Endometriosis and XXXX risk: a systematic review of epidemiological studies.

@entity43 @entity46 @entity5
BACKGROUND: A possible etiological association between @entity46 and @entity43 has been repeatedly reported in the literature. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate published epidemiological data on this issue. REVIEW METHODS: We conducted an extensive search of the literature in MEDLINE, of articles ever published until February 2014, using the key-words " @entity46 " and "ovarian" and one of the following terms in the title: " @entity5 " or " @entity5 " or " @entity5 " or "transformation." Retrieved papers were checked for further relevant publications. RESULTS: Overall, our search yielded 1 prospective cohort study, 10 retrospective cohort, and 5 case-control studies. A meta-analysis of these studies was not considered to be appropriate, due to differences in data reporting, study design, and adjustment for confounding factors. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of studies found, with one exception, was the lack of operative confirmation of @entity46 . CONCLUSION: An association of @entity46 with @entity43 was a consistent finding in most studies. On the other hand, existing epidemiological evidence linking @entity46 with @entity43 is insufficient to change current clinical practice. Prospective cohort studies, with prior laparoscopic confirmation, localization, and staging of @entity46 are needed, in order to further clarify this issue.
