Endometriosis-associated pain scores and biomarkers in users of the etonogestrel-releasing subdermal implant or the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system for up to 24 months

Deborah Margatho, Margatho D, Nelsilene Mota Carvalho, Carvalho NM, Luis Bahamondes, Bahamondes L, Luís Bahamondes
The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception · 2020 · vol. 25(2) , pp. 133–140 · doi:10.1080/13625187.2020.1725461 · PMID:32069126 · W3006926838
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This study found that both etonogestrel implants and levonorgestrel IUDs reduced endometriosis-associated pain and soluble CD23 levels, with only etonogestrel implants significantly decreasing CA-125 over 24 months.

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Abstract

Objectives: The aims of the study were to correlate endometriosis-associated pain, evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, with serum levels of etonogestrel (ENG), levonorgestrel (LNG), CA-125 and soluble CD23 in users of the ENG implant or the 52-mg LNG-releasing intrauterine system (52 mg LNG-IUS) for up to 2 years after device placement.Methods: A randomised trial was conducted at the University of Campinas Medical School, Brazil. All participants (n = 103) had had endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain or dysmenorrhoea, or both, for more than 6 months. Participants were randomly assigned to use an ENG implant (experimental treatment) or a 52-mg LNG-IUS (active comparator). Follow-up was conducted 6 monthly for up to 24 months after device placement. Dysmenorrhoea and chronic pelvic pain were evaluated using a VAS and the scores were correlated with serum levels of ENG, LNG, CA-125 and soluble CD23.Results: Both progestin-only contraceptives significantly reduced VAS scores for dysmenorrhoea and chronic pelvic pain and reduced serum levels of soluble CD23 (p < 0.001). Serum levels of CA-125 decreased only in the ENG implant group after 24 months’ use of the device (p 0.005).Conclusion: Both contraceptives improved dysmenorrhoea and chronic pelvic pain scores in women with endometriosis-associated pain and they reduced serum levels of soluble CD23; however, serum levels of CA-125 were reduced only in ENG implant users over the 24-month study period.

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Outcome instruments

VAS-pain

Condition tags

dysmenorrheaendometriosischronic_pelvic_pain

MeSH descriptors

Desogestrel Endometriosis Levonorgestrel Adolescent Adult Brazil CA-125 Antigen CA-125 Antigen Desogestrel Desogestrel Drug Implants Dysmenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Dysmenorrhea Endometriosis Endometriosis Female Humans Intrauterine Devices, Medicated Levonorgestrel

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References (34)

Cited by (24)

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