Endometriosis in Adolescents

Background and Objectives:

Women with endometriosis often report onset of symptoms during adolescence; however, the diagnosis of endometriosis is often delayed. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of adolescents who underwent laparoscopy for pelvic pain and were diagnosed with endometriosis: specifically, the symptoms, time from onset of symptoms to correct diagnosis, number and type of medical professionals seen, diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative outcomes.

Methods:

We reviewed a series of 25 females ≤21 years of age with endometriosis diagnosed during laparoscopy for pelvic pain over an 8-year period. These patients were followed up for 1 year after surgery.

Results:

The mean age at the time of surgery was 17.2 (2.4) years (range, 10–21). The most common complaints were dysmenorrhea (64%), menorrhagia (44%), abnormal/irregular uterine bleeding (60%), ≥1 gastrointestinal symptoms (56%), and ≥1 genitourinary symptoms (52%). The mean time from the onset of symptoms until diagnosis was 22.8 (31.0) months (range, 1–132). The median number of physicians who evaluated their pain was 3 (2.3) (range, 1–12). The adolescents had stage I (68%), stage II (20%), and stage III (12%) disease. Atypical endometriosis lesions were most commonly observed during laparoscopy. At 1 year, 64% reported resolved pain, 16% improved pain, 12% continued pain, and 8% recurrent pain.

Conclusions:

Timely referral to a gynecologist experienced with laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis is critical to expedite care for adolescents with pelvic pain. Once the disease is diagnosed and treated, these patients have favorable outcomes with hormonal and nonhormonal therapy.     

Anterior vaginal wall tenderness (AVWT) as a physical symptom in chronic pelvic pain

Background and Objectives:

Chronic pelvic pain is often difficult to diagnose and treat properly. Physicians called on to treat this problem may not be able to give a specific diagnosis. The aim of this study was to see whether the physical presence of anterior vaginal wall tenderness could help narrow down and elucidate diagnoses in a practice focusing on diagnosis and treatment of chronic pelvic pain.

Methods:

The study cohort comprised 284 patients with chronic pelvic pain limited to gynecologic and lower urinary problems. Histories, physical examinations, and endoscopic procedures were performed on each patient. An analysis of this information was conducted.

Results:

Of the chronic pelvic pain patients, 78% had endometriosis, 81% had interstitial cystitis, and 61% had both concurrently. The sensitivity of anterior vaginal wall tenderness (AVWT) in patients with interstitial cystitis was 95%, and in those with only endometriosis and no interstitial cystitis, the sensitivity was 17%. The positive predictive value for interstitial cystitis was 85%, and for endometriosis it was 67%.

Conclusions:

Examination of the anterior vaginal wall with an empty bladder at the initial examination can lead one to suspect interstitial cystitis and possibly either concomitant or singular endometriosis and allow the physician to approach the workup accordingly.     

A Pilot Feasibility Multicenter Study of Patients After Excision of Endometriosis

Objective:

To serve as a pilot feasibility study for a randomized study of excision versus ablation in the treatment of endometriosis by (1) estimating the magnitude of change in symptoms after excision only at multiple referral centers and (2) determining the proportion of women willing to participate in a randomized trial.

Methods:

We performed a multicenter prospective study of women undergoing excision for endometriosis (Canadian Task Force class II-3) at Duke University Center for Endometriosis Research & Treatment (currently the Saint Louis University Center for Endometriosis), Center for Endometriosis Care, Northshore University Health System, Memorial University (Canada), and Florida Hospital. The study comprised 100 female patients, aged 18 to 55 years, with endometriosis-suspected pelvic pain. The intervention was laparoscopic excision only of the abnormal peritoneum suspicious for endometriosis. The main outcome measures were quality of life, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and bowel and bladder symptoms.

Results:

The mean follow-up period was 8.5 months. Excision of endometriosis showed a significant reduction in all pain scores except bowel symptoms, as well as significant improvement in quality of life. Of the patients, 84% were willing to participate in a randomized study.

Conclusions:

Quality of life is a needed primary outcome for any randomized study comparing excision versus ablation. A multicenter comparative trial is feasible, although quality assurance would have to be addressed. Patients were willing to be randomized even at surgical referral centers.     

