Clinical analysis on small dose of mifepristone in auxiliary treatment of postoperative endometriosis

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of mifepristone and danazol in the treatment of patients with endometriosis after conservative surgery.Methods:72 patients with endometriosis after conservative surgery were treated orally either with mifepristone 10 mg/d(group M,n=37) or danazol 200 mg 2~3 times/d(group D,n =35) for 3 months.The changes of symptoms and signs,serum sex hormone levels as well as side effects were assessed before and at the end of the therapy.Results:During the treatment,the symptoms and signs were remarkably relieved in both groups.Side effects including hot flushes,irregular vaginal bleeding,back pain,weight gain and acne were less commonly seen in group M as compared with group D.After 3 months treatment,serum estradiol(E2) levels in group M were [(204.9±45.3) pmol/L],but serum E2 levels declined to postmenopausal level in group D[(94.3±33.0) pmol/L].About two weeks after discontinuation of the therapy,serum E2 levels[(1 221.6±384.2) pmol/L]] was not significantly different from the normal ovulatory range in group M,but significantly lower in group D [(815.1±376.0) pmol/L,P0.05].After discontinuation of the therapy,either basal body temperature raised or menstruation recovered sooner in group M.Conclusion:Mifepristone is equally effective to danazol when combined with conservative surgery in the management of endometriosis with fewer side effects.Serum E2 levels remained in the range of follicular phase after 3 months therapy with mifepristone 10 mg/d.