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Endometriosis in Adolescents: Diagnostics, Clinical and Laparoscopic Features. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041678. [PMID: 36836214 PMCID: PMC9962715 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early diagnosis of endometriosis in adolescents is not developed. OBJECTIVE We aim to conduct clinical, imaging, laparoscopic and histological analyses of peritoneal endometriosis (PE) in adolescents in order to improve early diagnosis. METHODS In total, 134 girls (from menarche to 17 years old) were included in a case-control study: 90 with laparoscopically (LS) confirmed PE, 44 healthy controls underwent full examination and LS was analyzed in the PE group. RESULTS Patients with PE were characterized with heredity for endometriosis, persistent dysmenorrhea, decreased daily activity, gastrointestinal symptoms, higher LH, estradiol, prolactin and Ca-125 (<0.05 for each). Ultrasound detected PE in 3.3% and MRI in 78.9%. The most essential MRI signs are as follows: hypointense foci, the heterogeneity of the pelvic tissue (paraovarian, parametrial and rectouterine pouch) and sacro-uterine ligaments lesions (<0.05 for each). Adolescents with PE mostly exhibit initial rASRM stages. Red implants correlated with the rASRM score, and sheer implants correlated with pain (VAS score) (<0.05). In 32.2%, foci consisted of fibrous, adipose and muscle tissue; black lesions were more likely to be histologically verified (0.001). CONCLUSION Adolescents exhibit mostly initial PE stages, which are associated with greater pain. Persistent dysmenorrhea and detected MRI parameters predict the laparoscopic confirmation of initial PE in adolescents in 84.3% (OR 15.4; <0.01), justifying the early surgical diagnostics and shortening the time delay and suffering of the young patients.
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Flores-Caldera I, Ramos-Echevarría PM, Oliveras-Torres JA, Santos-Piñero N, Rivera-Mudafort ED, Soto-Soto DM, Hernández-Colón B, Rivera-Hiraldo LE, Mas L, Rodríguez-Rabassa M, Bracero NJ, Rolla E. Ibero-American Endometriosis Patient Phenome: Demographics, Obstetric-Gynecologic Traits, and Symptomatology. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2021; 3:667345. [PMID: 36303995 PMCID: PMC9580711 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2021.667345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: An international collaborative study was conducted to determine the demographic and clinical profiles of Hispanic/Latinx endometriosis patients from Latin America and Spain using the Minimal Clinical Questionnaire developed by the World Endometriosis Research Foundation (WERF) Endometriosis Phenome and Biobanking Harmonization Project (EPHect). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study to collect self-reported data on demographics, lifestyle, and endometriosis symptoms of Hispanic/Latinx endometriosis patients from April 2019 to February 2020. The EPHect Minimal Clinical Questionnaire (EPQ-M) was translated into Spanish. Comprehension and length of the translated survey were assessed by Spanish-speaking women. An electronic link was distributed via social media of endometriosis patient associations from 11 Latin American countries and Spain. Descriptive statistics (frequency, means and SD, percentages, and proportions) and correlations were conducted using SPSSv26. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 1,378 participants from 23 countries; 94.6% had self-reported diagnosis of endometriosis. Diagnostic delay was 6.6 years. Most participants had higher education, private health insurance, and were employed. The most common symptoms were back/leg pain (85.4%) and fatigue (80.7%). The mean number of children was 1.5; 34.4% had miscarriages; the mean length of infertility was 3.7 years; 47.2% reported pregnancy complications. The most common hormone treatment was oral contraceptives (47.0%). The most common comorbidities were migraines (24.1%), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (22.2%), and irritable bowel syndrome (21.1%). Most participants (97.0%) experienced pelvic pain during menses; for 78.7%, pain was severe; 86.4% reported dyspareunia. The mean age of dysmenorrhea onset was 16.2 years (SD ± 6.1). Hormone treatments were underutilized, while impact was substantial. Pain catastrophizing scores were significantly correlated with pain intensity (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This is the first comprehensive effort to generate a clinical-demographic profile of Hispanic/Latinx endometriosis patients. Differences in clinical presentation compared to other cohorts included higher prevalence and severity of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia and high levels of pain catastrophizing. Though future studies are needed to dissect the impact of race and ethnicity on pain and impact, this profile is the first step to facilitate the recognition of risk factors and diagnostic features and promote improved clinical management of this patient population. The EPHect questionnaire is an efficient tool to capture data to allow comparisons across ethnicities and geographic regions and tackle disparities in endometriosis research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idhaliz Flores-Caldera
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Department of Ob-Gyn, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | | | | | | | | | - Denisse M. Soto-Soto
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
- San Lucas Episcopal Medical Center, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | | | | | - Loraine Mas
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Mary Rodríguez-Rabassa
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Nabal J. Bracero
- Department of Ob-Gyn, University of Puerto Rico, San J uan, Puerto Rico
| | - Edgardo Rolla
- Sociedad Argentina de Endometriosis, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Sociedad Argentina de Cirugía Laparoscópica, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Simpson CN, Lomiguen CM, Chin J. Combating Diagnostic Delay of Endometriosis in Adolescents via Educational Awareness: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2021; 13:e15143. [PMID: 34164243 PMCID: PMC8214575 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.15143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis occurs in approximately 10% of adult women worldwide; however, it is commonly under- or misdiagnosed in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to analyze existing scientific literature for reasons for diagnostic delay of endometriosis and to determine how education regarding endometriosis could be improved. An integrative review was conducted based on articles published between December 1980 and December 2020. Suitable articles were identified from the MEDLINE/PubMed databases, using relevant terms. Eligible studies included discussion on potential causes of diagnostic delay of endometriosis in the adolescent population. Data were extracted from eligible publications and qualitative synthesis was used. The 27 articles included in the study revealed several primary reasons for the delay, such as a physician and/or patient knowledge gap, normalization by physician and patient, lack of research, and physician resistance. Strategies to lessen diagnostic delay of endometriosis in adolescents must include integrated actions by educators and healthcare providers to improve health literacy and awareness of common causes of pelvic pain in this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra N Simpson
