A Prospective Observational Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety Profiles of Leuprorelin 3 Month Depot for the Treatment of Pelvic Endometriosis

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the suppression of pituitary gonadotrophins and ovarian steroid hormones with the administration of a combination of leuprorelin depot 3.75 mg and leuprorelin depot 11.25 mg at 5 weeks apart.
Design: Prospective open observational study.
Setting: Gynaecology department of a public hospital under Hospital Authority in Hong Kong.
Patients: 25 consecutive symptomatic patients with laparoscopy or laparotomy proven stage III and stage IV pelvic endometriosis were recruited from February 2003 to July 2004.
Main outcome measures: Serum levels of 17-b-oestradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone; pelvic pain scores.
Other outcome measures: Side-effects and non-responders.
Results: This regimen of treatment was found to significantly suppress the endogenous oestradiol level to postmenopausal range and the pain scores to a very low level. These effects were well maintained till 24 weeks after commencement of treatment. Side-effects were mainly hot flushes and sweating and were tolerable by all subjects.
Conclusion: The combination of leuprorelin 3.75 mg and leuprorelin 11.25 mg 3 Month Depot is a safe and effective alternative to conventional monthly injection of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists. It can be recommended as a more cost-effective and patient-friendly alternative in the treatment of pelvic endometriosis.