A RANDOMIZED, COMPARATIVE TRIAL OF TRIPTORELIN DEPOT (D-TRP(6)-LHRH) AND DANAZOL IN THE TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

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.