Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)最新文献

{"title":"Fluid Resuscitation with Lactated Ringer vs. Normal Saline in Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.","authors":"Freiser Eceomo Cruz Mosquera, Elizabeth Camacho Benítez, Mariatta Catalina Ceballos Benavides, Julián Esteban Castillo Muñoz, Carlos Andrés Castañeda, Yamil Liscano","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090300","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090300","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Initial fluid therapy in acute pancreatitis is critical for modulating the systemic inflammatory response. The choice between Lactated Ringer and normal saline remains debated, given their potentially divergent impacts on disease progression and clinically relevant outcomes. The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the effectiveness of one solution versus the other in patients with AP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review of randomized clinical trials published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted through an exhaustive search in databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Springer, Scielo, and Cochrane. The review protocol adhered to the recommendations established by PRISMA. The methodological quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Jadad scale, while statistical analyses were performed with RevMan 5.4^® and Jamovi 2.3.28^® software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five trials with 299 patients showed that, in patients with AP, Lactated Ringer significantly reduced ICU admission (RR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18-0.85; <i>p</i> = 0.02) and the progression of pancreatitis (RR: 0.63; 95% CI: 0.40-0.98; <i>p</i> = 0.04). There was no significant difference in mortality or hospital stay (SMD: -0.89; 95% CI: -2.26 to 0.48; <i>p</i> = 0.23). No clear effects were observed on SIRS at 24, 48, and 72 h. CRP at 48 h was significantly lower with lactate (SMD: -3.91; 95% CI: -4.66 to -3.17; <i>p</i> < 0.00001), but not at 72 h.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The administration of Lactated Ringer in acute pancreatitis shows clinical and anti-inflammatory benefits, but the evidence is mostly of low quality.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468465/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: Unraveling Its Molecular Pathogenesis and Advancing Targeted Therapeutic Strategies.","authors":"Elisavet Apostolidou, Vasileios Georgoulis, Dimitrios Leonardos, Eleni Kapsali, Eleftheria Hatzimichael","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090298","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090298","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired clonal hematologic disorder caused by somatic mutations in the <i>PIGA</i> gene of hematopoietic stem cells, leading to the absence of GPI-anchored proteins, including the complement regulators CD55 and CD59. This deficiency results in uncontrolled complement activation, causing intravascular and extravascular hemolysis, thrombosis, and bone marrow failure. Historically associated with substantial morbidity, PNH management has been transformed by the advent of complement inhibitors. Eculizumab, the first approved C5 inhibitor, significantly reduced thrombotic risk and improved survival but did not eliminate anemia due to extravascular hemolysis. Newer agents now target proximal complement components, offering broader control and improved convenience. This review summarizes the pathophysiology of PNH, evaluates established and emerging complement inhibitors, and discusses ongoing therapeutic challenges and future directions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152092","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gut Microbiota in Adults with Chronic Widespread Pain: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Pui-Ying Leong, Lin-Hong Shi","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090299","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090299","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Chronic widespread pain (CWP), a key feature of fibromyalgia (FM), has been increasingly associated with gut microbiota alterations, yet the specific changes in microbial composition and the therapeutic potential of probiotics or prebiotics in these patients remain unclear. This systematic review aimed to synthesize current evidence regarding gut microbiota alterations and the effects of microbiota-targeted interventions in individuals with CWP/FM.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid Embase, Medline, Ovid AMED, and Global Health. These studies were categorized into two primary themes: changes in gut microbiota composition at various taxonomic levels and the therapeutic impact of microbiota-involved treatments in patients with CWP/FM.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We finally identified 432 studies, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicate that while alterations in the gut microbiota have been observed in CWP patients, the evidence remains limited and heterogeneous.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Preliminary indications suggest a potential role of dysbiosis in the pathophysiology of CWP, but further rigorously designed studies are needed to clarify the therapeutic efficacy of microbiota-based interventions in this patient population.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468995/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of <i>BRCA</i> Status on Reproductive Outcomes in Breast Cancer Patients in Romania: A Retrospective Study.","authors":"Cristina Tanase-Damian, Diana Loreta Paun, Nicoleta Zenovia Antone, Alexandru Eniu, Carina Crisan, Eliza Belea, Anca-Magdalena Coricovac, Ioan Tanase, Patriciu Andrei Achimas-Cadariu, Alexandru Blidaru","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090297","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, and advances in genetic screening have led to a growing number of patients being identified as <i>BRCA</i> mutation carriers. For these women, the safety of pregnancy following cancer treatment remains insufficiently studied, and possible biological mechanisms-including defective DNA repair pathways and accelerated depletion of the ovarian reserve-may influence fertility potential and pregnancy outcomes. This exploratory research set out to examine whether <i>BRCA</i> status impacts reproductive outcomes in breast cancer survivors, while also considering underlying biological explanations for any observed differences. <b>Methods:</b> We performed a retrospective, single-institution cohort study involving young women with non-metastatic breast cancer who had undergone <i>BRCA</i> testing over a 17-year period. Clinical, oncologic, and reproductive data were collected and patients were followed longitudinally. <b>Results:</b> Of the 117 women who met eligibility criteria, 15 conceived at least once after cancer therapy; 11 carried no <i>BRCA</i> mutation, and 4 were <i>BRCA</i>-positive (2 with <i>BRCA</i>1 and 2 with <i>BRCA</i>2 variants). While the overall cohorts were broadly comparable, significant differences emerged in terms of tumor grade, hormone receptor status, <i>HER</i>2 expression, and treatment modalities. <i>BRCA</i> mutation status did not appear to influence reproductive outcomes, and all pregnancies in both groups progressed to full-term delivery without major obstetric complications or congenital anomalies. <b>Conclusions:</b> Within the limitations of a small, retrospective, single-center dataset without adjustment for confounding variables, these preliminary findings suggest that pregnancy after breast cancer may be safe for <i>BRCA</i> mutation carriers, with no apparent adverse effect on maternal prognosis or birth outcomes. Confirmation from larger, prospective, multicenter studies is essential to validate these results, clarify possible biological mechanisms, and inform evidence-based fertility counseling and survivorship planning for this patient population.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151992","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors and Their Potential Clinical Application in Periodontitis.","authors":"Daniela Mendoza-Juárez, Manuel Sánchez-Gutiérrez, Aleli Julieta Izquierdo-Vega, Eduardo Osiris Madrigal-Santillán, Claudia Velázquez-González, Jeannett Alejandra Izquierdo-Vega","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090296","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090296","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases recognized for their involvement in the degradation of the extracellular matrix and their important role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. This chronic inflammatory condition causes the degradation of dental supporting tissues, resulting in bone loss. In patients with periodontitis, the expression and activation of MMPs, especially MMP-8 and MMP-9, significantly influence tissue degradation. In periodontitis treatment, various natural or synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) and antibiotics are used in sub-antimicrobial doses. However, while the evidence supports a role for MMPIs in reducing inflammation, preserving connective tissue, and improving the results of conventional periodontitis treatment, their clinical application is limited. In this review, we summarize MMPIs, their characteristics, and the mechanisms of action that may support their use in the treatment of periodontitis. In conclusion, MMPIs are a therapeutic alternative with great potential in the management of periodontitis, especially when combined with mechanical treatments, although further research is needed to optimize their clinical use.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468717/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152103","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiological Patterns of Genital Ulcer Disease and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Public Clinic Attendees in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa.","authors":"Thembisa R Tshaka, Lindiwe M Faye, Teke R Apalata, Zizipho Z A Mbulawa","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090293","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090293","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common globally, posing significant public health challenges and financial strain, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) accounts for 40% of global STI prevalence, with South Africa having the highest rates of curable STIs and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), both of which are closely linked to increasing HIV transmission risk and other STIs. Genital ulcer disease (GUD), primarily caused by HSV-1, HSV-2, and <i>Treponema pallidum</i>, and less frequently by <i>Haemophilus ducreyi</i>, <i>Klebsiella granulomatis</i>, and <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i>, exemplifies the complex interplay of STIs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study analyzed GUD and co-infection with HIV, testing patterns, and co-occurrence trends