M. Ugur et al., COMBINED USE OF A LONG-ACTING GONADOTROPIN-RELEASING-HORMONE AGONIST AND LOW-DOSE DANAZOL IN ADVANCED-STAGE ENDOMETRIOSIS, European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 68(1-2), 1996, pp. 155-158
In this preliminary study, the safety and efficacy of a combined GnRHa
and low-dose danazol regimen was evaluated in patients with advanced
stage endometriosis. Five patients with. stage IV endometriosis were a
dministered triptorelin 3.75 mg intramuscularly with monthly intervals
in combination with oral danazol 100 mg/day for 6 months. Laparoscopy
was performed before and after therapy to assess the change in endome
triotic lesions. During controls, patients were evaluated for the chan
ge in hormonal and biochemical parameters and the side effects of the
treatment. In 4 patients with ovarian endometriomas, cysts were draine
d during initial laparoscopy. None of the endometriomas persisted afte
r therapy. Total scores, according to the revised American Fertility S
ociety classification of endometriosis were, 54.8+/-10.9 before treatm
ent and decreased to 31.6+/-10.3 (P <0.05), whereas, endometriotic imp
lants scores changed from an initial value of 22.8+/-12.1 to 1.2+/-1.1
(P <0.05). No adverse effect was observed on lipid and liver metaboli
sm. Estrogen deprivation symptoms and oily skin were the most prominen
t complaints and one patient had a weight gain of 6 kg. Based on these
results we conclude that a combination of GnRHa and low dose danazol
is an effective alternative treatment modality in the treatment of sev
ere endometriosis without any serious side effect.