[Update on the use of oral contraceptives in the treatment of endometriosis]. / Actualización del uso de anticonceptivos en el tratamiento de la endometriosis.

Endometriosis has a prevalence of about 10% and benefits from hormonal contraceptive treatment. It is a chronic and recurrent illness that occurs in fertile women, and is characterised by ectopic endometrial tissue. Clinical manifestations are: infertility, pain and pelvic mass. The goals of the treatment are: relief of symptoms, prevention of progression of disease and the stimulation of fertility. Current treatment options are: Expectant management, analgesia, hormonal therapy, surgery and combined therapies. The use of combined contraceptives is associated with a reduced risk of developing endometriosis, they are also a good choice to prevent pregnancy, and for women with minimal or mild symptoms. Progestins are used for symptomatic endometriosis and as an adjuvant to surgery. The combined contraceptives and the progestins must be considered as a first line treatment.

[Evaluation of referrals in primary care]. / Evaluación de la demanda derivada en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVE: To study the process of referral from primary care in a health area in Madrid. The second objective was to evaluate the trends in the referral process. DESIGN: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study. SETTING: Three urban health centers in the Area 2. PARTICIPANTS: All referrals made by 13 doctors during 3 consecutive weeks. The total number of visits attended were 6012. The study was realized between February 2002 and January 2003. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Patient, doctor and referral characteristics on every referral. RESULTS: 349 referrals were studied. The rate of referral 5.8% (5.21-6.39). The referred patients, 65.5% women, medium age 50.6+/-21. The specialties that received more referrals are gynecologist, ophthalmology, dermatology, otorhinolaryngology, rehabilitation, orthopedic surgeon and general surgeon. The most common conditions referred, 25.6% of all referrals, are gynecologist check, blindness, other illnesses of subcutaneous cellular tissue, arthrosis, joint pain, diabetes, benign neoplasm of skin, depression and hypoacusis. 92.3% of the referrals were sent to the specialist center. 89.7% were normal (no urgent). The reason for referral was to accede to the patient's request in 18.3% of the referrals. CONCLUSIONS: The process of referral is similar to previous studies. Although people are more participative, have more information and the defensive medicine is increasing, the process of referral have not changed.