Effect on Negative Laparoscopy Rate in Chronic Pelvic Pain Patients Using Patient Assisted Laparoscopy

Objective:

To determine the value of Patient Assisted Laparoscopy (PAL) in the diagnosis of pelvic pain.

Methods:

One hundred patients with pelvic pain were assessed by the procedure of Patient Assisted Laparoscopy to determine the cause of chronic pelvic pain.

Results:

Of the 100 patients with pelvic pain, 12 patients were not assessed due to technique failure, which included reaction to the carbon dioxide gas, inadequate visualization due to abdominal adhesions or failure to enter peritoneum. Of the remaining 88 patients, 61 had endometriosis; 16 had adhesions not associated with endometriosis; five had hernias; one had occult bowel cancer; one pseudo-stone from previous cholecystectomy; one had pain as a result of staples used at hysterectomy and one patient had chronic Crohn''s disease. Two patients had no demonstrated interabdominal cause for their symptoms.

Conclusion:

In contrast to the well published rate of 35% negative laparoscopy in those patients with pelvic pain when examined under general anesthetic, Patient Assisted Laparoscopy decreased the negative laparoscopy rate to less than 3%. This methodology was also of benefit in giving the patient a better understanding of the cause of her pain and the need for therapy.     

Disability and pain after cortisone versus placebo injection for trapeziometacarpal arthrosis and de Quervain syndrome

Background

This study tested the null hypothesis that type of injection (corticosteroid vs. placebo) is not a predictor of arm-specific disability as measured with the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire 1 to 3 months after injection of dexamethasone or placebo for treatment of trapeziometacarpal (TMC) arthrosis or de Quervain syndrome. Secondly, we tested if type of injection was a predictor of pain intensity.

Methods

Thirty-six English-speaking adults with TMC arthrosis or de Quervain syndrome were randomized for a dexamethasone or a placebo injection. At time of the injection, patients completed a demographic data sheet and validated questionnaires assessing arm-specific disability, pain intensity, depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, and patient’s health-related beliefs. At an average of 1.4 ± 0.42 months (range, 0.79–2.5 months) after the injection, patients completed questionnaires regarding arm-specific disability, pain, and treatment satisfaction. Grip and pinch strength measurements were measured at both time points. Bivariable and multivariable analyses assessed predictors of arm-specific disability and pain intensity at follow-up.

Results

Type of injection was not a predictor of arm-specific disability or pain intensity 1 to 3 months after injection. The best model both for arm-specific disability and pain intensity at follow-up included pain catastrophizing and explained 18 % and 33 % of the variability, respectively.

Conclusions

Catastrophic thinking was a better predictor of both of arm-specific disability and pain intensity than diagnosis or type of injection (steroid vs. placebo) 1to 3 months after an injection.     

Buccal Mucosal Grafts for Urethroplasty: Comparison of Postoperative Oral and Perineal Morbidity

INTRODUCTION

A prospective study of postoperative oral and perineal pain experienced by a group of patients undergoing buccal mucosal graft harvest for urethral reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A consecutive group of 24 male patients undergoing buccal mucosa graft harvest for urethral recon8truction of stricture disease was prospectively studied between June 2006 and December 2008. All patients were examined pre-operatively and entered into the study prospectively. After surgery, all patients were reviewed at 24 h and 48 h. On both occasions, they were asked to complete a proforma containing visual analogue pain scales for both the oral donor site as well as the perineum.

RESULTS

A statistically significant higher level of pain was experienced from the perineum than the oral donor site on both the first and second postoperative days.

CONCLUSIONS

Comparative analysis of visual analogue pain scale scores between oral donor site and perineum showed that patients experience significantly more pain from the latter postoperatively.     

Effect of extended-term estrogen on voiding in a postpartum ovariectomized rat model

Introduction

We tested the hypothesis that extended-term (5-week) estrogen therapy would negatively impact voiding function in a postpartum, ovariectomized rat model.

Methods

Immediately after delivery, 30 primiparous Sprague–Dawley rats underwent intravaginal balloon dilation, followed by ovariectomy 1 week later. Cystometry at postpartum week 2 determined normal or abnormal voiding patterns. After randomization, one-half the normal and abnormal voiding rats received 5 weeks of estrogen therapy, while the remainder received placebo. Estrogen effect was determined by repeat cystometry and immunohistochemical analysis of the urethra and vagina.

Results

Abnormal voiding increased from 60.0% to 73.3% in the estrogen- treated group and declined from 60% to 33% for the placebo group. Rats were then divided into 4 groups for comparison: normal voiding versus placebo (group 1), abnormal voiding versus placebo (group 2), normal voiding versus estrogen (group 3) and abnormal voiding versus estrogen (group 4). Bladder capacity, leak point pressure and maximum voiding pressure were most depressed in group 4. Estrogen treatment was associated with a significant downregulation of α_1A and α_1D-adrenoceptors in the urethral submucosa but an upregulation of nNOS in the urethral smooth muscle.

Conclusion

Extended-term estrogen therapy in a rat model of simulated birth trauma and ovariectomy resulted in a higher rate of incontinence. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated significant downregulation of urethral α_1A- and α_1D-adrenoceptors and upregulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the urethra of estrogen-treated groups. These studies question the use of hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal incontinence.     

Bilateral thoracic endometriosis affecting the lung and diaphragm

Introduction:

Endometriosis of the lung and the diaphragm is rare. Patients may present with symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and shoulder pain or they may be asymptomatic. Of note, there have been few reports of bilateral catamenial disease, and no reports, to our knowledge, of bilateral pathology proven pulmonary parenchymal endometriosis.

Case:

A 43-year-old with stage IV endometriosis and large leiomyoma underwent a laparoscopic hysterectomy and treatment of endometrial lesions in 2005. In March and April of 2011, she presented with bilateral pneumothoraces. She subsequently underwent video-assisted thoracoscopy as well as resection and fulguration of bilateral lung and diaphragmatic endometriosis. Pathology confirmed endometrial implants in the lung parenchyma bilaterally.

Conclusion:

Catamenial pneumothorax is the most common presentation of thoracic endometriosis. However, bilateral catamenial pneumothoraces are rare. To the best of our knowledge, this case reflects the first report of pathology proven bilateral lung and diaphragm endometriosis.     

Rectal obstruction due to endometriosis: A case report and review of the Japanese literature

INTRODUCTION

Colorectal obstructive endometriosis is relatively rare in Japan and its differentiation from malignancy is often difficult. We report a case of rectal obstructive endometriosis.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 37-year-old woman was referred to our hospital with a suspected ileus. Her chief symptoms were left lower abdominal pain and vomiting. Colonoscopy showed an intraluminal mass of redness in the upper rectum. A proctectomy was performed because of the bowel obstruction. The rectum was filled with an intraluminal mass measuring 5 cm × 4 cm, and endometriosis was diagnosed pathologically.

DISCUSSION

A preoperative diagnosis of colorectal obstructive endometriosis is often difficult because of the lack of definite diagnostic, clinical, sonographic, or radiological findings that are characteristic of this disease. Medical treatment is not always effective for colorectal obstructive endometriosis, and surgery is often performed.

CONCLUSION

Colorectal obstructive endometriosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of various gastrointestinal symptoms in women who are of reproductive age.     

Indomethacin and ketorolac given preoperatively are equally effective in reducing early postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Design

A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study.

Setting

A university hospital.

Patients

Fifty-two patients with cholelithiasis but without known allergy to one of the study drugs, history of bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, known cardiac, lung or renal disease, abnormal liver function or use of opiates or NSAIDs within 2 weeks before operation. Patients were assigned to one of three groups, and treatment was randomized by placing the drugs in sealed, numbered envelopes.

Intervention

Administration of the NSAIDs ketorolac, intramuscularly, or indomethacin, rectally, before laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Main Outcome Measures

Postoperative pain scored on a visual analogue scale and by nurse assessment, total dose of fentanyl citrate given, and nausea or emesis.

