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


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


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


METHODS
Forty-nine women with symptoms of laparoscopically verified endometriosis.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
Quantitation of pain.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Triptorelin reduces endometriotic lesions and pain to a significantly higher degree than placebo.
Bergqvist
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden.
Bergh
T
T
Hogström
L
L
Mattsson
S
S
Nordenskjöld
F
F
Rasmussen
C
C
D000328:Adult; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008186:Luteolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects*; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D008186:Luteolytic Agents; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate