Anti-TNF-alpha treatment for deep endometriosis-associated pain: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Endometriosis is associated with an inflammatory response. Hence infliximab, an anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody, might relieve pain.

Methods

A randomized placebo-controlled trial was designed with 21 women with severe pain and a rectovaginal nodule of at least 1 cm. After 1 month of observation, three infusions of infliximab (5 mg/kg) or placebo were given. Surgery was performed 3 months later and follow-up continued for 6 months. The primary end-point was pain (dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia and non-menstrual pain) rated at each visit by the clinician and on a daily basis by the patient who in addition scored pain by visual analog pain scale and analgesia intake. Secondary end-points included the volume of the endometriotic nodule, pelvic tenderness and the vi

SUBMITTER: Koninckx PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2517154 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature