de añadir un diurético suave a un AINE para incrementar su eficacia. El tratamiento DP es bien tolerado (AU).

ABSTRACT Background: It is known that plasma concentrations of antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin are higher in women with primary dysmenorrhea (DiPr) and could cause water retention with concomitant signs and symptoms that aggravate the illness. Monotherapy with NSAIDs sometimes achieves only partial relief because it does not affect vasopressin. Objective: The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of dexketoprofen + pamabrom in DiPr taking as reference acetaminophen. Materials and methods: Double-blind, controlled, randomized study in patients with DiPr random to 1) Case group (PD): dexketoprofen + pamabrom or 2) Control group (CA): acetaminophen. The evolution of pain intensity, pain relief, severity of other present symptoms and overall satisfaction of the doctor and patient were evaluated. Adverse reactions were recorded. Results: 172 patients were randomized, 86 in each group. The decrease in pain intensity, accompanying symptoms and pain relief evaluated by VAS, PID, SPID, PAR and TOTPAR respectively is significantly greater and faster at all times for the combination DP. Adverse reactions were minimal. The overall satisfaction of patients and doctors regarding treatment is significant in favor of the DP combination. Conclusions: Dexketoprofen + pamabrom is significantly more effective and faster in the control of pain and other symptoms present in primary dysmenorrhea than acetaminophen demonstrating the validity of adding a mild diuretic to an NSAID to increase its effectiveness. DP treatment is well tolerated (AU).

The relationship between serum ischemia-modified albumin levels and uterine artery doppler parameters in patients with primary dysmenorrhea

Abstract Objective Primary dysmenorrhea occurs due to abnormal levels of prostanoids, uterine contractions, and uterine blood flow. However, the reasons for pain in primary dysmenorrhea have not yet been clarified. We examined the blood flow alterations in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and determined the relationship between ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels, as an ischemia indicator, and primary dysmenorrhea. Methods In the present study, 37 patients who had primary dysmenorrhea and were in their luteal and menstrual phase of their menstrual cycles were included. Thirty individuals who had similar demographic characteristics, who were between 18 and 30 years old and did not have gynecologic disease were included as control individuals. Their uterine artery Doppler indices and serum IMA levels were measured. Results Menstrual phase plasma IMA levels were significantly higher than luteal phase IMA levels, both in the patient and in the control groups (p < 0.001). Although the menstrual phase IMA levels of patients were significantly higher than those of controls, luteal phase IMA levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Menstrual uterine artery pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) of primary dysmenorrhea patients were significantly different when compared with luteal uterine artery PI and RI levels. There was a positive correlation between menstrual phase IMA and uterine artery PI and RI in the primary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion Ischemia plays an important role in the etiology of the pain, which is frequently observed in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Ischemia-modified albumin levels are considered as an efficient marker to determine the severity of pain and to indicate ischemia in primary dysmenorrhea.

Características sociodemográficas e avaliação da dor através do questionário de McGill em mulheres com dismenorreia primária submetidas à auriculoterapia / Sociodemographic characteristics and pain assessment through the McGill questionnaire in women with primary dysmenorrhoea submitted to auriculotherapy

A dismenorreia caracteriza-se como uma dor intensa durante a menstruação ou algumas horas antes, localizada na região de baixo ventre ou região inferior do abdômen, é uma patologia de origem primária ou secundária, em que 40 a 45% dos casos de dor pélvica crônica, se manifestam como dismenorreia. OBJETIVO: Investigar as características sociodemográficas de mulheres que possuem dismenorreia primaria, e avaliar as influências da auriculoterapia para a dor menstrual, mensurada antes e após o método por meio do questionário de McGill. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo clínico, randomizado, controlado e duplo cego, de delineamento longitudinal, com abordagem quali-quantitativa, realizado por meio de uma população de 118 estudantes. O tamanho da amostra foi calculado usando uma única fórmula média onde n é o tamanho da amostra necessário; d é erro marginal de 5% ( d = 0,05); z é o grau de precisão requerido a 95% de nível de confiança. Inicialmente, as voluntárias foram submetidas a responderem o questionário sociodemografico, e após, ao questionário de McGill, que avalia vários aspectos da dor, e receberam aplicações durante 2 meses e 3 semanas, 2 vezes por semanas, por 20 minutos. RESULTADOS: A média de idade das participantes desta pesquisa é de 19,8 anos, com predominância na etnia parda e com ciclo menstrual regular, e 55% apresenta dor dois dias antes da menstruação. Depois das aplicações de auriculoterapia os dados dos questionários de McGill após intervenção apresentaram valores estatísticos significantes nos domínio de aspectos sensitivos, afetivos, domínios avaliativos e aspectos miscelâneos. CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo obteve o delineamento nos aspectos sociodemograficos da população que possui dismenorreia primária. E em relação às influências da auriculoterapia sobre as características da dor, o método apresentou se estatisticamente significativo.

