Effects of triptorelin versus placebo on the symptoms of endometriosis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the effect of a GnRH-agonist, triptorelin, versus placebo on the symptoms of endometriosis.

DESIGN:

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study of 6 months of treatment followed by 12 months of follow-up.

SETTING:

Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at two universities and one general hospital.

PATIENT(S):

Forty-nine women with symptoms of laparoscopically verified endometriosis.

INTERVENTION(S):

Triptorelin depot or placebo was given every 4 weeks. Clinical evaluation, including the Duration Intensity Behavior Scale and Visual Analogue Scale for pain, was performed before the injections and up to 12 months after treatment. A control laparoscopy was performed 4-6 weeks after the last injection.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):

Quantitation of pain.

RESULT(S):

Twenty-four patients had active treatment and 25 received placebo. Pain symptoms according to both scales were significantly more reduced after 2 months of triptorelin treatment compared to placebo. The extent of endometriotic lesions was reduced 50% during triptorelin treatment and increased 17% during placebo. The average area of endometriotic lesions was reduced 45% during triptorelin treatment but was unchanged during placebo. Side effects, mainly hot flushes, were experienced by 80% of the actively treated group but also by 33% of patients in the placebo group. Because of recurrent symptoms, only five patients could be observed for 12 months after completion of treatment.

CONCLUSION(S):

Triptorelin reduces endometriotic lesions and pain to a significantly higher degree than placebo.

• Authors: A Bergqvist, T Bergh, L Hogström, S Mattsson, F Nordenskjöld, C Rasmussen
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 69 Issue 4 Pg. 702-8 (Apr 1998) ISSN: 0015-0282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 9548161 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Luteolytic Agents
• Triptorelin Pamoate

Topics

• Adult
• Delayed-Action Preparations
• Double-Blind Method
• Endometriosis (complications, drug therapy)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Luteolytic Agents (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Pain Measurement (drug effects)
• Patient Dropouts
• Pelvic Pain (drug therapy, etiology)
• Prospective Studies
• Time Factors
• Triptorelin Pamoate (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)