Musculoskeletal evaluation of the lower pelvic complex in women with endometriosis: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Use clinical pain measurement tools to investigate and compare the prevalence of pelvic loin disoders in women with and without endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) associated with endometriosis has diverse origins, including musculoskeletal factors. Musculoskeletal dysfunction in the pelvic region is theorized to result from sustained muscular contraction, triggered by altered visceral stimuli and adoption of antalgic postures, causing secondary damage to muscles, ligaments, and joints. CPP significantly impacts quality of life, relationships, sexuality, and mental health. However, limited data exists on musculoskeletal impacts of endometriosis and CPP. It was made a case-control study at Maternidade Escola Assis Chateaubriand from August 2017 to January 2021. Evaluated 71 women: 41 in endometriosis group (EG) and 30 in control group (CG). Data collection included sociodemographic questionnaires, musculoskeletal physiotherapeutic evaluations, pain mapping, pressure pain thresholds, kinesiophobia, and disability measurements. Statistical analysis was performed using Spearman's Rho test to determine correlations. RESULTS: Mean age of participants was 31 years. EG exhibited lower pain threshold variations in lumbopelvic trigger points than CG (P < .05). Significant muscle flexibility differences between groups were observed; EG had reduced flexibility (P < .05). Most common pain areas were hypogastrium in EG (48.78 %) and left lumbar in CG (30 %). EG had higher kinesiophobia values (P = .009). There was a weak association between kinesiophobia-pressure threshold association observed in CG's lumbar pelvic region. CONCLUSION: Women with Endometriosis and CPP exhibit higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder, lower pain thresholds, decreased lumbopelvic muscle range of motion, higher kinesiophobia scores, and increased disability indices with low back pain compared to healthy women.

Are women with endometriosis more likely to experience reduced physical performance compared to women without the condition?

Background: Endometriosis is a condition of the female reproductive system associated with pelvic pain. Chronic pain can affect physical performance by limiting the functional activities, thus, it is hypothesized that women with endometriosis may also present decreased functional capacity, decreased strength, and mobility. The objective of this study is to compare physical performance in women with and without endometriosis. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study composed of 115 women equally divided into two groups: the endometriosis group (EG), composed of women with a confirmed diagnosis of the disease by magnetic resonance imaging, and the comparator group (CG), consisting of women without suspicion of the disease. Physical performance (dependent variable) was assessed using hand dynamometry, the 6-min walk test (6MWT), gait speed, and the chair stands test. CG participants performed the tests during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Descriptive statistics, unpaired t-tests, and chi-square tests were used to describe and compare the groups. Multiple linear regression tested the associations adjusted for covariates (age, income, education, age at menarche, and body mass index). Results: The EG had worse gait speed (mean difference: -0.11; 95% CI: [-0.18 to -0.04]), weaker grip strength (mean difference: -3.32; 95% CI: [-5.30 to -1.33]), shorter distance covered in the 6MWT (mean difference: -83.46; 95% CI: [-121.38 to -45.53]), and a lower number of repetitions in the chair stands test (mean difference: -8.44; 95% CI: [-10.64 to -6.25]) than the CG, even after adjusting for covariates. Conclusion: Grip strength, lower limb strength, mobility, and functional capacity were worse in women diagnosed with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis should be encouraged to engage in physical exercise, adopt healthy lifestyle habits, and participate in rehabilitation activities to control pain, with the aim of reducing functional impairments.

Mapping of endometriosis in patients with unilateral endometrioma.

ABSTRACT: To map the distribution of the sites most affected by endometriosis in patients with unilateral ovarian endometriomas.A descriptive case series of 84 patients with unilateral endometriomas undergoing laparoscopy for the treatment of endometriosis. To evaluate the distribution of the sites of endometriosis lesions, the peritoneal compartments were divided into 5 zones: zone 1/the anterior compartment, including the anterior uterine serosa, vesicouterine fold, round ligament, and bladder; zone 2/the lateral compartment, including the left and right ovary, ovarian fossa, tubes, mesosalpinx, uterosacral ligaments, parametrium, and the ureter; zone 3/the posterior compartment, including posterior uterine serosa, the pouch of Douglas, posterior vaginal fornix, and bowel; zone 4 consisting of the abdominal wall; and zone 5 consisting of the diaphragm.Of the 5 zones evaluated, the lateral compartment (zone 2) was the most affected, with 60.7% of the patients having dense adhesions around the left ovarian fossa and 57.1% around the right ovarian fossa. The ovarian endometriomas were more commonly found on the left side (54.8%) compared to the right (45.2%). In the posterior compartment (zone 3), the posterior cul-de-sac was obliterated in 51.2% of the patients. In the anterior compartment (zone 1), there were lesions in the vesicouterine fold in 30.9% of the patients and in the bladder in 19%. Lesions were found in the abdominal wall (zone 4) and diaphragm (zone 5) in 21.4% and 10.7% of patients, respectively.Unilateral endometriomas are important markers of the severity of endometriosis.