Dysmenorrhea is characterized as severepain during menstruation or a few hours before, located in the lower abdomen or lower abdomen, it is pathology of primary or secondary origin, in which 40 to 45% of pain cases chronic pelvic, manifests as dysmenorrhea. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the sociodemographic characteristics of women who have primary dysmenorrhea, and to evaluate the influence of auriculotherapy for menstruation, measured before and after the McGill questionnaire method. METHODS: This is a clinical, randomized, controlled and double-blind study, with a longitudinal design, with a qualitative and quantitative approach, carried out with a population of 118 students. The sample size was calculated using a single average formula, where the sample size is required; marginal error of 5% (d = 0.05); z is the degree of precision required at 95% of the confidence level. Initially, as volunteers, they were submitted to a sociodemographic questionnaire, and then to McGill's questionnaire, which evaluated various aspects of pain, and applied it for 2 months and 3 weeks, twice a week, for 20 minutes. RESULTS: The average age of the participants in this research is 19.8 years, with a predominance of mixed race and with regular menstrual cycle, and 55% present pain two days before menstruation. After auriculotherapy applications and data from McGill's questionnaires, after the intervention of significant statistical values in the domain of sensitive, affective, assessed domains and diverse aspects. CONCLUSION: The present study used or the design in the sociodemographic aspects of the population that has primary desmenorrhea. And in relation to the influences of auriculotherapy on the characteristics of pain, the method presented is statistically significant.

Effect of Synadenium grantii and its isolated compound on dysmenorrhea behavior model in mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the methanol extract of Synadenium grantii Hook f. stems and its main isolated compound Query3,4,12,13-tetraacetylforbol-20-phenylacetate (1) on experimental dysmenorrhea in mice. METHODS: Female Swiss mice (n = 6-15) of 6-8 weeks old were used, selected according to the period of the estrous cycle. Animals in proestrus were treated intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 3 days with estradiol. They orally received, on the 4th day, S. grantii extract, the compound 1, ibuprofen or hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan compound®). Then they were injected (i.p.) with oxytocin 1 h later and individually observed regarding the abdominal writhing for 45 min. The uterus was weighed, photographed and fixed in paraffin for histological analysis. KEY FINDINGS: The extract inhibited the abdominal writhing and similar results were obtained with compound 1 and the positive control drugs Ibuprofen and hyoscine butylbromide. Reduction of uterus volume and histological inflammatory parameters, such as oedema and leukocyte infiltrate, were observed in animals treated with the extract and compound 1. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show promising activity of the extract against dysmenorrhea, indicating important anti-inflammatory activity. Compound 1 appears to be, at least in part, the main responsible for this promising biological effect.

Scientific and technological prospection on transdermal formulations and complementary therapies for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

INTRODUCTION: Primary dysmenorrhea (PD) is another term for idiopathic menstrual cramps. Treatments include the use of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs have several side effects. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review on the transdermal administration of drugs and the use of alternative therapies for the treatment of PD. AREAS COVERED: The article bases were Web of Science, PubMed and Sciencedirect and the patent bases were INPI, EPO and WIPO with publications on Primary Dysmenorrhea and associations with Transdermal Administration; Complementary Therapies and Medicinal Plants. 21 articles and 12 patents were analyzed. The results demonstrate the need for alternative therapies for the treatment of PD, with greater effectiveness and lower side effects, mainly in an attempt to reduce the intensity and duration of pain as well as reducing the continuous use of medications. EXPERT OPINION: The study of technological prospection highlighted the relevant importance in seeking new methods for the relief of the symptoms provoked by this condition. The perspectives coexist in the discovery of new natural and biotechnological pharmacological applications, mainly in the development of new devices capable of facilitating and optimizing this form of administration in an attempt to reduce side effects.