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
| | - Christine M Lomiguen
- Pathology, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
- Family Medicine, Millcreek Community Hospital, Erie, USA
| | - Justin Chin
- Medical Education, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, USA
- Family Medicine, LifeLong Medical Care, Richmond, USA
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Abstract
Importance Endometriosis is a major health concern in the adolescent population and significantly impacts daily physical and psychosocial functioning. Endometriosis can have differing presentations in this population, and the diagnosis often involves long delays and multiple visits to specialists. Objective The aim of this review is to discuss adolescent endometriosis, factors specific to this population, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based surgical and medical management. Evidence Acquisition Computerized searches on the topic of endometriosis and adolescent endometriosis were completed. References from identified sources were then searched manually to allow for a thorough review. Data from relevant sources were synthesized to create the review. Results The literature supports endometriosis as a frequent cause of secondary dysmenorrhea. The characteristics of adolescents with endometriosis are shown to differ from those of adults. Initial medical therapy includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and combined hormonal contraceptives, but laparoscopy does have a role in the adolescent population, particularly those who have inadequate response to these treatments. Adolescent endometriosis may have a different appearance and be of all stages. Medical therapies are similar to that of the adult population; however, the benefits of medical and surgical management must be tailored to the adolescent patient. Conclusions and Relevance Adolescent endometriosis is likely a more prevalent cause of dysmenorrhea than currently appreciated. A high index of suspicion combined with recognition of risk factors and history-based markers of endometriosis may help identify adolescent endometriosis earlier and avoid delays in diagnosis. Expert opinion supports earlier laparoscopic evaluation in patients with symptoms unresponsive to oral medications, those who have failed initial medical therapy, or those who have evidence of deeply invasive disease, such as an endometrioma. Surgeons should be familiar with the unique appearance of lesions in the adolescent and understand the evidence as it relates to surgical therapy. Postoperative medical management is generally advocated by many, although the efficacy remains unclear at present.
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Hirsch M, Dhillon-Smith R, Cutner AS, Yap M, Creighton SM. The Prevalence of Endometriosis in Adolescents with Pelvic Pain: A Systematic Review. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2020; 33:623-630. [PMID: 32736134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Endometriosis is a recognized cause of pelvic pain in adolescents with menstrual symptoms that significantly affect education, activity, and social interactions. We aim to provide an updated systematic review of the prevalence of endometriosis in adolescents with pelvic pain presenting for gynecological investigation. DATA SOURCES We searched Medline, Embase, and Cinahl from 2011 to July 2019. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION We included cohort studies of adolescents with pelvic pain undergoing gynecological investigation. Two authors independently selected studies and extracted study characteristics and prevalence data. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program for cohort studies. RESULTS This updated systematic review evaluated a total of 19 studies including 1243 symptomatic adolescents. In all, 648 of 1011 (64%) adolescents undergoing laparoscopy were found to have endometriosis. The prevalence ranged from 25% to 100%, with a mean prevalence of 64%. Thirteen studies including 381 participants categorized disease severity using the revised American Society of Reproductive Medicine classification. Among these, 53% of participants (201/381) had stage I, 28% (105/381) had stage II, 20% (76/381) had stage III, and 13% (49/381) had stage IV disease. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of endometriosis among adolescents with pelvic pain symptoms is high. Endometriosis is treatable, and prompt recognition will help to ensure that adolescents are signposted earlier to appropriate specialists. The management of adolescents with suspected endometriosis should be consistent with best practice guidance. Despite recommendations to increase the awareness and knowledge of endometriosis in adolescence, minimal research has followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Hirsch
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Rima Dhillon-Smith
- Birmingham Women's and Children's Foundation Trust, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alfred S Cutner
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Magnus Yap
- The University of Birmingham School of Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Sarah M Creighton
- EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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Gałczyński K, Jóźwik M, Lewkowicz D, Semczuk-Sikora A, Semczuk A. Ovarian endometrioma - a possible finding in adolescent girls and young women: a mini-review. J Ovarian Res 2019; 12:104. [PMID: 31699129 PMCID: PMC6839067 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-019-0582-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Young girls before menarche or menstruating adolescent women may experience long-term drug-resistant chronic pelvic pain, as well as other symptoms associated with pelvic mass. In such cases, it is of great importance to consider ovarian endometrioma in the differential diagnosis. In general, endometrioma is recognized as an ovarian cyst. However, in most cases, the pathology represents pseudocyst with a partial or complete endometrial-like lining with extraovarian adhesions and endometriotic implants which are likely to occur at the sites of ovarian adhesions and at the ceiling of the ovarian fossa. Ovarian endometriomas occur in 17–44% patients with endometriosis and account for 35% of all benign ovarian cysts. The time span from the onset of menarche to the time of endometrioma formation, which requires surgical intervention, has been evaluated to be a minimum of 4 years. The pathogenesis of early-life endometrioma may be different from other types of endometriosis. Diagnosis is often delayed, especially in adolescents, who tend to wait too long before seeking professional help. The three specific aims of treatment in adolescents with endometriosis and endometriomas are control of symptoms, prevention of further progression of the disease as well as preservation of fertility. Increasing evidence demonstrates association between ovarian endometriosis and ovarian cancer. In the present mini-review, we draw the particular attention of clinicians to such a possibility, even if relatively infrequently reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Gałczyński
- Siedlce University of Natural Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Konarskiego str. 2, 08-110, Siedlce, Poland.,Second Department of Gynecological Oncology, St. John's of Dukla Cancer Center of Lublin, Jaczewskiego str. 7, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Maciej Jóźwik
- Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Białystok Medical University, Kilińskiego str. 1, 15-089, Białystok, Poland
| | - Dorota Lewkowicz
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Lublin Medical University, Jaczewskiego str. 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Semczuk-Sikora
- Department of Pathology of Pregnancy, Lublin Medical University, Staszica str. 16, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Semczuk
- IIND Department of Gynecology, Lublin Medical University, Jaczewskiego str. 8, 20-954, Lublin, Poland.
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Sao CH, Chan-Tiopianco M, Chung KC, Chen YJ, Horng HC, Lee WL, Wang PH. Pain after laparoscopic surgery: Focus on shoulder-tip pain after gynecological laparoscopic surgery. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:819-826. [PMID: 31517775 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Laparoscopy, one of minimally invasive procedures, is a commonly used procedure in diagnosis and management of various kinds of clinical problems, including gynecologic organ-related diseases. Compared with conventional exploratory laparotomy, the benefits of laparoscopic surgery include reduction of surgical wound, decreasing in postoperative pain, shortening hospital stay, rapid recovery, and a better cosmetic result. However, there are still up to 80% of patients after laparoscopic surgery complaining of high levels of pain and needing pain relief. Postlaparoscopic pain can be separated into distinct causes, such as surgical trauma- or incision wound-associated inflammatory change, and pneumoperitoneum (carbon dioxide [CO2])-related morphological and biochemical changes of peritoneum and diaphragm. The latter is secondary to irritation, stretching, and foreign body stimulation, leading to phrenic neuropraxia and subsequent shoulder-tip pain (STP). STP is the most typical unpleasant experience of patients after laparoscopic surgery. There are at least 11 strategies available to attempt to decrease postlaparoscopic STP, including (1) the use of an alternative insufflating gas in place of CO2, (2) the use of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum in place of standard-pressure pneumoperitoneum, (3) the use of warmed or warmed and humidified CO2, (4) gasless laparoscopy, (5) subdiaphragmatic intraperitoneal anesthesia, (6) local intraperitoneal anesthesia, (7) actively expelling out of gas, (8) intraperitoneal drainage, (9) fluid instillation, (10) pulmonary recruitment maneuvers, and (11) others and combination. The present article is limited in discussing postlaparoscopic STP. We extensively review published articles to provide a better strategy to reduce postlaparoscopic STP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Hsuan Sao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | - Kai-Cheng Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Huann-Cheng Horng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Wen-Ling Lee
- Department of Medicine, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Peng-Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- Female Cancer Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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de Sanctis V, Matalliotakis M, Soliman AT, Elsefdy H, Di Maio S, Fiscina B. A focus on the distinctions and current evidence of endometriosis in adolescents. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2018; 51:138-150. [PMID: 29548642 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endometriosis (EM) occurring in adolescents presents distinct clinical and histologic characteristics compared to the disease in women. Because the symptoms of EM are nonspecific, often overlapping with those experienced in a range of gynecological and gastrointestinal conditions, the process of reaching a diagnosis of EM is often delayed. The diagnosis of EM is suspected depending on the history and the symptoms and signs, is corroborated by physical examination and imaging techniques, and is finally proved by histological examination of specimens collected during laparoscopy. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to make strong recommendations for management in adolescents who may have EM. This short report reviews some peculiarities of EM in adolescents and provides an update of recent knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of EM. We hope that the present contribution may help to bring more attention to the clinical diagnosis of EM and consequently aid in decreasing diagnostic delay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michail Matalliotakis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Venizeleio and Pananio General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete, Greece; Section of Molecular Pathology and Human Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ashraf T Soliman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Alexandria University Children's Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Elsefdy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ain Shams University, Egypt
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