Evaluation of Bowel Function After Surgical Treatment for Intestinal Endometriosis: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Defecation symptoms related to intestinal deep infiltrative endometriosis are caused by anatomical and functional disorders and are probably linked to the course of the disease and surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to assess bowel function before and after intestinal deep infiltrative endometriosis surgery. Secondarily, we sought to correlate defecatory symptoms with preoperative risk factors. DESIGN/SETTINGS: This is a single-center prospective cohort study, using the low anterior resection syndrome score to evaluate bowel function 4 weeks before, as well as at 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and logistic multiple regression analyses were performed to compare preoperative and postoperative scores. The level of significance was set at <0.05 for all comparisons. PATIENTS: Thirty-seven adult female patients who underwent intestinal resection for deep infiltrative endometriosis between 2015 and 2017 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was bowel function appraisement in deep infiltrative endometriosis intestinal surgery. RESULTS: During the preoperative evaluation, 48.6% of patients reported low anterior resection syndrome score ≥21. This group presented a mean score of 17.9 ± 13.7, with a median of 20 and a range of 5 to 30. After 1 year, the mean score was decreased to 9.6 ± 11.1, with a median of 4 and a range of 0 to 22. A significant difference was detected when comparing the post- and preoperative scores (p = 0.0006). Improvements in defecatory symptoms such as reduced fecal incontinence for flatus (p = 0.004) and liquid stools (p = 0.014) were also reported. The clustering of stools (p = 0.005) and fecal urgency (p = 0.001) also improved 1 year after surgery. The preoperative multiple logistic regression showed that dyschezia was the only independent variable associated with bowel symptoms. LIMITATIONS: This is a well-documented prospective study, but the data presented have a relatively small population. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that intestinal deep infiltrative endometriosis surgery improves bowel function and has a positive impact on evacuation symptoms. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B534. EVALUACIN DE LA FUNCIN INTESTINAL DESPUS DEL TRATAMIENTO QUIRRGICO PARA LA ENDOMETRIOSIS INTESTINAL UN ESTUDIO PROSPECTIVO: ANTECEDENTES:Se considera que los síntomas defecatorios relacionados con la endometriosis intestinal infiltrativa profunda, son causados por trastornos anatómicos y funcionales, y probablemente estén relacionados con el curso de la enfermedad y tratamiento quirúrgico.OBJETIVO:El objetivo principal fue evaluar la función intestinal antes y después de la cirugía por endometriosis intestinal infiltrativa profunda. En segundo lugar, correlacionar los síntomas defecatorios con los factores de riesgo preoperatorios.DISEÑO / AJUSTES:Es un estudio de cohorte prospectivo de un solo centro, utilizando la puntuación del síndrome de resección anterior baja (LARS Score) para evaluar la función intestinal 4 semanas antes, 6 meses y un año después de la cirugía. Se realizaron pruebas de rango firmado de Wilcoxon y análisis de regresión logística múltiple para comparar puntuaciones preoperatorias y postoperatorias. Para todas las comparaciones, el nivel de significancia se estableció en <0.05.ENTORNO CLINICO:Se incluyeron 37 mujeres adultas sometidas a resección intestinal por endometriosis infiltrativa profunda entre 2015 y 2017.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:El resultado principal, fue la evaluación de la función intestinal en cirugía de endometriosis infiltrativa profunda intestinal.RESULTADOS:Durante la evaluación preoperatoria, el 48,6% de los pacientes reportaron Síndrome de Resección Anterior Baja ≥ 21. Este grupo presentó una puntuación media de 17,9 ± 13,7, con una mediana de 20 y un rango de 5 a 30. Después de un año, la puntuación media se redujo a 9,6 ± 11,1, con una mediana de 4 y un rango de 0 a 22 Se detectó una diferencia significativa al comparar las puntuaciones postoperatorias y preoperatorias (p = 0,0006). Se informó de mejoras en los síntomas defecatorios como la reducción de la incontinencia fecal por flatos (p = 0,004) y heces líquidas (p = 0,014). La agrupación de heces (p = 0,005) y la urgencia fecal (p = 0,001) presentaron mejoría a un año después de la cirugía. La regresión logística múltiple preoperatoria mostró que la disquecia fue la única variable independiente asociada con los síntomas intestinales.LIMITACIONES:A pesar de que es un estudio prospectivo bien documentado, los datos presentados son de una población relativamente pequeña.CONCLUSIONES:El estudio proporciona evidencia de que la cirugía intestinal por endometriosis infiltrativa profunda, mejora la función intestinal y tiene un impacto positivo en los síntomas de evacuación. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B534.

