Goserelin (Zoladex) depot in the treatment of endometriosis. Zoladex Endometriosis Study Group.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Goserelin (Zoladex depot; ICI Pharmaceuticals, Macclesfield, Cheshire, United Kingdom) in the treatment of endometriosis.


METHODS
Open study.


METHODS
Eleven centers in Germany and 1 center in Austria.


METHODS
One hundred forty-six patients with pelvic endometriosis.


METHODS
Goserelin (Zoladex depot) therapy, one depot (3.6 mg) subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 6 months.


RESULTS
Total subjective score and total pelvic symptom score showed a reduction by 86% and 93%, respectively, at the end of the treatment and did not exceed one fifth of the pretreatment value throughout the follow-up period of 48 weeks. One hundred seven women underwent a second laparoscopy at the end of the therapy for determination of objective efficacy: 54% of the patients showed a reduction of implants and adhesions by at least 50% or more, and 31.5% had a complete resolution of visible deposits. The mean reduction of implants and adhesions was 50%, and the mean reduction of implants 72%. Twenty of 64 (31.3%) previously infertile patients successfully conceived within 12 months after discontinuation of the therapy. Goserelin led to a down regulation of the pituitary ovarian axis and as a pharmacological effect of this hypoestrogenism most patients had hot flushes and vaginal dryness.


CONCLUSIONS
Zoladex depot therapy proved to be safe and effective in the medical treatment of endometriosis.
Reichel
R P
RP
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Vienna, Austria.
Schweppe
K W
KW
D000328:Adult; D002064:Buserelin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000097:blood; D017273:Goserelin; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D017273:Goserelin; D002064:Buserelin