Research paper
A two-arm parallel double-blind randomised controlled pilot trial of the efficacy of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids for the treatment of women with endometriosis-associated pain (PurFECT1)
Study answer
What this study found
O-PUFA did not produce a statistically significant improvement in pain scores or quality-of-life outcomes versus olive oil over 8 weeks. Both treatment groups showed a trend toward improvement in pelvic pain and quality of life, but between-group differences were not significant. Feasibility outcomes supported the conduct of a larger definitive multicentre trial, and no adverse events were reported. At 8 weeks, 14/17 in the O-PUFA group and 13/16 in the olive oil group completed follow-up.
- Study & population
- Two-arm parallel double-blind randomized controlled pilot trial in women of reproductive age with surgically diagnosed endometriosis and associated pelvic pain.
- Intervention
- Omega-3-acid ethyl ester polyunsaturated fatty acids were given as one 1000 mg capsule twice daily for 8 weeks.
- Key limitation
- This was a small pilot study with only 17 active-arm participants, limiting power to detect clinical effects.
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Open PDFOriginal abstract
Background Endometriosis is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue (lesions) outside the uterus, commonly on the pelvic peritoneum. It affects 6–10% of women and is associated with debilitating pelvic pain. Current management options are …