Quality of Life Assessment by the Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-30) Questionnaire Prior to Treatment for Ovarian Endometriosis in Brazilian Women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the existence of an association between ultrasound findings and epidemiological and clinical factors using results obtained from the EHP-30 questionnaire in women with ovarian endometriosis. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was performed between July 2012 and May 2015, in which patients with chronic pelvic pain suggestive of endometrioma, as indicated by the results from a transvaginal pelvic ultrasonography, completed the standardized Endometriosis Health Profile - 30 (EHP-30) questionnaire to access quality-of-life scores before beginning treatment for endometriosis. A total of 65 patients were included. The data was analyzed in the statistical program IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) for the comparison of data through linear multiple regression. RESULTS: The suitability of the linear regression model was confirmed by the histogram of the dependent variable and the residue distribution plot, confirming the trend of linearity as well as the homogeneous dispersion of the residues. The mean age of the patients was 39.7 ± 7.1 years old. The majority was Caucasian (64.5%), had completed higher education (56.5%) and was nulligravida (40.3%). Infertility was present in 48.4% of the patients studied. Out of the total sample, 80.6% of the cases were symptomatic and complained mainly of acyclic pain, 79% of dysmenorrhea, and 61.3% of dyspareunia. This reflects the negative influence of endometriosis on the quality of life of patients with this disease. CONCLUSION: Dyspareunia and acyclic pain were independent factors of correlation with high scores in the EHP-30 questionnaire, reflecting a worse quality of life.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a existência de associação entre os achados ultrassonográficos e os fatores epidemiológicos e clínicos com os resultados obtidos no questionário EHP-30 em mulheres com diagnóstico de endometriose ovariana. MéTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo observacional transversal entre julho de 2012 e maio de 2015, no qual as pacientes com dor pélvica crônica com imagem sugestiva de endometrioma na ultrassonografia pélvica transvaginal preencheram o questionário padronizado Endometriosis Health Profile - 30 (EHP-30) para acessar os escores de qualidade de vida antes de iniciar qualquer tratamento para a endometriose. Foram incluídas 65 pacientes. Os dados foram analisados no programa estatístico IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Versão 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, EUA) para a comparação dos dados através de regressão múltipla linear. RESULTADOS: A adequabilidade do modelo de regressão linear foi confirmada através do histograma da variável dependente e do gráfico de distribuição dos resíduos, confirmando a tendência de linearidade, assim como a dispersão homogênea dos resíduos. A idade média das pacientes foi de 39,7 ± 7,1 anos. A maioria era caucasiana (64,5%), apresentava ensino superior completo (56,5%), e era nuligesta (40,3%). Infertilidade estava presente em 48,4% das pacientes estudadas. Do total de casos 80,6% eram sintomáticas e queixaram-se principalmente de dor acíclica, 79%de dismenorreia , e 61,3% de dispareunia em , refletindo a influência negativa da endometriose sobre a qualidade de vida das pacientes portadores desta doença. CONCLUSãO: Dispareunia e dor acíclica foram fatores independentes de correlação com altos escores no EHP-30, refletindo uma pior qualidade de vida.

