Objective: The present study was to find a pathogenic evidence for dopamine agonist application in patients with endometriosis associated pain syndrome.
Patients and technique: The study involved 227 patients of reproductive age with histologically confirmed genital endometriosis (GE) of I-III degree according to ASRM classification. The control group included 12 women with no laparoscope detected gynecologic pathology. The levels of prolactin (PRL), peripheral blood (PB), and peritoneal fluid (PF) were evaluated by chemiluminescence immune assay. The pain syndrome was measured by McGill visual analogue scale. Statistica10 program (StatSoft, Inc., Tulsa, OK) was applied for obtained data processing.
Results: A correlation was established between GE rate and levels of PRL and PB (Rs = 0.28, p < .05) as well as a correlation of PRL in PB and PF (Rs = 0.29, p < .05). Patients receiving cabergoline combined with hormone therapy standard schemes manifested considerable pain syndrome relief.
Conclusions: PRL involvement in GE pathogenesis and more intense therapeutic impact on pain syndrome in case of combined administration of dopamine and standard hormone therapy prove cabergoline application in clinical practice.
Keywords: Endometriosis; cabergoline; dopamine; pain syndrome; prolactin; therapy.