Results

Patients in the placebo group reported significantly more pain than either NSAID group (p < 0.05) and were reported as having significantly more pain by the nurses (p < 0.05). These patients were subsequently treated with a higher mean postoperative dose of fentanyl citrate than either NSAID group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the placebo group reported more nausea and emesis (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in any of the parameters measured between the ketorolac or indomethacin group.

Conclusions

The data demonstrate that the NSAIDs ketolorac and indomethacin, administered preoperatively, decrease early postoperative pain and nausea after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and are equally efficacious in producing these results.     

Factors Associated With Oral Problems Among Adults With Spinal Cord Injury

Objective:

To explore factors associated with self-reported current oral (tooth and gum) problems and oral pain in the past 12 months among adults with spinal cord injury.

Methods:

An online oral health survey on the South Carolina Spinal Cord Injury Association website. Respondents were 192 adult residents of the US who identified themselves as having spinal cord injury at least 1 year before the survey date.

Results:

Approximately 47% of respondents reported having oral problems at the time of the survey, and 42% reported experiencing oral pain in the 12 months before the survey date. Multiple predictor analyses (controlling for age, gender, income, and dental insurance) indicated that current oral problems were positively associated with dry mouth symptoms, financial barriers to dental care access, smoking, and paraplegia. Oral pain experienced in the past 12 months was positively associated with dry mouth symptoms, financial barriers to dental care access, minority race, and paraplegia.

Conclusions:

Adults with spinal cord injury reported a high prevalence of oral problems and oral pain. Those with paraplegia were more likely to report problems than those with tetraplegia. Because dry mouth and smoking were significantly associated with these problems, patient education from both dental and medical providers should emphasize awareness of the side effects of xerostomia-causing medications, dry mouth management, and smoking cessation. Findings also indicate unmet needs for low-cost preventive and treatment dental services for this vulnerable population.     

Chronic pain after Lichtenstein and preperitoneal (posterior) hernia repair

Background

Hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures, and some patients suffer from chronic pain after hernia surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate chronic postherniorrhaphy pain in men who underwent Lichtenstein mesh repair or preperitoneal (posterior) repair.

Methods

Our study included 94 male inpatients. Two surgeons experienced in both Lichtenstein and preperitoneal hernia repair performed the procedures. We controlled postoperative pain with systemic analgesic therapy. We evaluated the patients over the subsequent 12 months, using a questionnaire to focus on chronic pain and its limitations to their quality of life.

Results

The overall incidence of chronic pain at 2 months was 5%. About 6% of patients who underwent Lichtenstein repair (n = 70) and 4% of patients who underwent preperitoneal repair (n = 24) experienced chronic pain. All patients with chronic pain rated their pain as slight or moderate. Their pain was present occasionally and was related to physical stress. None of the patients were unable to work. After 12 months of follow-up, the overall incidence of chronic pain decreased to 3%, with 3 patients in Lichtenstein group reporting chronic pain with slight limitations in sports and social activities.

Conclusion

The incidence rates of chronic pain after Lichtenstein and preperitoneal repair were 6% and 4%, respectively. Inpatient status might have resulted in low incidences with both approaches.     

Nodular Adenomyosis of the Uterus Causing Severe Groin Pain

Objectives:

To determine the cause of severe, disabling, groin pain.

Methods:

We describe in this case report 2 patients with severe groin pain. Two myoma-like masses were found on the uterus near the right round ligament. Both masses were excised via laparoscopy.

Results:

The pathology report of these 2 cases indicated adenomyosis. Both patients were asymptomatic after the procedure. Adenomyosis usually propagates in the myometrium, and the nodular shape of this pathology is rare. In patients with severe groin pain (menstrual or continuous), the gynecologist should think about both endometriosis of the round ligament and adenomyosis near the round ligament.

Conclusion:

Severe groin pain is rare but disabling. Endometriosis of the external part of the round ligament is described as a cause. In this case report, we explain that nodular adenomyosis can also be a cause.     

Complications Associated With Two Laparoscopic Procedures Used in the Management of Rectal Endometriosis

Background:

To evaluate intra- and postoperative complications associated with laparoscopic management of rectal endometriosis by either colorectal segmental resection or nodule excision.

Methods:

During 39 consecutive months, 46 women underwent laparoscopic management of rectal endometriosis and were included in a retrospective comparative study. The distinguishing feature of the study is that the choice of the surgical procedure is not related to the characteristics of the nodule.

Results:

Colorectal segmental resection with colorectal anastomosis was carried out in 15 patients (37%), while macroscopically complete rectal nodule excision was performed in 31 women (63%). No intraoperative complications were recorded. In the colorectal resection group, 3 women (18%) had a bladder atony (spontaneously regressive in 2 women), 4 women (24%) experienced chronic constipation, one had an anastomosis leakage (6%), while 2 women (13%) had acute compartment syndrome with peripheral sensory disturbance. In the nodule excision group, 1 woman (4%) developed transitory right obturator nerve motor palsy. Based on both postoperative pain and improvement in quality of life, all 29 women in the excision group (100%) and 14 women in the colorectal resection group (82%) would recommend the surgical procedure to a friend suffering from the same disease.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that carrying out colorectal segmental resection in rectal endometriosis is associated with unfavourable postoperative outcomes, such as bladder and rectal dysfunction. These outcomes are less likely to occur when rectal nodules are managed by excision. Information about complications related to both surgical procedures should be provided to patients managed for rectal endometriosis and should be taken into account when a decision is being made about the most appropriate treatment of rectal endometriosis in each case.     

Early Identification of Interstitial Cystitis May Avoid Unnecessary Hysterectomy

Background:

Interstitial cystitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by symptoms of pelvic pain, urinary urgency and frequency, and nocturia. It can be difficult to accurately identify interstitial cystitis because the symptoms overlap many other common gynecologic and urologic conditions. Patients with undiagnosed interstitial cystitis may undergo unnecessary procedures, including hysterectomy.

Methods:

A PubMed literature search for articles dating back to 1990 was conducted on the topics of interstitial cystitis and hysterectomy. Further references were identified by cross-referencing the bibliographies in articles of interest.

Results:

The literature review found that hysterectomy is performed more often in patients with undiagnosed interstitial cystitis than in patients with a confirmed diagnosis. Interstitial cystitis often coexists with conditions like endometriosis, for which hysterectomy is indicated. Many patients subsequently diagnosed with interstitial cystitis continue to experience persistent pelvic pain despite having had a hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain. Careful history and physical examination can identify the majority of interstitial cystitis cases.

Conclusion:

Interstitial cystitis should be considered prior to hysterectomy in women who present with pelvic pain or who experience pelvic pain after a hysterectomy. If interstitial cystitis is diagnosed, appropriate therapy may eliminate the need for hysterectomy.     

The effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on refractory neuropathic pain in spinal cord injury

Objective

To investigate the analgesic effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on intractable neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Design

A single center, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled study.

Setting

SCI rehabilitation unit of university rehabilitation center.

Participants

Seventeen patients with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain who met the inclusion criteria recruited between April 2010 and January 2012.

Interventions

Ten daily treatment sessions of real or sham rTMS (30 trains of 10-Hz stimuli for a duration of 5 seconds; a total of 1500 pulses at intensity equal to 110% of the resting motor threshold) was applied over vertex using a figure-of-8-shaped coil.

Outcome measures

Pain was assessed with visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline and 10 days, 6 weeks and 6 months after the treatment. Patients’ satisfactions obtained using a 5-point Likert scale at 6 months.

Results

Both real and sham rTMS provided a significant reduction in the VAS scores (real rTMS group, P = 0.004; sham rTMS group, P = 0.020). Post hoc analysis revealed the significant difference was at 10 days and 6 weeks compared to baseline in the real rTMS group and only at 10 days compared to baseline in the sham rTMS group. Comparison of VAS scores and patient satisfaction did not show any significant difference at each assessment point (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated analgesic effect of rTMS on intractable neuropathic pain in SCI was not superior to placebo. However, middle-term (over 6 weeks) pain relief by rTMS is encouraging and suggests the need for future studies with a larger sample size.     

