chronic pelvic pain Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2022;44(9):891-898
To evaluate the effect of neuromodulatory drugs on the intensity of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women.
Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Cochrane Central, Embase, Lilacs, OpenGrey, and Clinical Trials databases.
The searches were carried out by two of the authors, not delimiting publication date or original language. The following descriptors were used: chronic pelvic pain in women OR endometriosis, associated with MESH/ENTREE/DeCS: gabapentinoids, gabapentin, amitriptyline, antidepressant, pregabalin, anticonvulsant, sertraline, duloxetine, nortriptyline, citalopram, imipramine, venlafaxine, neuromodulation drugs, acyclic pelvic pain, serotonin, noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants, with the Boolean operator OR. Case reports and systematic reviews were excluded.
The following data were extracted: author, year of publication, setting, type of study, sample size, intervention details, follow-up time, and results.
A total of 218 articles were found, with 79 being excluded because they were repeated, leaving 139 articles for analysis: 90 were excluded in the analysis of the titles, 37 after reading the abstract, and 4 after reading the articles in full, and 1 could not be found, therefore, leaving 7 articles that were included in the review.
Most of the studies analyzed have shown pain improvement with the help of neuromodulators for chronic pain. However, no improvement was found in the study with the highest statistical power. There is still not enough evidence that neuromodulatory drugs reduce the intensity of pain in women with CPP.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2022;44(9):891-898
To evaluate the effect of neuromodulatory drugs on the intensity of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in women.
Searches were carried out in the PubMed, Cochrane Central, Embase, Lilacs, OpenGrey, and Clinical Trials databases.
The searches were carried out by two of the authors, not delimiting publication date or original language. The following descriptors were used: chronic pelvic pain in women OR endometriosis, associated with MESH/ENTREE/DeCS: gabapentinoids, gabapentin, amitriptyline, antidepressant, pregabalin, anticonvulsant, sertraline, duloxetine, nortriptyline, citalopram, imipramine, venlafaxine, neuromodulation drugs, acyclic pelvic pain, serotonin, noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants, with the Boolean operator OR. Case reports and systematic reviews were excluded.
The following data were extracted: author, year of publication, setting, type of study, sample size, intervention details, follow-up time, and results.
A total of 218 articles were found, with 79 being excluded because they were repeated, leaving 139 articles for analysis: 90 were excluded in the analysis of the titles, 37 after reading the abstract, and 4 after reading the articles in full, and 1 could not be found, therefore, leaving 7 articles that were included in the review.
Most of the studies analyzed have shown pain improvement with the help of neuromodulators for chronic pain. However, no improvement was found in the study with the highest statistical power. There is still not enough evidence that neuromodulatory drugs reduce the intensity of pain in women with CPP.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2022;44(3):295-303
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects women of reproductive age, causing pain and the possibility of infertility. Endometriosis was associated to low life quality and research shows the impact of endometriosis in several areas of life, justifying how these patients are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and stress.
The aim of the present systematic review was to explore the field of psychology in endometriosis, identifying studies that used the cognitive behavioral therapy technique as a treatment for endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.
The keywords used were Endometriosis and Behavioral Therapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Mental Health; Psychological Techniques; Psychology; Psychotherapy; Mental Health Services; and the search was performed in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Scielo, Lilacs, and Capes. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines and all studies whose intervention strategy used was related to cognitive-behavioral therapy were considered.
Of the 129 articles found, only 5 were selected, and it was possible to identify that the psychological intervention whose approach brought cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques promoted a decrease in the sensation of pain, improvements in the scores of depression and stress, and significant changes in aspects of quality of life such as vitality, physical and social functioning, emotional well-being, control, and autonomy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very promising to take care of the emotional side of those who have endometriosis However, the present systematic review highlights the need to develop more structured studies with consistent, clear and replicablemethods to reach a psychological intervention protocol for patients who live with this gynecological-physical-emotional condition.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2022;44(3):295-303
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that affects women of reproductive age, causing pain and the possibility of infertility. Endometriosis was associated to low life quality and research shows the impact of endometriosis in several areas of life, justifying how these patients are more likely to develop depression, anxiety, and stress.
The aim of the present systematic review was to explore the field of psychology in endometriosis, identifying studies that used the cognitive behavioral therapy technique as a treatment for endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain.
The keywords used were Endometriosis and Behavioral Therapy; Behavioral Disciplines and Activities; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Mental Health; Psychological Techniques; Psychology; Psychotherapy; Mental Health Services; and the search was performed in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Scielo, Lilacs, and Capes. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines and all studies whose intervention strategy used was related to cognitive-behavioral therapy were considered.
Of the 129 articles found, only 5 were selected, and it was possible to identify that the psychological intervention whose approach brought cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques promoted a decrease in the sensation of pain, improvements in the scores of depression and stress, and significant changes in aspects of quality of life such as vitality, physical and social functioning, emotional well-being, control, and autonomy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be very promising to take care of the emotional side of those who have endometriosis However, the present systematic review highlights the need to develop more structured studies with consistent, clear and replicablemethods to reach a psychological intervention protocol for patients who live with this gynecological-physical-emotional condition.
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Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2020;42(8):486-492
, , , , , , To determine the average body composition (percentage of body fat), the anthropometric markers, and the intensity of clinical pain in women with a clinical diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) secondary to endometriosis.
A case-control study performed with 91 women, 46 of whom with CPP secondary to endometriosis and 45 of whom with CPP secondary to other causes. They underwent an evaluation of the anthropometric parameters by means of the body mass index (BMI), the perimeters (waist, abdomen, hip), and the percentage of body fat (%BF), which were assessed on a body composition monitor by bioimpedance; the intensity of the clinical pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), and the symptoms of anxiety and depression, using the hospital’s anxiety and depression scale (HAD).
The groups did not differ in terms of mean age, BMI, %BF or regarding the available waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The mean intensity of the clinical pain by the VAS was of 7.2 ± 2.06 in the group with CPP secondary to endometriosis, and of 5.93 ± 2.64 in the group with CPP secondary to other causes (p = 0.03), revealing significant differences between the groups.
We concluded that, despite the difference in the pain score assessed between the two groups, there was no difference regarding body composition and anthropometry.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2020;42(8):486-492
, , , , , , To determine the average body composition (percentage of body fat), the anthropometric markers, and the intensity of clinical pain in women with a clinical diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain (CPP) secondary to endometriosis.
A case-control study performed with 91 women, 46 of whom with CPP secondary to endometriosis and 45 of whom with CPP secondary to other causes. They underwent an evaluation of the anthropometric parameters by means of the body mass index (BMI), the perimeters (waist, abdomen, hip), and the percentage of body fat (%BF), which were assessed on a body composition monitor by bioimpedance; the intensity of the clinical pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), and the symptoms of anxiety and depression, using the hospital’s anxiety and depression scale (HAD).
The groups did not differ in terms of mean age, BMI, %BF or regarding the available waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The mean intensity of the clinical pain by the VAS was of 7.2 ± 2.06 in the group with CPP secondary to endometriosis, and of 5.93 ± 2.64 in the group with CPP secondary to other causes (p = 0.03), revealing significant differences between the groups.
We concluded that, despite the difference in the pain score assessed between the two groups, there was no difference regarding body composition and anthropometry.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2019;41(3):170-175
Endometriosis is a complex disease, and pain is an important component of the syndrome. One of the most used methods to assess pain is the visual analogue scale (VAS). The aim of the present research was to study the pain experienced by patients who referred to our unit for endometriosis, using the VAS to understand the variables that could influence it.
We have conducted a prospective study from February 2012 to December 2016, enrolling 388 patients who referred to a university hospital, in Florence, Italy. We have included in the present study patients during their follow-up for endometriosis; we have also included patients who underwent surgery with a histological diagnosis of endometriosis. We have collected sociodemographic and clinical information regarding age, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, number of pregnancies, and endometriosis staging. Finally, we have administered the VAS for several symptoms.