Quality of life assessment by the endometriosis health profile (EHP-30) questionnaire prior to treatment for ovarian endometriosis in brazilian women / Avaliação da qualidade de vida através do questionário Endometriosis Health Profile (EHP-30) antes do tratamento da endometriose ovariana em mulheres Brasileiras

Abstract Objective To evaluate the existence of an association between ultrasound findings and epidemiological and clinical factors using results obtained from the EHP-30 questionnaire in women with ovarian endometriosis. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was performed between July 2012 and May 2015, in which patients with chronic pelvic pain suggestive of endometrioma, as indicated by the results from a transvaginal pelvic ultrasonography, completed the standardized Endometriosis Health Profile - 30 (EHP-30) questionnaire to access quality-of-life scores before beginning treatment for endometriosis. A total of 65 patients were included. The data was analyzed in the statistical program IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) for the comparison of data through linear multiple regression. Results The suitability of the linear regression model was confirmed by the histogram of the dependent variable and the residue distribution plot, confirming the trend of linearity as well as the homogeneous dispersion of the residues. The mean age of the patients was 39.7 ± 7.1 years old. Themajority was Caucasian (64.5%), had completed higher education (56.5%) and was nulligravida (40.3%). Infertility was present in 48.4% of the patients studied. Out of the total sample, 80.6% of the cases were symptomatic and complained mainly of acyclic pain, 79% of dysmenorrhea, and 61.3% of dyspareunia. This reflects the negative influence of endometriosis on the quality of life of patients with this disease. Conclusion Dyspareunia and acyclic pain were independent factors of correlation with high scores in the EHP-30 questionnaire, reflecting a worse quality of life.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a existência de associação entre os achados ultrassonográficos e os fatores epidemiológicos e clínicos com os resultados obtidos no questionário EHP-30 em mulheres com diagnóstico de endometriose ovariana. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo observacional transversal entre julho de 2012 emaio de 2015, no qual as pacientes com dor pélvica crônica com imagem sugestiva de endometrioma na ultrassonografia pélvica transvaginal preencheram o questionário padronizado Endometriosis Health Profile - 30 (EHP-30) para acessar os escores de qualidade de vida antes de iniciar qualquer tratamento para a endometriose. Foram incluídas 65 pacientes. Os dados foram analisados no programa estatístico IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Versão 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, EUA) para a comparação dos dados através de regressão múltipla linear. Resultados A adequabilidade do modelo de regressão linear foi confirmada através do histograma da variável dependente e do gráfico de distribuição dos resíduos, confirmando a tendência de linearidade, assim como a dispersão homogênea dos resíduos. A idade média das pacientes foi de 39,7 ± 7,1 anos. Amaioria era caucasiana (64,5%), apresentava ensino superior completo (56,5%), e era nuligesta (40,3%). Infertilidade estava presente em 48,4% das pacientes estudadas. Do total de casos 80,6% eram sintomáticas e queixaram-se principalmente de dor acíclica, 79%de dismenorreia , e 61,3% de dispareunia em , refletindo a influência negativa da endometriose sobre a qualidade de vida das pacientes portadores desta doença. Conclusão Dispareunia e dor acíclica foram fatores independentes de correlação com altos escores no EHP-30, refletindo uma pior qualidade de vida.

Dose-Dependent Decreased Fertility in Response to the Burden of Endometriosis in a Murine Model.

Endometriosis is a gynecological disease caused by the growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus leading to inflammation, pelvic pain, and infertility. The relationship between the amount of ectopic uterine tissue growth and the severity of symptoms is still unclear. The presence or degree of pain and infertility does not correlate with the stage of disease as currently defined. Here, we report a clear dose-response relationship between the amount of ectopic tissue transplanted and the reproductive outcomes in a murine model of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced in mice using various amounts of transplanted uterine tissue. Four groups of mice consisted of a sham surgery control or those transplanted with 1, 2, or 4 endometrial segments of 5 mm each. Pregnancy rates were significantly lower in those transplanted with 2 or 4 segments compared to sham or the 1 segment groups. We demonstrate that infertility does correlate with the extent of active disease. Current clinical staging systems do not account for disease activity and may inappropriately weight sequela of disease. Early recognition and treatment in women may help to minimize the effect of endometriosis on fertility. Here, we describe a mouse model of endometriosis and infertility that may be useful to elucidate the mechanisms of infertility in endometriosis.

