Danazol für Schmerzen im Beckenbereich bei Endometriose
Abstract
Background
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial tissue (stromal and glandular) outside the normal uterine cavity. Conventional medical and surgical treatments for endometriosis aim to remove or decrease the deposits of ectopic endometrium. The observation that hyper androgenic states (an excess of male hormone) induce atrophy of the endometrium has led to the use of androgens in the treatment of endometriosis. Danazol is one of these treatments. The efficacy of danazol is based on its ability to produce a high androgen and low oestrogen environment (a pseudo menopause) which results in atrophy of the endometriotic implants and thus an improvement in painful symptoms.
Objectives
To determine the effectiveness of danazol compared to placebo or no treatment in the treatment of the symptoms and signs, other than infertility, of endometriosis in women of reproductive age.
Search methods
We searched the Cochrane Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group Specialised Register of trials (searched April 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 2, 2007), and MEDLINE (1966 to April 2007). In addition, all reference lists of included trials were searched, and relevant drug companies were contacted for details of unpublished trials.
Selection criteria
Randomised controlled trials in which danazol (alone or as adjunctive therapy) was compared to placebo or no therapy. Trials which only reported infertility outcomes were excluded.
Data collection and analysis
Only five trials met the inclusion criteria and two authors independently extracted data from these trials. All trials compared danazol to placebo. Three trials used danazol as sole therapy and three trials used danazol as an adjunct to surgery. Although the main outcome was pain improvement other data relating to laparoscopic scores and hormonal parameters were also collected.
Main results
Treatment with danazol (including adjunctive to surgical therapy) was effective in relieving painful symptoms related to endometriosis when compared to placebo. Laparoscopic scores were improved with danazol treatment (including as adjunctive therapy) when compared with either placebo or no treatment. Side effects were more commonly reported in those patients receiving danazol than for placebo.
Authors' conclusions
Danazol is effective in treating the symptoms and signs of endometriosis. However, its use is limited by the occurrence of androgenic side effects.
PICO
Plain language summary
Danazol für Schmerzen im Beckenbereich bei Endometriose
Danazol verringert die schmerzhaften Beschwerden bei Endometriose, aber es hat eine vermännlichende (androgene) Wirkung. Endometriose ist eine Erkrankung, bei der Gebärmutterschleimhaut außerhalb der Gebärmutter wächst und dadurch Schmerzen verursacht. Sie kann Zysten und Unfruchtbarkeit verursachen. Danazol ist ein Hormon, dass zur Ausprägung männlicher Köpermerkmale, Gewichtszunahme und Akne führt. Es lindert aber auch die Schmerzen bei Endometriose. Allerdings können die genannten unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen inakzeptabel sein. Die Schmerzlinderung war noch sechs Monate nach Behandlungsende vorhanden. Es gibt Evidenz dafür, dass Frauen, die Danazol einnahmen, zufriedener waren als Frauen, die eine inaktive Behandlung erhielten.