Dysmenorrhea was the symptom associated with the highest perception of pain (mean VAS score of 5.76). The logistic regression showed that the stage of endometriosis could influence the pain associated to constipation and to dysuria. The linear regression showed that age couldinfluencethe pain associated to constipation, to dyspareunia,and to dysmenorrhea. A positive correlation was found between dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain(CPP), between dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, and between constipation and dysuria.
Using a validated method, the VAS, we have studied the pain experienced by a group of patients with a history of endometriosis and observed that smoking habit and BMI did not influence the VAS scores, and that dysmenorrhea was associated with the highest perception of pain.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2019;41(3):170-175
Endometriosis is a complex disease, and pain is an important component of the syndrome. One of the most used methods to assess pain is the visual analogue scale (VAS). The aim of the present research was to study the pain experienced by patients who referred to our unit for endometriosis, using the VAS to understand the variables that could influence it.
We have conducted a prospective study from February 2012 to December 2016, enrolling 388 patients who referred to a university hospital, in Florence, Italy. We have included in the present study patients during their follow-up for endometriosis; we have also included patients who underwent surgery with a histological diagnosis of endometriosis. We have collected sociodemographic and clinical information regarding age, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, number of pregnancies, and endometriosis staging. Finally, we have administered the VAS for several symptoms.
Dysmenorrhea was the symptom associated with the highest perception of pain (mean VAS score of 5.76). The logistic regression showed that the stage of endometriosis could influence the pain associated to constipation and to dysuria. The linear regression showed that age couldinfluencethe pain associated to constipation, to dyspareunia,and to dysmenorrhea. A positive correlation was found between dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain(CPP), between dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia, and between constipation and dysuria.
Using a validated method, the VAS, we have studied the pain experienced by a group of patients with a history of endometriosis and observed that smoking habit and BMI did not influence the VAS scores, and that dysmenorrhea was associated with the highest perception of pain.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2016;38(9):443-449
to translate and adapt the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) to Portuguese and to assess its psychometric properties based on internal consistency, test-retest, factor analysis and divergent and convergent construct validities.
The study involved 218 participants and was approved by the local Research Ethics Committee. All participants gave written informed consent and their anonymity was ensured. The instrument was translated and culturally adapted for use in the Portuguese language. The internal consistency and factorial analysis were assessed by patients and physicians. Convergent and divergent validities were also assessed specifically for the patient group, as well as test-retest reliability. The Portuguese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for the analysis of the convergent validity. In addition, we applied a questionnaire of clinical and demographic data for the analysis of the divergent validity.
The adapted version of the PSQ showed good Cronbach’s α and test-retest values, and the results of the convergent construct validity between the PSQ and the PHQ-9 (r = 0.34; p = 0.02) and the STAI (r = 0.47; p = 0.001) were negative, significant and moderate correlations. Divergent validity showed significant correlations only with race and education. The Brazilian Portuguese versionof the PSQ proved to be a valid and reliable instrument, with psychometric properties suitable for the assessment of satisfaction among patients with chronic pelvic pain and their physicians in Brazil. The questionnairemay allow the homogenization of reports on this topic in the international literature.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2016;38(9):443-449
to translate and adapt the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ) to Portuguese and to assess its psychometric properties based on internal consistency, test-retest, factor analysis and divergent and convergent construct validities.
The study involved 218 participants and was approved by the local Research Ethics Committee. All participants gave written informed consent and their anonymity was ensured. The instrument was translated and culturally adapted for use in the Portuguese language. The internal consistency and factorial analysis were assessed by patients and physicians. Convergent and divergent validities were also assessed specifically for the patient group, as well as test-retest reliability. The Portuguese versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for the analysis of the convergent validity. In addition, we applied a questionnaire of clinical and demographic data for the analysis of the divergent validity.
The adapted version of the PSQ showed good Cronbach’s α and test-retest values, and the results of the convergent construct validity between the PSQ and the PHQ-9 (r = 0.34; p = 0.02) and the STAI (r = 0.47; p = 0.001) were negative, significant and moderate correlations. Divergent validity showed significant correlations only with race and education. The Brazilian Portuguese versionof the PSQ proved to be a valid and reliable instrument, with psychometric properties suitable for the assessment of satisfaction among patients with chronic pelvic pain and their physicians in Brazil. The questionnairemay allow the homogenization of reports on this topic in the international literature.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2016;38(1):47-52
Patient autonomy has great importance for a valid informed consent in clinical practice. Our objectives were to quantify thedomains of patient autonomy and to evaluate the variables that can affect patient autonomy in women with chronic pelvic pain.
This study is a cross sectional survey performed in a tertiary care University Hospital. Fifty-two consecutive women scheduled for laparoscopic management of chronic pelvic were included. Three major components of autonomy (competence, information or freedom) were evaluated using a Likert scale with 24 validated affirmatives.
Competence scores (0.85 vs 0.92; p = 0.006) and information scores (0.90 vs 0.93; p = 0.02) were low for women with less than eight years of school attendance. Information scores were low in the presence of anxiety (0.91 vs 0.93; p = 0.05) or depression (0.90 vs 0.93; p = 0.01).
Our data show that systematic evaluation of patient autonomy can provide clinical relevant information in gynecology. Low educational level, anxiety and depression might reduce the patient autonomy in women with chronic pelvic pain.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2016;38(1):47-52
Patient autonomy has great importance for a valid informed consent in clinical practice. Our objectives were to quantify thedomains of patient autonomy and to evaluate the variables that can affect patient autonomy in women with chronic pelvic pain.
This study is a cross sectional survey performed in a tertiary care University Hospital. Fifty-two consecutive women scheduled for laparoscopic management of chronic pelvic were included. Three major components of autonomy (competence, information or freedom) were evaluated using a Likert scale with 24 validated affirmatives.
Competence scores (0.85 vs 0.92; p = 0.006) and information scores (0.90 vs 0.93; p = 0.02) were low for women with less than eight years of school attendance. Information scores were low in the presence of anxiety (0.91 vs 0.93; p = 0.05) or depression (0.90 vs 0.93; p = 0.01).
Our data show that systematic evaluation of patient autonomy can provide clinical relevant information in gynecology. Low educational level, anxiety and depression might reduce the patient autonomy in women with chronic pelvic pain.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2006;28(10):612-623
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001000008
Despite a wide heterogeneity of clinical manifestations related to endometriosis, a high prevalence of the disease is observed in infertile women and in those with chronic pelvic pain. This enigmatic condition has a high socioeconomic impact, and the described data regarding efficacy of the therapeutic approaches are quite conflicting. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to describe the available scientific evidence about the applicable therapeutic modalities and to provide recommendations for the treatment of infertility and the chronic pelvic pain related to endometriosis. Although suppression of ovarian function in patients with minimal or mild endometriosis is not effective in improving fertility, ablation of the lesions associated with adhesiolysis seems to be more effective than exclusive diagnostic laparoscopy. There is no sufficient evidence to determine whether surgical excision in cases of moderate or severe disease would improve the pregnancy rates. In vitro fertilization seems to be an adequate approach, especially in cases of coexistence of infertility factors and/or failure of other treatments. The possibility of using GnRH for 3 to 6 months before in vitro fertilization should be considered. Regarding pain relief, suppression of ovarian function for 3 to 6 months in patients with laparoscopically-confirmed disease reduces the pain associated with endometriosis. All studied medication seem to have similar efficacy, differing only in terms of adverse effects and costs. Ablation of endometriotic lesion reduces the pain associated with endometriosis, being less effective in cases of minimal disease. Exeresis of endometriomas with diameter > 4 cm seems to improve the rate of natural fecundity and the rate for ??? obtained after assisted reproduction procedures, in addition to reducing both pain and recurrence risk. Finally, it is important to emphasize that this subject is much controversial and the recommendations herein described should be revised as randomized controlled clinical trials with adequate casuistic generate more concrete and reliable evidence.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2006;28(10):612-623
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032006001000008
