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Evidence summaries

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Pain in Endometriosis

Evidence is insufficient for conclusions concerning the effectiveness of naproxen or other NSAIDs in managing pain caused by endometriosis. Level of evidence: "D"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 identified two studies but only one with a total of 24 subjects was included in the analysis. Comparing NSAIDs (naproxen) to placebo, there was no evidence of a positive effect on pain relief (odds ratio (OR) 3.27, 95% CI 0.61 to 17.69) in women with endometriosis. There was also inconclusive evidence to indicate whether women taking NSAIDs (naproxen) were less likely to require additional analgesia (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.29) or experience side effects (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.47) when compared to placebo.

Comment: The quality of evidence is downgraded by imprecise results (few patients and wide confidence intervals) and generally too weak evidence for conclusions.

References

Primary/Secondary Keywords