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Cancer research

Endometriosis and Uterine Fibroids Show Association in Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A comprehensive study published in the journal eClinicalMedicine has highlighted the association between endometriosis and uterine fibroids, with women with endometriosis showing a 2.91 to 10.41 times higher odds of developing fibroids compared to controls. The study, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, systematically searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus for studies reporting data on fibroids occurrence in patients with and without endometriosis.

Key Takeaways:

  • Endometriosis and uterine fibroids are estrogen-dependent gynecological disorders with a significant burden on women's health worldwide.
  • Women with endometriosis have a significantly higher odds of developing fibroids, with a pooled odds ratio of 2.91 (95% CI: 1.78-4.75).
  • Body mass index (BMI) influences the estimates, with nulliparous women showing a 5.23 times higher odds of fibroids compared to those with a BMI of 50%.
  • Sensitivity analysis with only asymptomatic controls showed an increased odds ratio of 7.01 (95% CI: 4.72-10.41).
  • The study found a significant association between endometriosis and fibroids, with women with endometriosis having a three-to tenfold higher odds of fibroids compared to controls.

Statistics:

  • 4351 articles were identified in the systematic search, with 23 meeting eligibility criteria.
  • The study included 3,109,231 patients, with 118,716 having endometriosis and 2,990,515 controls.
  • The pooled odds ratio for endometriosis and fibroids was 2.91 (95% CI: 1.78-4.75).
  • Sensitivity analysis with only asymptomatic controls showed an increased odds ratio of 7.01 (95% CI: 4.72-10.41).

Sources:

  • eClinicalMedicine, 2025;89:103510.
  • Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan 20122, Italy.
  • Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands.

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