Despite a wide heterogeneity of clinical manifestations related to endometriosis, a high prevalence of the disease is observed in infertile women and in those with chronic pelvic pain. This enigmatic condition has a high socioeconomic impact, and the described data regarding efficacy of the therapeutic approaches are quite conflicting. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to describe the available scientific evidence about the applicable therapeutic modalities and to provide recommendations for the treatment of infertility and the chronic pelvic pain related to endometriosis. Although suppression of ovarian function in patients with minimal or mild endometriosis is not effective in improving fertility, ablation of the lesions associated with adhesiolysis seems to be more effective than exclusive diagnostic laparoscopy. There is no sufficient evidence to determine whether surgical excision in cases of moderate or severe disease would improve the pregnancy rates. In vitro fertilization seems to be an adequate approach, especially in cases of coexistence of infertility factors and/or failure of other treatments. The possibility of using GnRH for 3 to 6 months before in vitro fertilization should be considered. Regarding pain relief, suppression of ovarian function for 3 to 6 months in patients with laparoscopically-confirmed disease reduces the pain associated with endometriosis. All studied medication seem to have similar efficacy, differing only in terms of adverse effects and costs. Ablation of endometriotic lesion reduces the pain associated with endometriosis, being less effective in cases of minimal disease. Exeresis of endometriomas with diameter > 4 cm seems to improve the rate of natural fecundity and the rate for ??? obtained after assisted reproduction procedures, in addition to reducing both pain and recurrence risk. Finally, it is important to emphasize that this subject is much controversial and the recommendations herein described should be revised as randomized controlled clinical trials with adequate casuistic generate more concrete and reliable evidence.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2000;22(2):95-100
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000200006
SUMMARY Purpose: to study the usefulness of minilaparoscopy in diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain. Methods: women with pelvic pain were prospectively analyzed and underwent an office video-microlaparoscopy. We analyzed the data regarding procedure time, stay in the recovery room, acceptance of anesthesia, and morbidity. Results: the average procedure time of the office video-microlaparoscopy was 19 min, the average stay for recovery was 43 min, and the technical quality of the image was excellent or good in 100% of the selected patients. The following laparoscopic findings were reported: 34.4% endometriosis, 28.1% pelvic adhesion, 12.5% pelvic varices, and 25% normal. Based on Bordhal et al.'s¹ criteria, a low frequency of pain manifestation during local anesthesia (12.5%) and discomfort on pneumoperitoneum (46.9%) were noticed. It could also be observed that, according to Milki and Tazuke's² criteria, the tolerance to the method was excellent and good (96.9%). Twenty-four hours after the procedure the morbidity rate was in accordance with Chung et al.'s³ criteria, showing a high frequency of pain at the incision area (59.4%) and sleepiness (43.8%). Only 3.1% reported they felt pain during the procedure, which shows the acceptance of the method by the patients. Conclusions: the acceptance of anesthesia and of the surgical procedure and the low morbidity allow the use of minilaparoscopy as a very important method in investigating patients with pelvic pain.
Summary
Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2000;22(2):95-100
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032000000200006
SUMMARY Purpose: to study the usefulness of minilaparoscopy in diagnosing the cause of pelvic pain. Methods: women with pelvic pain were prospectively analyzed and underwent an office video-microlaparoscopy. We analyzed the data regarding procedure time, stay in the recovery room, acceptance of anesthesia, and morbidity. Results: the average procedure time of the office video-microlaparoscopy was 19 min, the average stay for recovery was 43 min, and the technical quality of the image was excellent or good in 100% of the selected patients. The following laparoscopic findings were reported: 34.4% endometriosis, 28.1% pelvic adhesion, 12.5% pelvic varices, and 25% normal. Based on Bordhal et al.'s¹ criteria, a low frequency of pain manifestation during local anesthesia (12.5%) and discomfort on pneumoperitoneum (46.9%) were noticed. It could also be observed that, according to Milki and Tazuke's² criteria, the tolerance to the method was excellent and good (96.9%). Twenty-four hours after the procedure the morbidity rate was in accordance with Chung et al.'s³ criteria, showing a high frequency of pain at the incision area (59.4%) and sleepiness (43.8%). Only 3.1% reported they felt pain during the procedure, which shows the acceptance of the method by the patients. Conclusions: the acceptance of anesthesia and of the surgical procedure and the low morbidity allow the use of minilaparoscopy as a very important method in investigating patients with pelvic pain.
