Chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis in adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
This review will provide a detailed account of chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis, two conditions that frequently occur in adolescents. Current approaches used to evaluate and treat these patients will be addressed.


RESULTS
Although previous investigations have established relative rates of disease and basic treatment algorithms for endometriosis in adolescents, its pathogenesis is yet to be explained. Recent scientific works have focused on the interplay of specific genes and the role of host immune response. Despite such progress, we have not yet learned how to apply this knowledge to clinical use. Most innovative treatment strategies are based on algorithms generated primarily for adults, with only a small percentage focusing on adolescents.


CONCLUSIONS
Treating pain associated with endometriosis may be facilitated by early intervention. Future study should focus on identifying adolescents with progressive disease and introducing less invasive therapies that could reverse inflammatory pathways and minimize subsequent morbidity.
Solnik
Meir Jonathon
MJ
Center for Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA. jonathonsolnik@yahoo.com
D000293:Adolescent; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome