Development of deep endometriosis following significant hemoperitoneum
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of deep endometriosis following significant hemoperitoneum
IRAS ID
259550
Contact name
Davor Jurkovic
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
UCL
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, days
Research summary
This purpose of this study is to determine whether in women who present with severe, acute pelvic pain, those who have evidence of blood clots in the pelvis, and are managed conservatively, are more likely to develop deep endometriosis than women with no blood clots.
Endometriosis is a common gynaecological condition. It occurs when tissue similar to the inner lining of the womb (endometrium) is found elsewhere, usually around the womb, ovaries and fallopian tubes, but sometimes also in the bladder and bowel. It is thought to be present in up to 40% of women. It can cause a wide range of pain symptoms, including menstrual and non-menstrual pelvic pain, pain during sexual intercourse, pain when opening bowels and when passing urine. These symptoms can be debilitating and have a significant negative impact on womens’ quality of life.
However, endometriosis is still a poorly understood condition, and we do not fully understand how it develops. The cause of deep endometriosis (DE) is unknown and there is currently no effective treatment for its prevention. There are many theories surrounding how endometriosis develops, but development is likely to be multifactorial. There are several studies describing the progression of endometriosis, and its response to medical and surgical therapy. There is however a lack of data describing how DE develops in the first instance.
A recent preliminary study conducted in our gynaecology unit found evidence to suggest that in women with severe, acute pelvic pain, who have evidence of blood clots in the pelvis, are more likely to develop endometriosis than those women who did not have blood clots. We however need a larger study to be able to demonstrate this point with a greater degree of certainty. This would enable us to identify women at risk of developing endometriosis, and look into preventative treatment.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
19/NI/0107
Date of REC Opinion
21 May 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion