Endometrial cytokines in patients with and without endometriosis evaluated for infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether endometrial molecular profiles distinguish subsets of patients according to clinical characteristics, and to infer dysregulated immune networks, by measuring cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors in endometrial biopsy specimens from a cohort of infertile women with a high incidence of endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Department of Gynecology at a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Patients undergoing laparoscopy for infertility assessment (n = 103). INTERVENTION(S): Endometrial biopsies were performed during surgery. Fertility outcome and clinical parameters were registered preoperatively and after 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The concentrations of 48 factors in endometrial biopsy specimens were analyzed with respect to clinical status in univariate and multivariate frameworks. RESULT(S): The concentrations of 44 factors from endometrial tissues of 74 patients were suitable for analysis. Although the tissue concentrations of interleukin (IL)15, IL-7, and interferon γ-induced protein (IP)-10 were individually lower in patients with endometriosis than in those without endometriosis, the differences were not significant after multiple comparison. However, multivariate modeling incorporating covariation showed separation between subsets of endometriotic and nonendometriotic patients, based predominantly on IP-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-16, and IL-18; this result was independent of cycle and fertility status. Analysis restricted to endometrial tissues from the secretory phase separated endometriotic and nonendometriotic patients by a combination of IL-15, IP-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-16, and IL-18. This combination suggests a uterine natural killer cell defect. We found no significant correlations between endometrial cytokines and fertility outcome. CONCLUSION(S): A molecular signature in endometrial tissue was able to distinguish endometriotic from nonendometriotic patients, implicating uterine natural killer cells in endometriosis.

Apremilast for genital erosive lichen planus in women (the AP-GELP Study): study protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Genital erosive lichen planus (GELP) is a genital subtype of lichen planus, a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology. In women, GELP is characterised by painful vulvo-vaginal mucosal erosions and scarring, often resulting in poor sexual health and reduced quality of life. Treatment options are limited and often with little effect. Apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4-inhibitor, has been shown to have a positive effect on psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases. We aim to investigate the effect and safety of peroral apremilast in women with GELP in a randomised placebo-controlled double-blinded clinical trial. METHODS: We will recruit 42 adult women with characteristic clinical and/or histological features of moderate-to-severe GELP from a specialised vulva clinic in Oslo, Norway. The patients will be randomised 1:1 to either apremilast 30 mg BID (with an initial dose titration on days 1-6) or a placebo for 24 weeks. The concomitant use of topical corticosteroids will be allowed. The primary end point will be the mean GELP score, a clinical scoring system, at week 24 in the apremilast-treated patients versus the placebo-treated patients. The secondary end points will include the mean GELP score improvement from weeks 0 to 24, patient-reported use of topical steroids, the pain score on a visual analogue scale and the number of patients with GELP score improvements at weeks 16 and 24. The Physician Global Assessment , Patient Global Assessment and selected quality of life and sexual function assessments will be recorded at weeks 0, 16 and 24. The exploratory endpoints include description of immunohistochemical changes before and after apremilast therapy, assessed in vulvar or vaginal biopsies at weeks 0 and 24. Regular follow-ups for possible adverse events will be conducted. DISCUSSION: The study design is based on experience from studies on apremilast in other inflammatory skin diseases using equivalent apremilast doses for approved indications. The trial may provide evidence for the use of apremilast in women with this burdensome genital dermatosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0365666 . Registered on 4 September 2018.

Development of a prediction model to aid primary care physicians in early identification of women at high risk of developing endometriosis: cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: To identify predictors of disease among a few factors commonly associated with endometriosis and if successful, to combine these to develop a prediction model to aid primary care physicians in early identification of women at high risk of developing endometriosis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional anonymous postal questionnaire study. SETTING: Women aged 18-45 years recruited from the Norwegian Endometriosis Association and a random sample of women residing in Oslo, Norway. PARTICIPANTS: 157 women with and 156 women without endometriosis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Logistic and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analyses were performed with endometriosis as dependent variable. Predictors were identified and combined to develop a prediction model. The predictive ability of the model was evaluated by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and positive predictive values (PPVs) and negative predictive values (NPVs). To take into account the likelihood of skewed representativeness of the patient sample towards high symptom burden, we considered the hypothetical prevalences of endometriosis in the general population 0.1%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%. RESULTS: The predictors absenteeism from school due to dysmenorrhea and family history of endometriosis demonstrated the strongest association with disease. The model based on logistic regression (AUC 0.83) included these two predictors only, while the model based on LASSO regression (AUC 0.85) included two more: severe dysmenorrhea in adolescence and use of painkillers due to dysmenorrhea in adolescence. For the prevalences 0.1%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%, both models ascertained endometriosis with PPV equal to 2.0%, 9.4%, 17.2% and 29.6%, respectively. NPV was at least 98% for all values considered. CONCLUSIONS: External validation is needed before model implementation. Meanwhile, endometriosis should be considered a differential diagnosis in women with frequent absenteeism from school or work due to painful menstruations and positive family history of endometriosis.

