U. Cirkel et al., A RANDOMIZED, COMPARATIVE TRIAL OF TRIPTORELIN DEPOT (D-TRP(6)-LHRH) AND DANAZOL IN THE TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS, European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology, 59(1), 1995, pp. 61-69
To compare treatment efficacy and safety parameters a total of 55 prem
enopausal women with histologically proven endometriosis (stage II-IV)
were randomized to receive the LHRH-analogue depot triptorelin (n = 3
0) or the steroid danazol (n = 25) for a total of 24 weeks. Immediatel
y after cessation of the endocrine therapy a second-look operation was
performed. Four as well as 24 weeks after the end of treatment patien
ts were seen for re-evaluation of clinical symptoms and safety paramet
ers. Estradiol suppression was significantly more pronounced with trip
torelin, while the free androgenic index rose with danazol. Both subst
ances were equally effective in reducing endometriotic implants (58% a
nd 51%, respectively). Dysmenorrhea was absent at the end of medical t
herapy in both treatment groups. Dyspareunia and pelvic pain decreased
at least by 50%. Red blood count, thrombocytes, liver enzymes and the
atherogenic index rose with danazol, while the urinary calcium/creati
nine ratio showed a marked elevation with triptorelin. Adverse effects
were mainly due to the hypoestrogenism of the LHRH analogue and the a
ndrogenic/anabolic properties of the steroid. Triptorelin and danazol
are equally effective in treating endometriosis. Therefore, choice of
treatment should be based on the patient's medical history and the pha
rmacological profile of each substance.