An update and systematic review on the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

OBJECTIVES: Primary dysmenorrhea is a painful uterine contraction caused by endometrial laceration. Drug therapies and complementary medicine have been used to treat dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study was to investigate and offer an updated perspective on the treatments for dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The present study was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA checklist for systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The required information was collected based on searches for the following keywords: treatment, primary dysmenorrhea, medicinal plants, chemical drugs, and herbs. Searches were performed on databases Pubmed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Iran medex, and SID by March 2018 to find literature in the English and Persian languages on this subject without a time limit. RESULTS: This review included 17 papers, 10 of which on complementary medicine, three on drug therapies, and four on acupuncture and acupressure. The largest and smallest samples had 303 and 24 patients, respectively. Length of treatment ranged from one to six months and the measures most commonly used in the studies were the visual analogue scale and clinical efficacy. Reported complications included gastrointestinal events, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and liver and kidney disorders. CONCLUSION: Medicinal plants, drugs, and acupressure seem to suppress pain by reducing the level of prostaglandins, mediating nitric oxide, increasing beta-endorphin levels, blocking the calcium channel, and enhancing circulatory flow through the uterine pathway. Further trials are required to confirm the benefits of the procedures described and ensure the absence of complications.

Naproxen, paracetamol and pamabrom versus paracetamol, pyrilamine and pamabrom in primary dysmenorrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. / Naproxeno, paracetamol y pamabrom versus paracetamol, pirilamina y pamabrom en dismenorrea primaria: estudio aleatorizado, doble ciego.

INTRODUCTION: Dysmenorrhea is caused by the discharge of prostaglandins into the uterine tissue; therefore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the established initial therapy for dysmenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea therapy may include the administration of drug monotherapy or combination therapy. However, clinical scientific evidence on the efficacy of medications with two or three drugs combined is scarce or nonexistent. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of two oral fixed-dose combinations for the relief of the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea among Mexican women. One of the combinations is widely used in Mexico (paracetamol, pyrilamine and pamabrom) and the selected comparison was a medication with naproxen sodium, paracetamol and pamabrom based on the pathophysiology of primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: This was a single-centre, double blind, experimental, parallel group, randomized trial. Female patients with primary dysmenorrhea, older than 17 years and with pain intensity greater than 45 mm on a visual analogue scale, were included. The patients were then randomized to receive tablets with naproxen sodium, paracetamol and pamabrom or tablets with paracetamol, pyrilamine and pamabrom for one menstrual cycle. Patient evaluations of symptomatology and pain intensity were recorded throughout one menstrual period. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were utilized. RESULTS: An intention-to-treat population of 91 women, with a mean age of 21.3 ± 3.2 years, received paracetamol, pyrilamine and pamabrom tablets, and 98 participants, with a mean age of 21.0 ± 3.2 years, received naproxen sodium, paracetamol and pamabrom tablets. The participants’ assessments of pain on the Visual Analogue Scale during the menstrual cycle demonstrated a significant reduction in both treatment groups (p<0.05). There is no significant difference in efficacy between both groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that both drug combinations were not different in reducing dysmenorrheic pain. Likewise, both treatments were well tolerated. Therefore, both treatments may be used for the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La dismenorrea primaria es causada por la descarga de las prostaglandinas en el tejido uterino. Por lo tanto, los fármacos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos son la terapia inicial para la dismenorrea. El tratamiento para la dismenorrea puede incluir la administración de monoterapia o la combinación de fármacos. Sin embargo, la evidencia clínica científica sobre la eficacia de los medicamentos con dos o tres fármacos combinados es escasa o ausente. OBJETIVO: Evaluar y comparar la eficacia y seguridad de dos combinaciones, en dosis fija y oral para el alivio de los síntomas de la dismenorrea primaria en mujeres mexicanas. Basados en la fisiopatología de la dismenorrea primaria, se utilizó una combinación comercializada en México de paracetamol, pirilamina y pamabrom. El comparador seleccionado fue un medicamento que contiene naproxeno sódico, paracetamol y pamabrom. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio en un solo centro, a doble ciego, experimental, paralelo y aleatorizado. Las pacientes con dismenorrea primaria que se incluyeron fueron mayores de 17 años de edad y con una intensidad del dolor mayor a 45 milímetros en una escala visual analógica. Las pacientes fueron aleatorizadas para recibir tabletas con naproxeno sódico, paracetamol y pamabrom o tabletas con paracetamol, pirilamina y pamabrom para un ciclo menstrual. Se evaluó la intensidad de la sintomatología y el dolor de las pacientes a lo largo de un período menstrual. Se utilizó análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó una población con intención de tratar de 91 mujeres, con una edad media de 21,3 ± 3,2 años la cual recibió tabletas de paracetamol, pirilamina y pamabrom. Otras 98 participantes, con una edad media de 21,0 ± 3,2 años, recibieron tabletas de naproxeno sódico, paracetamol y pamabrom. Las evaluaciones de dolor de las participantes con la escala visual analógica durante el ciclo menstrual demostraron una reducción significativa en ambos grupos de tratamiento (p<0,05). No hubo diferencia significativa en la eficacia entre los dos grupos (p>0,05). CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados mostraron que ambas combinaciones de fármacos no fueron diferentes en reducir el dolor dismenorreico. Del mismo modo, ambos tratamientos fueron bien tolerados. Por lo tanto, ambos tratamientos se pueden utilizar para el tratamiento de la dismenorrea primaria.