Diagnosing adenomyosis with MRI: a prospective study revisiting the junctional zone thickness cutoff of 12 mm as a diagnostic marker.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the diagnostic accuracy of a junctional zone (JZ) thickness of ≥ 12 mm and morphological features of the JZ in MRI in diagnosing adenomyosis in a premenopausal study population. METHODS: This single-center, prospective observational study consecutively enrolled 93 premenopausal women suffering from a benign gynecological condition, from September 2014 to August 2016. Institutional review board approval and written consent were obtained. All participants underwent MRI and hysterectomy with a histopathological examination. MR images were evaluated in a blinded fashion by two independent readers. The maximum junctional zone thickness (JZmax), presence of JZmax ≥ 12 mm, and any irregular appearance of the JZ (defined as irregular outer or inner borders, focal thickening, presence of high-intensity signal foci, or fingerlike indentations at the inner border) were documented, and the diagnostic performance was evaluated with the AUC, chi-square test, and multiple regression. RESULTS: Adenomyosis was histopathologically confirmed in 57 (61%) of the women. JZmax was not positively correlated with adenomyosis diagnosis (AUC = 0.57, p = 0.26) and did not differ significantly between those with and without adenomyosis (10.3 vs 10.1 mm, p = 0.88), nor was a cutoff of JZmax ≥ 12 mm (n = 30/57 (53%) vs n = 16/36 (44%), p = 0.29). The presence of an irregular JZ showed the best association with adenomyosis among the evaluated signs (sensitivity 74% (95% CI, 60, 85); specificity 83% (95% CI, 67, 94) (p < 0.001)). CONCLUSIONS: JZmax was not correlated with adenomyosis in the present premenopausal study population, but direct signs of adenomyosis such as irregularities of the JZ provided a good diagnostic accuracy. KEY POINTS: • Measuring the junctional zone thickness is of limited value for diagnosing adenomyosis with MRI and should not be used for diagnosing adenomyosis in premenopausal women with moderate disease severity. • An irregular appearance of the junctional zone, the presence of myometrial cysts, and adenomyoma appear to provide the highest specificity for diagnosing adenomyosis. • A consensus for the definition and reading of the junctional zone is needed.

In Vivo Adenomyosis Tissue Sampling Using a Transvaginal Ultrasound-guided Core Biopsy Technique for Research Purposes: Safety, Feasibility, and Effectiveness.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine if it is possible and safe to obtain adenomyosis tissue in vivo without removing the uterus in order to use it for further molecular investigations of adenomyosis, which would allow investigating the pathogenesis of the disease. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: Eighty-one premenopausal women scheduled for a hysterectomy because of various benign indications were included. INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasound-guided, transvaginal uterine core biopsy samples were obtained, and the required time was registered. Any trauma to the pelvic organs, blood loss, and other complications were documented during the subsequent hysterectomy. Two biopsy samples were analyzed histopathologically to confirm the presence of adenomyosis, and another 2 were snap frozen using liquid nitrogen for use in further research. Laser microscopic dissection and RNA extraction were performed on the collected samples. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Biopsy specimens could be obtained in 80 (99%) of the 81 cases. There was no visible trace of the biopsy retrieval in 20 women (25%), perforation of uterine serosa or peritoneum was present in 56 (70%), and ongoing minor bleeding occurred in 4 (5%). The median amount of bleeding was 2 mL (range, 0-200 mL). No serious complications were observed. The procedure took 6.1 ± 1.9 minutes (mean ± standard deviation). Adenomyosis tissue was obtained in 10 (22%) of the 45 cases with adenomyosis. The inner myometrium with the junctional zone was accessible in all cases. It was possible to produce frozen sections, extract RNA, and dissect single adenomyosis glands with laser microscopic dissection. CONCLUSIONS: No serious complications caused by the uterine biopsies were observed. This technique opens up the possibility of investigating early stages of adenomyosis and the inner myometrium containing the junctional zone independent of hysterectomy specimens.

