title: Spatial analysis of the distribution of endometriosis in northwestern Italy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to estimate the incidence of endometriosis in a northwestern region of Italy. The potential sources of geographical variations in the incidence of endometriosis within the region are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patients selected were women between 18 and 45 years of age, born and residing in Piedmont who had undergone medical or surgical treatment for endometriosis between 2000 and 2005. The data were obtained from official hospital discharge records.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The number of women contributed to the study was 3,929. The age-standardized incidence rate of endometriosis was 81.8/100,000 patient-years (95% CI 79.1-84.2). The distribution of relative risks showed some areas with an increased rate of around 30% (southern and central Piedmont), while for other areas the disease risk was lower (southwestern Piedmont). These areas have greater exposure to environmental risk due to the presence of chemical pollutants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order to achieve reliable data and good management of the disease, there is great need for national registers, as well as networks of excellence for the treatment of endometriosis. Our findings suggest that environmental factors may be associated with the development of the disease, but the observed results need to be cautiously interpreted in the context of ineligible biases.
authors: Department of Public Health and Microbiology, Statistical Unit, University of Turin, Turin, Italy. giuseppe.migliaretti@unito.it
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Migliaretti
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Deltetto
authors: E M
authors: EM
authors: Delpiano
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Bonino
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Berchialla
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Dalmasso
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Cavallo
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Camanni
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants