Clinical analysis on small dose mifepristone 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. 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 (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)pmo/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.