among public clinic attendees in Mthatha, South Africa, to identify demographic, behavioral, and occupational disparities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sex-specific analysis revealed higher HIV prevalence among female attendees (47.00%) compared to male attendees (22.00%), alongside notable testing gaps and disparities in diseases such as syphilis, genital herpes, and lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). Age-specific trends indicated the highest HIV prevalence in individuals aged 30-49, with peaks at 66.67% (30-39) and 76.47% (40-49). <i>Treponema pallidum</i> and HSV-2 prevalence were most pronounced in younger age groups (<20 and 20-29), while older demographics (50+) exhibited significant diagnostic gaps. Occupation-based analysis highlighted elevated HIV (65.91%) and HSV-2 (19.61%) prevalence among unemployed individuals, reflecting socioeconomic vulnerabilities. Co-occurrence analysis revealed notable overlaps, such as HIV and HSV-2 (6.67%) and <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> with HSV-1 (5.71%) and HSV-2 (4.76%), driven by shared risk factors. Correlation analysis identified strong links between HSV-1 and <i>Haemophilus ducreyi</i> (0.64) and between <i>Chlamydia trachomatis</i> and HSV-1 (0.56), underscoring the potential for integrated diagnostic strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings emphasize the need for targeted public health interventions addressing sex, age, and occupational disparities while improving diagnostic coverage and prevention efforts for co-occurring infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12469101/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevention and Management of Perioperative Acute Kidney Injury: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Mary O'Dell Duplechin, Garrett T Folds, Drake P Duplechin, Shahab Ahmadzadeh, Sarah H Myers, Sahar Shekoohi, Alan D Kaye","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090295","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute kidney injury is a common complication in the perioperative setting, especially among patients undergoing high-risk surgeries such as cardiac, abdominal, or orthopedic procedures. Characterized by a sudden decline in renal function, perioperative acute kidney injury is typically diagnosed based on rising serum creatinine or reduced urine output. Its incidence varies depending on the surgical type and patient risk factors, but even mild cases are linked to significant consequences, including prolonged hospital stays, enhanced healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates. Despite advances in surgical and anesthetic care, acute kidney injury remains a major cause of morbidity. The development of acute kidney injury in the perioperative period often results from a complex interplay of hypoperfusion, ischemia-reperfusion injury, inflammation, and exposure to nephrotoxic agents. While some predictive models and biomarkers, such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), have shown promise in identifying patients at risk, widespread adoption remains inconsistent, and standardized prevention protocols are lacking. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on the pathophysiology, risk factors, and prevention strategies for perioperative acute kidney injury. It explores emerging tools for risk stratification and early diagnosis, including novel biomarkers and learning-based models. Additionally, it highlights pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic measures to reduce acute kidney injury incidence, such as balanced fluid management, renal-protective anesthetic strategies, and bundle-based care approaches. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary and personalized model of care, this review highlights the need for coordinated efforts between anesthesiologists, surgeons, and nephrologists to identify modifiable risks and improve outcomes. Reducing the incidence of perioperative acute kidney injury has the potential to enhance recovery, preserve long-term kidney function, and ultimately improve surgical safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decoding Microbiome's Role in Prostate Cancer Progression and Treatment Response.","authors":"Minas Sakellakis, Panagiota Resta, Evangelia Papagianni, Kassandra A Procter, Irene Belouka, Katerina Gioti, Fragkiski Anthouli-Anagnostopoulou, Dimitrios Chaniotis, Apostolos Beloukas","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090294","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090294","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common genitourinary malignancy in men, with a multifactorial etiology influenced by genetic, environmental, and microbial determinants. Although the prostate was traditionally considered sterile, advances in microbiome research have challenged this view, revealing potential links between microbial communities and PCa development, progression, and treatment response. This review synthesizes evidence on the gut, urinary, seminal fluid, and prostatic microbiomes, highlighting their potential contributions to PCa pathogenesis and therapeutic outcomes. Key studies utilizing next-generation sequencing (NGS), whole-genome sequencing (WGS), PCR, and metagenomic analyses have identified specific bacterial and fungal taxa associated with Pca; however, findings remain inconsistent across methodologies and cohorts. Microorganisms such as <i>Propionibacterium acnes</i> and <i>Pseudomonas</i> spp. may modulate inflammation, immune responses, and resistance to androgen-deprivation therapy. Further research is required to determine whether microbial signatures can serve as reliable biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, or novel therapeutic strategies in PCa management.