[Effect of triptorelin and an extended-interval dosing regimen in the treatment of patients with endometriosis and adenomyoma].

OBJECTIVE: To study the role of triptorelin in the treatment of patients with endometriosis, adenomyoma and fibromyoma and the effect of an extended-interval dosing regimen. METHODS: Seventy patients suffering from endometriosis, adenomyoma and fibromyoma were divided into two groups: extended-interval dosing (group E) and conventional dosing (group C). There were treated with injection of triptorelin 3.75 mg intramuscularly either every 6 weeks of totally four dose regimen (group E) or every 4 weeks of six dose regimen (group C). Comparison was made in improvement of symptoms, size of uterus and volume of tumor, as well as in serum levels of 17beta-estradiol, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone. RESULTS: In each group, symptoms and tumor growth significantly improved after treatment (P < 0.05). For the patients of both groups E and C, the levels of gonadotropins and gonadal steroids were obviously reduced throughout the treatment period and up to 8 - 10 weeks after the injection of the last dose (P < 0.05). The hormonal profile of group E was similar to group C (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist is efficacious in the treatment of endometriosis and adenomyoma through reducing the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and 17beta-estradiol. The curative effect is satisfactory in most patients receiving an extended interval dosing regimen. To reduce the cost of treatment, the extended-interval dosing regimen of triptorelin should be adopted in well-equipped hospitals.