Ovarian function after the use of various hemostatic techniques during treatment for endometrioma: protocol for a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cystectomy is currently considered the gold standard for the treatment of ovarian endometrioma, resulting in an improvement in symptoms, a lower recurrence rate, and a higher pregnancy rate among infertile patients. However, this treatment is not free from risk, since it is associated with a reduction in ovarian reserve. There is still controversy in the literature regarding whether the cause of the reduction in ovarian reserve is due to damage caused by the coagulation energy during hemostasis or whether the procedure itself is the cause of the damage irrespective of the hemostatic method used. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of different hemostatic methods on the ovarian function of women subjected to laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometrioma. METHODS: An open-label randomized clinical trial to be conducted at the Lauro Wanderley University Hospital between December 2017 and August 2020. Eighty-four patients will be randomly allocated to three groups according to the hemostatic technique used during laparoscopic surgery for ovarian endometrioma: bipolar coagulation; laparoscopic suture; and hemostatic matrix. Ovarian function will be assessed by serum anti-Müllerian hormone measurement and by performing an antral follicle count using ultrasound before surgery and one, three, and six months after surgery. The internal review board of the Medical Sciences Center, Federal University of Paraíba approved the study protocol under reference CAAE 71621717.9.0000.8069. DISCUSSION: Bearing in mind the need for more randomized clinical trials to clarify this issue, we hope to contribute with data that will determine whether there is any difference between hemostatic methods despite the rational use of bipolar energy or whether the procedure itself explains the ovarian damage irrespective of the hemostatic technique used. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NTC03430609 . Registered on XX.10/31/2017. ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN11469394 . Registered on XX.17/12/2017. Unique Protocol ID: U1111-1203-2508.

Nanotechnology for the treatment of deep endometriosis: uptake of lipid core nanoparticles by LDL receptors in endometriotic foci.

OBJECTIVE: Rapidly dividing cells in multiple types of cancer and inflammatory diseases undergo high low density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake for membrane synthesis, and coupling an LDL-like nanoemulsion, containing lipid nanoparticles (LDE) to a chemotherapeutic agent efficiently targets these cells without significant systemic effects. This was a prospective exploratory study that evaluated the uptake of a radioactively labeled LDE emulsion by receptors of endometriotic foci and the capacity of the LDE for cellular internalization. METHODS: The lipid profile of each patient was determined before surgery, and labeled LDE were injected into fourteen patients with intestinal or nonintestinal endometriosis. The radioactivity of each tissue sample (intestinal endometriosis, nonintestinal endometriosis, healthy peritoneum, or topical endometrium) was measured. RESULTS: The group with intestinal endometriosis presented higher levels of plasma LDL but lower LDE uptake by foci than the nonintestinal group, suggesting less cell division and more fibrosis. The uptake of LDE was highest in the topical endometrium, followed by the healthy peritoneum, and lowest in the endometriotic lesion. Since the endometriotic foci showed significant LDE uptake, there was likely increased consumption of LDL by these cells, similar to cells in cancers and inflammatory diseases. Plasma cholesterol levels had no influence on LDE uptake, which showed that the direct delivery of the nanoemulsion to target tissues was independent of serum lipoproteins. There were no significant differences in the parameters (p>0.01) because of the small sample size, but the findings were similar to those of previous studies. CONCLUSION: Nanotechnology is a promising therapeutic option for surgery and hormonal blockage for deep endometriosis, with a lower complication rate and no systemic side effects.

Peritoneal endometriosis induces time-related depressive- and anxiety-like alterations in female rats: involvement of hippocampal pro-oxidative and BDNF alterations.

Endometriosis is a gynecological condition affecting 10% of women in reproductive age. High rates of depression and anxiety are observed in these patients. The mechanisms underlying endometriosis-induced behavioral alterations are still elusive. Animal models provide a useful tool to study the temporal sequence and biological pathways involved in this disease and comorbid states. Here, we sought to characterize time-related behavioral alterations in rats submitted to endometriosis model (EM) induced by peritoneal auto-transplantation of uterine tissues weekly for three weeks. Corticosterone stress reactivity, oxidative stress markers - reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation, activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) - and brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus were also evaluated. We observed a progressive increase in anxiety-like behavior from 14th to 21st days post-EM. Despair-like behavior was observed from the 14th day post-EM on, while anhedonia and apathetic-like behaviors accompanied by increased corticosterone stress response were detected on 21 days post-EM. Increased pain sensitivity was observed from the 7th day post-EM and was accompanied by increased endometrioma weight. The pro-oxidative alterations, decreased GSH and increased SOD activity were observed on 21 days post-EM, except for lipid peroxidation that was altered from the 14th day. Decreased BDNF also occurred on the 21st day. Therefore, this study demonstrates that EM is related to several features of clinical depression and proposes the contribution of hippocampal oxidative state and neurotrophic support for the emergence of these changes. Our results support the use of this model as a useful tool to test new strategies for endometriosis-related neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Nanotechnology for the treatment of deep endometriosis: uptake of lipid core nanoparticles by LDL receptors in endometriotic foci