Fertility Outcome after Cornual Resection for Interstitial Pregnancies.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate future pregnancy rates beyond gestational week 24 after cornual resections for interstitial pregnancies, subsequent modes of delivery, and the rate of later uterine ruptures. DESIGN: A single-center historic cohort with follow-up registry data (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Department of Gynecology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. PATIENTS: Forty consecutive women with interstitial ectopic pregnancies were treated in the study period from 2005 to 2016, 33 of whom were treated with laparoscopic cornual resection (3 converted to laparotomy). Twenty-six of the 33 women were presumed still fertile after treatment (cases) and thereby age and parity matched with a reference group of 52 women with an equal follow-up time having undergone salpingectomy for tubal (noninterstitial) ectopic pregnancies (controls) (ratio 1:2). Subsequent fertility data for both groups were retrieved from medical records and the national Medical Birth Registry of Norway. INTERVENTIONS: None, data extracted from the patients' medical records and the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The incidence of interstitial pregnancies among the ectopic pregnancies was 3%. The median time to follow-up for cases and controls was 76 and 71 months, respectively. Subsequent pregnancy rates beyond gestational week 24 were equal in both groups (46% [cases] and 54% [controls]). Cesarean delivery in subsequent pregnancies was more common among women having undergone cornual resections (60% vs 18%, p = .006). Only 2 subsequent uterine ruptures were encountered. CONCLUSION: Cornual resection as treatment for interstitial pregnancies seems to have no added detrimental effect on subsequent pregnancy rates compared with salpingectomy for noninterstitial tubal ectopic pregnancies. However, they more often lead to elective cesarean deliveries in subsequent pregnancies.

Eating disorders in premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a neuroendocrinological pathway to the pathogenesis and treatment of binge eating.

BACKGROUND: This case report details the presentation, treatment and post-operative outcome of an adult female with co-occurring binge eating disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). CASE PRESENTATION: The patient, self-presenting for treatment, reported having struggled with severe, debilitating physical and psychological PMDD symptoms for nearly a decade. After having taken part in a number of unsuccessful first- and second line treatments in primary and secondary care, the patient was referred to tertiary care at the Department of Gynecology at Oslo University Hospital in Norway. Chemical menopause using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist was induced, predicting the desired response (i.e. resolution of PMDD symptoms) to bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). At three- and six months post BSO follow-up, the patient reported complete resolution of all reported PMDD symptoms including marked increase in appetite (i.e. hyperphagia), specific food cravings and auxiliary binge eating. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first case documenting the recovery from an eating disorder following surgical ovarian suppression. Our findings lend supports to existing studies linking binge eating to hormonal changes in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, and may help advance new treatment options for a selected, severely impaired group of females struggling with excessive appetite and binge eating due to fluctuations in ovarian activity.

Lack of cross-cultural validity of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30.

INTRODUCTION: The Endometriosis Health Profile-30 is a disease-specific patient-reported outcome measure of health-related quality of life. Cross-cultural validation of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 has been performed for several translated versions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of a Norwegian version Endometriosis Health Profile-30. METHODS: This study was designed as a cross-sectional anonymous postal questionnaire study. A total of 157 women with endometriosis were included during a period from 2012 to 2013. Women aged 18-45 years were recruited from the Norwegian Endometriosis Association. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation was used to assess construct validity. Short Form-36 was used to determine convergent validity. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficients and paired t-tests were used to evaluate test-retest reliability. Floor and ceiling effects were estimated. RESULTS: Factor analysis resulted in a three and five-factor model for the core and modular questionnaire, respectively. Factor analysis could not support construct validity of the scales self-image and treatment. The Norwegian version Endometriosis Health Profile-30 demonstrated acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability, except for the scale relationship with children. Floor effects were observed for the scales self-image (20.1%), work life (33.9%), relationship with children (34.2%), and medical profession (20.5%). CONCLUSION: The construct self-image does not seem to be measured appropriately by the Norwegian version Endometriosis Health Profile-30, suggesting a lack of cross-cultural validity of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30. With multinational studies increasing, adequate translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and cross-cultural validation of instruments are essential to ensure equivalence in languages and cultures other than the original.