Avaliação da relação entre síndrome pré-menstrual e dismenorreia primária em mulheres com fibromialgia / Evaluating the relation of premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia

RESUMOObjetivoInvestigar a presença de síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM), dismenorreia primária (DP) e depressão em mulheres com fibromialgia (FM) e mulheres saudáveis e determinar possíveis fatores relacionados com a SPM e a DP na FM.MétodoEste estudo foi feito com 98 pacientes do sexo feminino com diagnóstico de FM e 102 controles saudáveis pareados por idade e sexo. Todas as pacientes foram avaliadas à procura de síndrome pré-menstrual (SPM) e dismenorreia primária (DP). A síndrome pré-menstrual foi determinada pela presença de um ou mais sintomas afetivos ou somáticos nos cinco dias anteriores à menstruação. O diagnóstico de dismenorreia primária foi definido como a presença de dor abdominal ou lombar com duração mínima de dois dias durante o período menstrual. A dismenorreia foi avaliada pela escala visual analógica. A dismenorreia foi classificada pelo Sistema de Pontuação Multidimensional. A Escala de Depressão de Hamilton foi aplicada a todas as pacientes.ResultadosA dismenorreia primária foi encontrada em 41% das pacientes com FM e 28% do grupo controle. Encontrou-se diferença estatisticamente significativa na DP entre os dois grupos (p = 0,03). A SPM foi detectada em 42% das pacientes com FM e 25% do grupo controle. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na SPM entre os dois grupos (p = 0,03).ConclusãoHá um aumento na frequência de síndrome pré-menstrual e dismenorreia em pacientes com FM. Aquelas com escore de gravidade dos sintomas elevado e altas pontuações de depressão entre as pacientes com FM estão em risco de SPM e DP.

ABSTRACTObjectiveIn this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and depression among women with fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy females and to determine possible factors related with PMS and PD in FM.MethodThe present study was conducted on 98 female patients diagnosed with FM and 102 age and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients were evaluated for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Premenstrual syndrome was assessed among the patients for the presence of one or more affective or somatic symptoms within the five days preceding menses. The diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea was defined as having abdominal pain or lower back pain lasting at least two days during a menstrual period. Dysmenorrhea was assessed via visual analog scale. Dysmenorrhea was rated via Multidimensional Scoring System. The Hamilton depression scale was applied to all patients.ResultsPrimary dysmenorrhea was established in 41% of FM patients and 28% of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in PD between the two groups (p = 0.03). PMS was established in 42% of the FM patients and 25% of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in PMS between the two groups (p = 0.03).ConclusionThere is an increased frequency of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea in FM patients. The patients with high symptom severity scores and high depression scores among the FM patients are at risk of PMS and PD.

[Evaluating the relation of premenstrual syndrome and primary dysmenorrhea in women diagnosed with fibromyalgia]. / Avaliação da relação entre síndrome pré-menstrual e dismenorreia primária em mulheres com fibromialgia.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and depression among women with fibromyalgia (FM) and healthy females and to determine possible factors related with PMS and PD in FM. METHOD: The present study was conducted on 98 female patients diagnosed with FM and 102 age and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients were evaluated for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and primary dysmenorrhea (PD). Premenstrual syndrome was assessed among the patients for the presence of one or more affective or somatic symptoms within the five days preceding menses. The diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea was defined as having abdominal pain or lower back pain lasting at least two days during a menstrual period. Dysmenorrhea was assessed via visual analog scale. Dysmenorrhea was rated via Multidimensional Scoring System. The Hamilton depression scale was applied to all patients. RESULTS: Primary dysmenorrhea was established in 41% of FM patients and 28% of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in PD between the two groups (p=0.03). PMS was established in 42% of the FM patients and 25% of the control group. A statistically significant difference was found in PMS between the two groups (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: There is an increased frequency of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea in FM patients. The patients with high symptom severity scores and high depression scores among the FM patients are at risk of PMS and PD.