OBJECTIVE: Rapidly dividing cells in multiple types of cancer and inflammatory diseases undergo high low density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake for membrane synthesis, and coupling an LDL-like nanoemulsion, containing lipid nanoparticles (LDE) to a chemotherapeutic agent efficiently targets these cells without significant systemic effects. This was a prospective exploratory study that evaluated the uptake of a radioactively labeled LDE emulsion by receptors of endometriotic foci and the capacity of the LDE for cellular internalization. METHODS: The lipid profile of each patient was determined before surgery, and labeled LDE were injected into fourteen patients with intestinal or nonintestinal endometriosis. The radioactivity of each tissue sample (intestinal endometriosis, nonintestinal endometriosis, healthy peritoneum, or topical endometrium) was measured. RESULTS: The group with intestinal endometriosis presented higher levels of plasma LDL but lower LDE uptake by foci than the nonintestinal group, suggesting less cell division and more fibrosis. The uptake of LDE was highest in the topical endometrium, followed by the healthy peritoneum, and lowest in the endometriotic lesion. Since the endometriotic foci showed significant LDE uptake, there was likely increased consumption of LDL by these cells, similar to cells in cancers and inflammatory diseases. Plasma cholesterol levels had no influence on LDE uptake, which showed that the direct delivery of the nanoemulsion to target tissues was independent of serum lipoproteins. There were no significant differences in the parameters (p>0.01) because of the small sample size, but the findings were similar to those of previous studies. CONCLUSION: Nanotechnology is a promising therapeutic option for surgery and hormonal blockage for deep endometriosis, with a lower complication rate and no systemic side effects.

Endometriose umbilical: relato de caso e revisão de literatura / Umbilical endometriosis: a case report and literature review

A endometriose é caracterizada pela presença de tecido endometrial fora da cavidade uterina. Seu mecanismo fisiopatológico é pouco esclarecido, mas várias hipóteses são descritas - dentre elas a disseminação de células endometriais por via hematogênica ou linfática. A apresentação clínica é bastante variável, mas podem estar presentes massa palpável, sangramentos cíclicos ou alterações de coloração da pele na região afetada. O diagnóstico é estabelecido a partir do exame clínico, associado a exames de imagem e biópsia da lesão. O tratamento de escolha é o cirúrgico com excisão da lesão e reconstrução da anatomia local. Apresentamos um relato de caso de uma paciente de 35 anos, com endometriose umbilical, com necessidade de excisão da lesão e confecção de novo umbigo. A evolução da afecção descrita é estritamente relacionada ao manejo diagnóstico e propedêutico instituído; sendo assim, a exclusão de diagnósticos diferenciais, benignos ou malignos, é de suma importância.

Endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The pathophysiology of this condition is poorly understood. However, several hypotheses have been proposed, including the spread of endometrial cells via hematogenous or lymphatic routes. The clinical presentation is variable but includes a palpable nodule, cyclic bleeding, and changes in the color of the skin in the affected region. Diagnosis is established by clinical examination combined with imaging and lesion biopsy. The treatment of choice is surgical, with excision of the lesion and tissue reconstruction. We report the case of a 35-year-old female patient with umbilical endometriosis and the need for removal of the lesion with umbilical reconstruction. The presentation of this condition determines the diagnostic and management approach. Therefore, the exclusion of other benign or malignant disorders is essential.