Development of a clinical prediction model for diagnosing adenomyosis.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a multivariate prediction model for diagnosing adenomyosis using predictors available through transvaginal ultrasonography and clinical examinations. DESIGN: Prospective observational single-center study. SETTING: Teaching university hospital. PATIENT(S): One hundred consecutively enrolled premenopausal women aged 30-50 years, undergoing hysterectomy due to a benign condition and not using hormonal treatment. INTERVENTION(S): Preoperative 2-D and 3-D transvaginal ultrasonography investigations were performed, and the results were documented in a standardized form. Clinical information was collected using a questionnaire. Histopathology confirmed the outcome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC)) of a multivariate prediction model for adenomyosis. Independent diagnostic performance of single predictors and their quantitative effect (ß) in the final model. RESULT(S): The final model showed a good test quality (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.86, [95% confidence interval = 0.79-0.94], optimal cutoff 0.56, sensitivity of 85%, specificity 78%). The following nine predictors were included ([sensitivity, specificity, ß] or [AUC, ß]): presence of myometrial cysts (51%, 86%, ß = 0.86), fan-shaped echo (36%, 92%, ß = 0.54), hyperechoic islets (51%, 78%, ß = 0.62), globular uterus (61%, 83%, ß = 0.2), normal uterine shape (83%, 61%, ß = -0.75), thickest/thinnest ratio for uterine wall (0.61, ß = 0.26), maximum width of the junctional zone in sagittal plane (0.71, ß = 0.1), regular appearance of junctional zone (31%, 92%, ß = -1.0), and grade of dysmenorrhea measured on a verbal numerical rating scale (0.61, ß = 0.08). CONCLUSION(S): We have presented a multivariate model for diagnosing adenomyosis that weights predictors based on their diagnostic significance. The reported findings could aid clinicians who are interpreting the heterogeneous appearance of adenomyosis in ultrasonography. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02201719.

Reproductive health problems in rural South African young women: risk behaviour and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: South African young women continue to be vulnerable, with high prevalence of teenage pregnancy, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). This study seeks to examine the underlying factors that may be associated with these four adverse reproductive health outcomes. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 1413 sexually active of young women, we explored these four adverse reproductive health outcomes by considering socio-demographic factors, socio-economic factors, sexual risk behaviour, substance abuse and knowledge about reproductive health by using a questionnaire. Consenting participants were asked about previous pregnancies and were tested for HIV, STIs and FGS. Multivariable regression analyses were used to explore the factors associated with these four reproductive health outcomes. RESULTS: 1. Early pregnancy: Among the young women, 44.4% had already been pregnant at least once. Associated factors were hormonal contraceptives, (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 17.94, 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.73-25.29), and sexual debut < 16 years (AOR: 3.83, 95% CI: 2.68-5.47). Living with both parents (AOR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.25-0.57) and having a steady partner (AOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24-0.76) were identified as protective factors against pregnancy. 2. HIV: HIV prevalence was 17.1%. The odds of having HIV were higher in intergenerational (AOR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.05-4.06) and intragenerational relationships (AOR: 1.51 95% CI: 1.06-2.15), compared to age-homogenous relationships. Other associated factors were: condom use (AOR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.16-2.20), number of times treated for an STI (AOR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.02-1.71), and total number of partners (AOR: 1.14, 95% CI: 1.03-1.28). 3. STIs: Participants who had at least one STI (40.5%) were associated with total partner number (AOR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.06-1.30), and testing HIV positive (AOR: 1.88, 95% CI 1.41-2.50). 4. FGS: FGS prevalence (19.7%) was associated with previous anti-schistosomal treatment (AOR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.57-3.05). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of pregnancy, HIV, STIs and FGS among sexually active young women in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Multidisciplinary approaches are urgently needed for educational and health literacy programs prior to sexual debut, and health care facilities, which should be made accessible for young women.

Health-related quality of life in women with endometriosis, compared with the general population and women with rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Women with endometriosis have reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, comparisons to the general population and other patient groups are lacking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional questionnaire study included 157 women with endometriosis, 156 women from the general population, and 837 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). During a period from 2012 to 2013, women aged 18-45 years were recruited from the Norwegian Endometriosis Association and from a random sample of women residing in Oslo, Norway. HRQoL data from women with RA were included from a survey conducted in 2009 among patients of the Oslo Rheumatoid Arthritis Register. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire was used to measure HRQoL. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the endometriosis group had significantly reduced mean scores for all SF-36 scales. The difference was largest for the scale bodily pain with a mean score of 47.6 in the endometriosis group vs 81.5 in the control group. Compared with the RA group, the endometriosis group had significantly reduced mean scores for the three SF-36 scales vitality, social functioning, and mental health. The mean scores of these scales in the endometriosis group were 33.4, 62.7, and 66.3, respectively, vs 42.7, 68.8, and 72.6 in the RA group. CONCLUSIONS: Women with moderate to severe endometriosis seem to have overall impaired HRQoL compared with women from the general population, and poorer mental HRQoL compared with women with RA.

