The Effects of Cabergoline Compared to Dienogest in Women with Symptomatic Endometrioma

Abstract

Background: New vessel formation or neovascularization has been recognized as a feature of endometriosis. Treatment with cabergoline suppresses cell proliferation and vascular-endothelial-growth-factor-mediated angiogenesis, thereby promoting regression of endometriotic lesions. Dienogest, a fourth-generation progestin currently in use for the treatment of endometriosis significantly decreases the volume of endometrial implants. Objective: The objective of the study was to see if cabergoline is as effective as dienogest in reducing the size of endometriomas and pelvic pain in women with endometriosis. Methods: The prospective comparative study was carried out on 56 women with endometrioma (diagnosed by ultrasound), divided by odd and even numbers into two groups. Cabergoline, 0.5[Formula: see text]mg tablet twice weekly, was given to 28 women for 3 months. Dienogest, 2[Formula: see text]mg tablet daily, was given to 28 women for the same duration. Pre- and post-treatment assessment of endometrioma size by transvaginal sonography and pelvic pain using the 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) were recorded. Results: The percentage reduction in endometrioma size in women given dienogest was twice that compared to the women given cabergoline. Mean VAS score after 3 months was significantly lower in the cabergoline group compared to dienogest ([Formula: see text]). The incidence of nausea, vomiting, and headache were similar in cabergoline and dienogest group. There was polymenorrhea in the cabergoline group and irregular spotting in the dienogest group. Conclusions: Reduction of the size of endometrioma is less apparent with cabergoline than dienogest after 3 months of treatment. Cabergoline yields better results in decreasing pelvic pain compared to dienogest.