Endometriosis does not affect live birth rates of patients submitted to assisted reproduction techniques: analysis of the Latin American Network Registry database from 1995 to 2011.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the results of ART treatment in patients with and without endometriosis in a large cohort of patients from different centers over an extented period of time. METHODS: This retrospective study is using data from patients undergoing 27,294 cycles of IVF/ICSI treatment between 1995 and 2011 that were registered in the database of the Latin American Registry maintained by the Latin America Network of Assisted Reproduction. RESULTS: The mean number of retrieved oocytes was higher in the control group, but the mean number of metaphase II oocytes was similar. Fertilization rate and transfer rate were higher in the control group. We observed higher pregnancy rates, per cycle initiated and per embryo transfer and higher live birth rate in the endometriosis group. In the group of patients with 25-35 years old, the number of oocytes, fertilization rate, and number of transferred embryos were significantly higher in the control group. However, pregnancy rate and live birth rate were higher in the endometriosis group. In the group of patients with 36-40 years old, the number of transferred embryos was higher in the control group, but the pregnancy rate and live birth rate were higher in the endometriosis group. In the group of patients with 41 to 42 years old, the number of transferred embryos and the transfer rate were higher in the control group, but the pregnancy rate was higher in the endometriosis group. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that endometriosis does not affect the outcome of patients subjected to IVF/ICSI and although patients with endometriosis present lower number of oocytes and higher cancelation rate, these shortcomings do not reduce pregnancy and live birth rates.

Primary umbilical endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: to report the characteristics, evolution and outcome of patients with primary umbilical endometriosis. METHODS: an observational and descriptive study of patients with primary umbilical endometriosis diagnosed between 2014 and 2017. The clinical variables evaluated were age, clinical picture, lesion characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment and recurrence. RESULTS: six patients diagnosed with primary umbilical endometriosis aged 28 to 45 years were operated on during the study period. They had lesions ranging from one to 2.5cm in diameter, violet in five patients and erythematous-violaceous in one. The duration of the symptoms until diagnosis ranged from one to three years and in all the cases studied the diagnosis was made through the clinical manifestations and confirmed by histopathological analysis. No case was associated with neoplastic alterations. All patients evaluated had pain and umbilical bleeding in the menstrual period. CONCLUSION: umbilical endometriosis is an uncommon disease and should be included in the differential diagnosis of women as umbilical nodules. The treatment of choice is the total exeresis of the lesion.

Quality of Life in Women with Endometriosis: An Integrative Review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to conduct an integrative review of the health-related quality of life (QoL) burden in women with endometriosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This integrative review was carried out by consulting the BIREME/MEDLINE databases through July 2017. We searched for articles published in the past 12 years using the MeSH terms "quality of life" and "endometriosis" and its representations in Portuguese and English. RESULTS: Database search yielded 367 records, and eight additional records were identified through other sources. After analyzing articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, rigor and methodological evidence, 26 publications constituted the final corpus of our analysis. Generic instruments most commonly used to assess QoL included the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment-bref (WHOQOL-bref); the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and the Duke Health Profile, among others. Disease-specific questionnaires were also used, and two studies collected qualitative data. Endometriosis had a negative impact in all domains of QoL, which was more associated to symptoms than to the diagnosis per se. It also negatively affected sleep quality and perceived stress. Impact had age-related differences in most studies, and was not related to endometriosis staging. CONCLUSIONS: Endometriosis negatively affects QoL. A consensus must be reached as to which QoL instrument should be used to make studies comparable.

Primary umbilical endometriosis / Endometriose umbilical primária

ABSTRACT Objective: to report the characteristics, evolution and outcome of patients with primary umbilical endometriosis. Methods: an observational and descriptive study of patients with primary umbilical endometriosis diagnosed between 2014 and 2017. The clinical variables evaluated were age, clinical picture, lesion characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment and recurrence. Results: six patients diagnosed with primary umbilical endometriosis aged 28 to 45 years were operated on during the study period. They had lesions ranging from one to 2.5cm in diameter, violet in five patients and erythematous-violaceous in one. The duration of the symptoms until diagnosis ranged from one to three years and in all the cases studied the diagnosis was made through the clinical manifestations and confirmed by histopathological analysis. No case was associated with neoplastic alterations. All patients evaluated had pain and umbilical bleeding in the menstrual period. Conclusion: umbilical endometriosis is an uncommon disease and should be included in the differential diagnosis of women as umbilical nodules. The treatment of choice is the total exeresis of the lesion.