Peritoneal fluid cytokines related to endometriosis in patients evaluated for infertility.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to characterize peritoneal cytokine profiles in patients with infertility, with and without endometriosis, to illuminate potential differences in immune profiles that may reflect mechanistic differences between these two patient populations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: University hospital and research center. PATIENT(S): Women undergoing laparoscopy for infertility investigation (n = 107). INTERVENTION(S): Peritoneal fluid was collected during surgery. Clinical characteristics were registered preoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We determined the concentration of 48 different cytokines from the peritoneal fluid with multiplex immunoassays. Associations between cytokines and clinical findings were assessed with logistic regression and partial least squares discriminant analyses (PLS-DA). RESULT(S): Concentrations of SCGF-ß, IL-8, HGF, and MCP-1 were significantly higher, while IL-13 was significantly lower in the endometriosis group compared with the group without endometriosis. Multiple stepwise logistic regression identified a combination of SCGF-ß, IL-13, and G-CSF concentrations that predicted the presence of endometriosis with 86% sensitivity and 67% specificity. PLS-DA identified a class of 11 cytokines (SCGF-ß, HGF, IL-13, MCP-1, CTACK, MCP-3, M-CSF, LIF, IL-5, IL-9, and IFN-a2) that were more characteristic of endometriosis than nonendometriosis patients. CONCLUSION(S): By combining univariate and multivariate analyses, profiles of cytokines more likely to be enriched or depleted in infertility patients with endometriosis compared with those without endometriosis were identified. These findings may inform future analyses of pathophysiological mechanisms of endometriosis in infertile patients, including dysregulated Th1/Th2 response and mobilization and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells.

Association of Urogenital Symptoms with History of Water Contact in Young Women in Areas Endemic for S. haematobium. A Cross-Sectional Study in Rural South Africa.

Female genital schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by Schistosoma haematobium. Infected females may suffer from symptoms mimicking sexually transmitted infections. We explored if self-reported history of unsafe water contact could be used as a simple predictor of genital schistosomiasis. In a cross-sectional study in rural South Africa, 883 sexually active women aged 16-22 years were included. Questions were asked about urogenital symptoms and water contact history. Urine samples were tested for S. haematobium ova. A score based on self-reported water contact was calculated and the association with symptoms was explored while adjusting for other genital infections using multivariable logistic regression analyses. S. haematobium ova were detected in the urine of 30.5% of subjects. Having ova in the urine was associated with the water contact score (p < 0.001). Symptoms that were associated with water contact included burning sensation in the genitals (p = 0.005), spot bleeding (p = 0.012), abnormal discharge smell (p = 0.018), bloody discharge (p = 0.020), genital ulcer (p = 0.038), red urine (p < 0.001), stress incontinence (p = 0.001) and lower abdominal pain (p = 0.028). In S. haematobium endemic areas, self-reported water contact was strongly associated with urogenital symptoms. In low-resource settings, a simple history including risk of water contact behaviour can serve as an indicator of urogenital schistosomiasis.

Clinical follow-up compared with self-assessment of outcome after medical abortion: a multicentre, non-inferiority, randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Medical abortion with mifepristone and prostaglandins is well established. We compared clinical assessment with self-assessment of abortion outcome. METHODS: This randomised, controlled, non-inferiority trial was done in four clinics in Austria, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, between Aug 16, 2011, and Jan 31, 2013. Women aged 18 years and older who had requested medical termination of a pregnancy up to 63 days of gestation were eligible. Computer-generated block randomisation (block size ten) assigned women in a 1:1 ratio to attend routine clinical follow-up or to self-assess outcome at home with a semiquantitative urine human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test 1-3 weeks after abortion. The primary outcome was the percentage of women with complete abortion not requiring further medical or surgical intervention within 3 months. Analysis was per protocol and by intention to treat. The non-inferiority margin was five percentage points. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01487213. FINDINGS: 924 women were assigned routine follow-up (n=466) or self-assessment (n=458) and included in the intention-to-treat analysis. 901 were included in the per-protocol analysis (n=446 and n=455, respectively). Complete abortion was reported in 432 (95%) of 455 in the routine follow-up group and 419 (94%) of 446 women in the self-assessment group (crude difference -1·0, 95% CI -4·0 to 2·0). 20 (4%) women in the routine follow-up group and 17 (4%) in the self-assessment group required surgery. No women in the routine follow-up group versus three in the self-assessment group had undetected continuing pregnancies. Eight (1·8%) and one (0·2%) women, respectively, had infections (p=0·038). INTERPRETATION: Self-assessment was non-inferior to routine follow-up and could save resources. FUNDING: Nordic Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, European Society of Contraception, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helse Finnmark, Swedish Research Council, and Stockholm County Council and Karolinska University Hospital.