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468272/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emerging Clinical Role of Tavapadon, a Novel Dopamine Partial Agonist, in the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease.","authors":"Alan D Kaye, Bennett M Ford, Brennan M Abbott, Kalob M Broocks, Sofia Novacic, Sahar Shekoohi","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090290","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090290","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tavapadon, a novel oral dopamine-D1R/D5R partial agonist, has been studied in recent years for the treatment of late-stage development Parkinson's disease (PD). Levodopa, a dopamine precursor that currently remains the gold-standard first-line therapy for PD motor symptoms, serves as a benchmark against emerging dopaminergic agents. By selectively activating D1-family receptors on direct-pathway medium neurons, Tavapadon differs in that it delivers levodopa-level motor benefit while avoiding its many D2R/D3R-mediated adverse effects. In placebo-controlled trials, Tavapadon produced clear, clinically meaningful gains in motor function and day-to-day activities, as captured by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Recent late-stage results have revealed that Tavapadon maintains superior UPDRS outcomes in de novo patients and, when added to levodopa, extended \"ON\" time periods of reliable motor control free of troublesome dyskinesia, without introducing new safety concerns. In studies, nausea, headache, and somnolence were the most frequent adverse events. Hallucinations, orthostatic hypotension, and impulse-control disorders remained comparable to placebo, reflecting minimal D2R/D3R-mediated effects. Preclinical primate studies have demonstrated levodopa-like motor rescue with markedly less dyskinesia, a pattern mirrored in clinical add-on trials. Collectively, evidence indicates that Tavapadon can match levodopa-mediated symptomatic efficacy, lower dyskinesia liability compared with levodopa or earlier full D1 receptor (D1R) agonists, and offer the convenience of once-daily dosing characteristics, which may bridge the therapeutic gap between levodopa and the current D2R/D3R agonists in PD management. In the present investigation, the emerging clinical role for Tavapadon is described, along with the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, safety, and future directions.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468602/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145151743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of the Impact of Chronic Pain on the Prevalence of Depressive Disorders in Patients with Endometriosis.","authors":"Edyta Rysiak, Anna Grajewska, Anna Łońska, Jakub Tomaszewski, Karolina Kymona, Joanna Rostkowska","doi":"10.3390/diseases13090291","DOIUrl":"10.3390/diseases13090291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Endometriosis is a chronic, estrogen-dependent inflammatory and immunological disease, with chronic pain being its predominant clinical manifestation. This condition significantly impairs quality of life and is frequently associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms, further exacerbating social and occupational dysfunction in affected women. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between chronic pain in patients with endometriosis and the severity of depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of 60 women of reproductive age treated at the Tomaszewski Medical Center in Białystok between 2023 and 2024. Pain intensity was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the McGill Pain Questionnaire, while depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Statistical analyses included the Student <i>t</i>-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, chi-square test, and Shapiro-Wilk test, with significance set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. Pain intensity was significantly higher during menstruation (M = 7.23) compared to non-menstrual phases of the cycle (M = 4.55; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Accompanying symptoms included sleep disturbances, reduced activity, and gastrointestinal complaints. Depressive symptoms were also more severe during menstruation (M = 30.12) than during the rest of the cycle (M = 22.15; <i>p</i> < 0.001). A significant association between pain severity and depressive symptoms was observed during menstruation (χ²(4) = 12.89; <i>p</i> = 0.012), but not outside this phase.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>(1) Pain in endometriosis is chronic and cyclic in nature. (2) Depressive symptoms are common but may be masked by nonspecific somatic complaints. (3) Pain intensity strongly correlates with the severity of depressive disorders, particularly during menstruation. (4) The coexistence of depression significantly impairs patient functioning. (5) Effective management of endometriosis should integrate gynecological treatment with psychological support and psychiatric care when necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":72832,"journal":{"name":"Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)","volume":"13 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12468630/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145152009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}