Dong Quai (angelica sinensis) in the treatment of hot flashes for men on androgen deprivation therapy: results of a randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial

Objective:

To determine whether Dong Quai, a Chinese herbal compound purported to be efficacious in treating menopausal vasomotor symptoms, has a therapeutic benefit in treating hot flashes among prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy.

Methods:

A randomized double-blind placebo controlled trial was conducted involving 22 men receiving luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist therapy for prostate cancer with bothersome hot flashes. After recording a baseline log of the frequency, duration and severity of daily hot flashes, patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive daily placebo or Dong Quai for 3 months. Vasomotor and adverse events were recorded daily. Blood work including serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA), international normalized ratio of prothrombin time and partial thromoboplastin time were recorded at baseline and at the termination of the study.

Results:

Seventeen of the 22 patients enrolled completed the trial. Baseline vasomotor duration and severity were equivalent between the groups, however the number of hot flashes were significantly more in the Dong Quai group (p = 0.02). With respect to the change in number of hot flashes per day, there was a slight decrease in the mean number among the Dong Quai group which was insignificant. The absolute change and average percentage change in perceived hot flash severity was similar in both groups. There was no significant decrease in the duration of the hot flashes between the 2 groups. Disease progression based on either PSA increase or change in digital rectal exam was not observed in any patient.

Conclusion:

In this small pilot study, there were no significant differences in the severity, frequency or duration of hot flashes among men receiving placebo or Dong Quai.     

Intra-articular corticosteroid injections to manage trapeziometacarpal osteoarthritis—a systematic review

Background

Osteoarthritis of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMJ) is a common condition causing significant disability. The aim of this study is to ascertain whether an intra-articular corticosteroid injection leads to pain relief and increased function and what is the duration and magnitude of this effect.

Methods

A systematic review with a critical appraisal of identified studies that met the inclusion criteria was performed. Two authors performed the literature review by independently searching the Cochrane, PubMed and Google Scholar databases.

Results

A total of 118 relevant articles were found, but only nine studies met the inclusion criteria which included 4 double-blinded randomised control trials (RCTs) and 5 prospective case series. There is some evidence in the literature to support the efficacy of steroid injections into the TMJ. Most studies do suggest a good short-term benefit. However, one identifies no benefit over placebo but two studies found a benefit lasting at least 6 months.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that there are potentially significant although short-term benefits to be gained from steroid injections into the TMJ. They can lead to pain relief and improved function, certainly in the first 1 to 3 months post-injection. Steroid injections are a low-risk procedure and are helpful in delaying or avoiding the need for surgery.     

Breast Care

Purpose

Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea is a serious concern for women undergoing cancer therapy. This prospective randomized trial evaluated the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog triptorelin to preserve ovarian function in women treated with chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer.

Patients and Methods

Premenopausal women age 44 years or younger were randomly assigned to receive either triptorelin or no triptorelin during (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy and were further stratified by age (< 35, 35 to 39, > 39 years), estrogen receptor status, and chemotherapy regimen. Objectives included the resumption of menses and serial monitoring of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and inhibin A and B levels.

Results

Targeted for 124 patients with a planned 5-year follow-up, the trial was stopped for futility after 49 patients were enrolled (median age, 39 years; range, 21 to 43 years); 47 patients were treated according to assigned groups with four cycles of adriamycin plus cyclophosphamide alone or followed by four cycles of paclitaxel or six cycles of fluorouracil, epirubicin, and cyclophosphamide. Menstruation resumed in 19 (90%) of 21 patients in the control group and in 23 (88%) of 26 in the triptorelin group (P= .36). Menses returned after a median of 5.8 months (range, 1 to 19 months) after completion of chemotherapy in the triptorelin versus 5.0 months (range, 0 to 28 months) in the control arm (P= .58). Two patients (age 26 and 35 years at random assignment) in the control group had spontaneous pregnancies with term deliveries. FSH and inhibin B levels correlated with menstrual status.

Conclusion

When stratified for age, estrogen receptor status, and treatment regimen, amenorrhea rates on triptorelin were comparable to those seen in the control group.