Pelvic pain and patient satisfaction after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy: prospective trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence and intensity of cyclic pelvic pain and patient satisfaction after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and to explore the effect of the procedure on pelvic pain relief in women with perioperative detection of endometriosis and in women with histologic confirmation of adenomyosis. DESIGN: Prospective observational study with 12-month follow-up after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University teaching hospital in Norway. PATIENTS: One hundred thirteen premenopausal women with preoperative cyclic pelvic pain treated via laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Study participants underwent laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and were followed up at the outpatient clinic at 12 months after the procedure. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The main outcomes were occurrence, intensity, and reduction of cyclic pelvic pain and patient satisfaction measured using an ordinal and a visual analog scale at 12 months after the procedure. Of the 113 women included in the study, 8 were lost to follow-up. Consequently, 105 women (92.9%) were followed up at 12 months after surgery. All women had cyclic pelvic pain preoperatively, but only 34 (32.4%) experienced this pain at 12 months after the procedure. The intensity of pelvic pain was reduced from a mean (SD) of 5.5 (2.4) preoperatively to 0.7 (1.5) at 12 months after the procedure on a visual analog scale of 0 to 10 (p < .01). Endometriosis was diagnosed perioperatively in 14 women (12.4 %), and adenomyosis was confirmed at histologic analysis in 19 (18.1%). In women with perioperative detection of endometriosis or histologic confirmation of adenomyosis, there were no significant differences in main outcomes at 12 months after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy when compared with women without these diagnoses. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is associated with high patient satisfaction and reduces cyclic pelvic pain to a minimum by 12 months after the procedure.

Endometriosis in adolescence: predictive markers and management.

Endometriosis has long been thought mostly to affect the adult female population. However, awareness of possible endometriosis already in adolescence is now receiving increasing attention. It seems that certain markers in adolescence are associated with a subsequent diagnosis of the disease. These include chronic pelvic pain, severe dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhea resistant to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and oral contraceptive pills, and pain interfering with daily activity. Based on current knowledge, it should be possible to diagnose endometriosis before adulthood, thereby alleviating symptoms and possibly limiting sequelae. To do so, knowledge of adolescent endometriosis has to be improved among both health professionals and the public.

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy performed with and without excision of the endocervix: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the occurrence of vaginal bleeding and patient satisfaction 12 months after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy performed with and without excision of the endocervix. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial. DESIGN CLASSIFICATION: Canadian Task Force Classification I. SETTING: Norwegian university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred forty consecutive premenopausal women referred for hysterectomy on the basis of a benign condition. INTERVENTIONS: The study participants were randomized to standard laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (n = 70) or laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with excision of the endocervix in a reverse cone pattern (n = 70). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The main outcome measures were the occurrence of vaginal bleeding and patient satisfaction 12 months after the procedure. One hundred thirty women (92.3%) were followed up according to the study protocol. In total, 43 women (33.1%) reported bleeding episodes during the first 12 months after the laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy; 22 (16.9 %) of these women had cyclic bleeding. All reported bleeding episodes were minimal. Patient satisfaction after the hysterectomy was very high with a mean visual analog score (on a scale of 0-10) of 9.3 (standard deviation = 1.4). There were no significant differences between the 2 treatment groups regarding the main outcomes 12 months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: The patient satisfaction after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is very high. Episodes of minimal vaginal bleeding after the procedure are relatively common, but such bleeding does not affect patient satisfaction. Removal of the endocervix by reverse conization during laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy appears to have no effect in terms of reduced bleeding or improved patient satisfaction.