A randomized trial of dietary intervention with essential fatty acids in patients with categorized cysts.
Two hundred women with breast cysts proven by aspiration were entered into a randomized double-blind trial of Efamol (evening primrose oil) at a dose of 6 capsules daily or equivalent placebo dose for a year. Cysts were categorized by initial electrolyte composition, and follow-up continued for 1 year posttherapy. Recurrent cyst formation in the first year was slightly (but not significantly) lower in the Efamol group compared with the placebo-treated group. The Efamol treatment was well tolerated as the dropout rate was only 7% and equal in both the active and placebo groups. The initial electrolyte composition did not predict for cyst recurrence.
Mansel
R E
RE
University Department of Surgery, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom.
Harrison
B J
BJ
Melhuish
J
J
Sheridan
W
W
Pye
J K
JK
Pritchard
G
G
Maddox
P R
PR
Webster
D J
DJ
Hughes
L E
LE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005348:Fibrocystic Breast Disease / Q000032:analysis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D008875:Middle Aged; D031665:Oenothera biennis; D010938:Plant Oils; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012008:Recurrence; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D008041:Linoleic Acids; D010938:Plant Oils; C028498:evening primrose oil; D017965:gamma-Linolenic Acid; D012964:Sodium; D011188:Potassium