Dolor y calidad de vida en adolescentes con dismenorrea primaria en Tibilisi, Georgia, 2008: estudio de corte transversal / Pain and quality of life of adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea in Tbilisi, Georgia, 2008: cross sectional study

Objective: The study aimed to measure the effect of primary dysmenorrhea on the quality of life of female adolescents living in Tbilisi, Georgia, and to compare Quality of Life (QoL) with healthy controls.Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study of 424 women aged 14-20, living in Tbilisi, Georgia, coming from academic and research institutions. The women were divided into those suffering dysmenorrhea (exposure group) and those without pain (control group). Reproductive history, demographic features, menstrual pattern, severity of dysmenorrhea and quality of life using the generic instrument EQ-5D, were measured. The Independent T student test was used for group comparison. Results: The group with dysmenorrhea (276) showed a lower Quality of Life score of 0.69 ± 0.20 vs. 0.94 ± 0.10 in the control group (p = 0.000); the Quality of Life VAS was also lower at 74.38 ± 17.83 vs. 87.02 ± 12.03 (p = 0.000). Of the subjetcs with primary dismenorrhea, 56.6% reported school absenteeism due to pain.Conclusion: Primary dysmenorrhea is a common problem in the adolescent population of Tbilisi, Georgia. The results of this study demonstrate that adolescents with primary dysmenorrhea in Georgia experience significantly lower physical and psychosocial health-related QoL than their healthy peers.

Objetivo: el objetivo del estudio fue determinar el efecto de la dismenorrea primaria sobre la calidad de vida de las mujeres adolescentes de Tbilisi, Georgia y comparar su calidad de vida con la de quienes no presentan dismenorrea.Materiales y métodos: estudio de corte transversal llevado a cabo en 424 mujeres entre 14-20 años residentes en Tbilisi, Georgia, y pertenecientes a una institución académica y de investigación. Las adolescentes se dividieron entre quienes sufrían de dismenorrea (grupo expuesto) y quienes no tenían dolor (grupo control). Se midieron las características demográficas, la historia reproductiva, el patrón menstrual y la gravedad de la dismenorrea. La calidad de vida se midió con el instrumento EQ-5D; se utilizó la prueba t de Student para las variables independientes.Resultados: el grupo de mujeres con dismenorrea (276) mostró una menor calidad de vida de 0,69 ± 0,20 frente a 0,94 ± 0,10 para el grupo de control (p = 0,000), y también una menor calidad de vida con la Escala Visual Análoga del instrumento de Calidad de Vida (Quality of Life VAS) con valores de 74,38 ± 17,83 frente a 87,02 ± 12,03 (p = 0,000). El 56,6% de las mujeres con dismenorrea primaria reportó ausentismo escolar.Conclusión: la dismenorrea primaria es un problema común en la población adolescente de Tbilisi, Georgia. Los resultados de este estudio demostraron que las adolescentes con dismenorrea primaria en la experiencia de Georgia tienen puntajes significativamente más bajos de calidad de vida en lo que se refiere a salud física y psicosocial en comparación con sus pares sanos.

Acupuncture as an Adjunct Treatment for Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Primary dysmenorrhea occurs 40%-50% in women of reproductive age. Acupuncture may assist treatment of menstrual pain. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effects of the acupuncture program Chongmai, or Thoroughfare Vessel (TV), to sham acupuncture on primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The current authors selected 3 groups of 10 patients each with primary dysmenorrhea for this comparative, prospective longitudinal study. The first group was treated at the TV points, the second group underwent sham acupuncture, and the third group (control) did not receive any kind of acupuncture. All groups were allowed to use steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Menstrual pain was measured using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The results were analyzed using a Student's-t test in GraphPad Prism 5.0. Acupuncture needles were applied at the following TV acupuncture points: (1) Gongsun (SP 4); (2) Qichong (ST30); (3) Neiguan (PC 6); and (4) Baihuanshu (BL 30), the metameric action point of the pelvic area. Electrical stimulation was applied through each needle at 120 Hz for 40 minutes. RESULTS: TV acupuncture, sham acupuncture, and/or NSAIDs substantially reduced pain in all 10 patients in each respective group (100%). TV acupuncture treatment reduced the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, and symptoms were reduced for at least 6 months. Application of needles at simulated points away from the TV acupuncture program did not reduce pain significantly. CONCLUSIONS: TV acupuncture treatment can reduce the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea, and the effect can last for 6 months.