Treatment of endometriosis in different ethnic populations: a meta-analysis of two clinical trials

BMC Womens Health. 2012 Apr 19:12:9. doi: 10.1186/1472-6874-12-9.

Abstract

Approaches to the treatment of endometriosis vary worldwide, but studies comparing endometriosis medications in different ethnic groups are rare. A systematic literature search identified two studies directly comparing dienogest (DNG) versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues in European and Japanese populations. Meta-analysis of visual analogue scale scores revealed no heterogeneity in response between the trials, indicating equivalent efficacy of DNG and GnRH analogues for endometriosis-related pain across populations. DNG was significantly superior to GnRH analogues for bone mineral density change in both trials, but significant heterogeneity between the studies may indicate ethnic differences in physiology.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asian People
  • Buserelin / therapeutic use*
  • Endometriosis / drug therapy*
  • Endometriosis / ethnology
  • Europe
  • Female
  • Hormone Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Leuprolide / therapeutic use*
  • Nandrolone / analogs & derivatives*
  • Nandrolone / therapeutic use
  • Treatment Outcome
  • White People

Substances

  • Hormone Antagonists
  • dienogest
  • Nandrolone
  • Leuprolide
  • Buserelin