A comparative multicenter study of two transdermal estradiol replacement therapies in the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of the effects of treatment of two transdermal therapeutic systems for estrogen replacement therapy with regard to efficacy, tolerability, and acceptance.


METHODS
Open randomized.


METHODS
Multicenter.


METHODS
A study population of 104 postmenopausal women was randomized on a 1:1 basis to treatment with one of two estradiol patches, System (Cilag) and Estraderm (Ciba-Geigy).


METHODS
Systolic and diastolic BP, hot flushes, night sweating, fatigue, insomnia, depression, nervousness, headache, vaginal discomfort (efficacy variables); bleeding, dermatological symptoms, comfort and adhesiveness of patch, and other possible causes of discontinuation (tolerability); general evaluation by patient (acceptance).


RESULTS
Considering all efficacy variables, 53% of Systen and 46% of Estraderm patients found the therapy satisfactory. Tolerability was somewhat higher in the Systen group. Adhesiveness of the patch was significantly better for Systen. Overall, 79% of Systen patients and 62% of Estraderm patients evaluated treatment as "good" or "very good." The majority of patients in both groups found the patch very comfortable or only slightly obtrusive.
Van Leusden
H A
HA
Rijnstate EG Hospital, Arnhem, The Netherlands.
Albertyn
G
G
Verlaine
C
C
Van Ruymbeke
J
J
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002979:Climacteric / Q000187:drug effects; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010292:Paresthesia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000187:drug effects*; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D014621:Vagina / Q000503:physiopathology
D004958:Estradiol