RESUMO Objetivo: relatar as características, evolução e desfecho de pacientes portadoras de endometriose umbilical primária. Métodos: estudo observacional e descritivo de pacientes portadoras de endometriose umbilical primária diagnosticada entre 2014 e 2017. As variáveis clínicas avaliadas foram: idade, quadro clínico, características das lesões, métodos diagnósticos, tratamento e recidiva. Resultados: seis pacientes com diagnóstico de endometriose umbilical primária, com idades entre 28 e 45 anos foram operadas no período do estudo. Elas apresentavam lesões que variavam de 1,0cm a 2,5cm de diâmetro, de cor violácea em cinco pacientes e eritemato-violácea em uma. O tempo de duração dos sintomas até o diagnóstico variou de um a três anos e em todos os casos estudados o diagnóstico foi feito por meio das manifestações clínicas e confirmado por meio da análise histopatológica. Nenhum caso foi associado com alterações neoplásicas. Todas as pacientes avaliadas apresentavam como manifestação clínica dor e sangramento umbilical no período menstrual. Conclusão: a endometriose umbilical é uma doença pouco frequente e deve ser incluída no diagnostico diferencial de mulheres como nódulo umbilical. O tratamento de eleição é a exérese total da lesão.

Identificação dos colágenos I, III, IV e a-SMA e participação dos miofibroblastos no processo fibrótico das endometroses equinas / Identification of collagens types I, III, IV and a-SMA and the participation of myofibroblasts in the fibrotic process in equine endometrosis

A endometrose é uma alteração degenerativa das glândulas uterinas e do estroma circundante, caracterizada pelo arranjo periglandular de miofibroblastos e pela deposição de matriz extracelular (ECM). O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a expressão de colágenos tipos I, III e IV e α-actina de músculo liso (α-SMA) nas endometroses equinas, procurando esclarecer a participação dos miofibroblastos na progressão desses processos. Foram utilizadas 24 biópsias uterinas com diagnóstico de endometrose, recebidas pelo Serviço de Patologia Veterinária e de Reprodução Animal da FMVZ, Unesp, Botucatu, SP. Cortes histológicos foram submetidos às técnicas histoquímicas de tricrômico de Masson, picrosirius red sob luz polarizada e ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) e imuno-histoquímicas para os três tipos de colágeno citados e α-SMA. Ainda, traçou-se um paralelo entre a técnica de picrosirius red e a imunomarcação dos colágenos tipos I e III. A análise histológica revelou que as fibras de colágeno denso correspondem ao colágeno tipo I, predominantes nas endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. As fibras de colágeno frouxo correspondem ao colágeno tipo III, predominantes nas endometroses ativas e ativas destrutivas. Nesses mesmos processos, a membrana basal revelou espessamento, aparentemente não relacionado ao colágeno tipo IV, e uma maior imunomarcação de miofibroblastos periglandulares em relação às endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. Dessa forma, nota-se que os miofibroblastos estão relacionados ao aumento na deposição de colágeno tipo III nos ninhos fibróticos ativos.(AU)

Endometriosis is a degenerative change of the uterine glands and surrounding stroma, characterized by periglandular arrangement of myofibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of collagen type I, III and IV and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in equine endometriosis, and investigate the role of myofibroblasts in the progression of these processes. A parallel was made with histochemical techniques of Masson's trichrome, Picrosirius Red under polarized light and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS). Twenty four uterine biopsies received by the Veterinary Pathology Service and Animal Reproduction of FMVZ, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, were diagnosed with endometriosis. Histological analysis revealed that the orange dense collagen fibers correspond to type I collagen, being prevalent in inactive and inactive destructive endometriosis. The green loose collagen fibers correspond to type III collagen, and are predominant in active and active destructive endometriosis. In the same processes, a greater amount of periglandular myofibroblasts were observed in comparison to inactive and inactive destructive endometriosis. The presence of these cells in active processes are strongly related to an increased deposition of collagen type III in fibrotic nests. Regarding the basement membrane, the active destructive and active endometriosis shows thickening, apparently not related to an increase in expression of type IV collagen. The active destructive and inactive destructive endometriosis exhibited disruption areas in type IV collagen fibers. Thus, it is noted that the myofibroblasts are related to increased deposition of type III collagen in active fibrotic nests.(AU)