title: Efficiency of GnRH analogues in treating large functional ovarian cysts.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine the potential therapeutic benefit of a single administration of a GnRH analogue in pre- menopausal women presenting large functional ovarian cysts (FOCs) (diameter > five cm).
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-one patients (median age 37.4 years) diagnosed with ovarian cysts, presumed benign based on transvaginal and/or transabdominal ultrasound, were divided in three study groups. Patients of group A received no medication whereas patients of groups B and C were treated with a single administration of a GnRH analogue and combined oral contraceptives, respectively. Patients were re-examined after a three-month period. Three of the 51 patients were lost in follow-up or stopped the treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Complete resolution of the ovarian cysts was observed in eight (50%), 14 (70%), and eight (67%) patients of groups A, B, and C, respectively. No side effects were observed in either of the three groups. The positive therapeutic effect in group B did not reach statistical significance compared with the two other groups (p > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Anew option of treating large FOCS through a single-dose of a GnRH analogue is proposed and should be carefully considered. Further research is needed in order to evaluate GnRH analogues as an alternative treatment.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zervoudis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Iatrakis
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tomara
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bothou
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Peitsidis
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Mastorakos
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000736:Androstenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008186:Luteolytic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010048:Ovarian Cysts / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D000736:Androstenes; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D008186:Luteolytic Agents; C534342:drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol combination; D017329:Triptorelin Pamoate; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol