Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 specific inhibitors
versus placebo in the treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. Study design: A group of women (n=28) with pelvic pain after conservative surgery for symptomatic endometriosis (Stage
I and II) were enrolled at the Department of Pediatric, Obstetrics and Reproductive
Medicine of University of Siena. A treatment with a COX-2 specific inhibitors (rofecoxib,
25 mg per day) (n=16) or placebo (n=12) was given for 6 months. Pelvic pain quantification with a clinical evaluation,
including Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, was performed before and up to 6 months
after treatment. Results: A significant improvement of both pelvic pain and dyspareunia was observed after
a 6 months persisting since the end of the treatment (P<0.0001). The efficacy of rofecoxib was higher than placebo and no recurrence occurred,
while in the placebo-treatment a 16% (2/12) occurred. No significant side effects
have been found with the use of rofecoxib. Conclusions: The use of COX-2 specific inhibitors was effective, safe and low cost therapy in
the management of pelvic pain associated to endometriosis and might be also proposed
in early stage of endometriosis.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 5,
2004
Received in revised form:
December 24,
2003
Received:
September 8,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
