Isolated Adenomyosis Linked to Fewer Systemic Comorbidities Compared to Coexisting Endometriosis: Study Shows

Italy: A recent prospective observational study, published in Reproductive BioMedicine Online, sheds light on the systemic health profile of women diagnosed with adenomyosis. Led by Dr. Angela Gallone from the University of Florence and Careggi University Hospital, Italy, the research explored the prevalence of systemic comorbidities in women with isolated adenomyosis compared to those who also have endometriosis.

“Recent findings reveal that premenopausal women (aged 20–50) with isolated adenomyosis have a lower prevalence of systemic comorbidities compared to those with coexisting endometriosis,” the researchers reported. “Autoimmune disorders were observed in 14% of the adenomyosis-only group versus 24% in those with both conditions, while stress and pain-related disorders affected 30% and 47% of the respective groups. Notably, the presence of endometriosis significantly raised the risk of comorbidities (OR 1.65).”

Adenomyosis, a benign yet chronic uterine disorder, is known to cause symptoms like painful menstruation, heavy bleeding, and infertility. It frequently overlaps with conditions like endometriosis and uterine fibroids, often complicating diagnosis and management. While the systemic effects and associated comorbidities of endometriosis have been extensively studied, there is limited data available for adenomyosis in isolation.

To bridge this knowledge gap, researchers enrolled 689 premenopausal women aged between 20 and 50 years, excluding individuals with malignancies. Among them, 342 had adenomyosis alone, while 347 were diagnosed with both adenomyosis and endometriosis. The diagnosis was confirmed through imaging techniques or surgical procedures. Comorbidities were grouped into two categories: autoimmune disorders and stress- or pain-related conditions.

The study revealed the following findings:

  • Women with only adenomyosis had significantly fewer systemic comorbidities than those with both adenomyosis and endometriosis.
  • Autoimmune disorders were present in 14% of the adenomyosis-only group compared to 24% in the group with both conditions.
  • Stress and pain-related disorders were reported by 30% of women with isolated adenomyosis versus 47% in those with coexisting endometriosis.
  • Women over 35 years old with only adenomyosis had a lower incidence of autoimmune disorders compared to those with both conditions.
  • Endometriosis was independently associated with a higher risk of systemic comorbidities (OR = 1.65).

The study emphasizes a crucial distinction between the two conditions. Although adenomyosis and endometriosis often share clinical features and can co-exist, they exhibit different systemic profiles. Endometriosis appears to behave more like a multi-system syndrome, whereas adenomyosis seems to be a more organ-confined condition when it occurs alone.

Despite the lower burden of comorbidities, the authors emphasize the importance of a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to managing adenomyosis. Even in the absence of endometriosis, some patients may present with other chronic conditions that require attention.

The researchers call for more comprehensive epidemiological studies to better understand the biological mechanisms underlying these differences. Improved knowledge in this area could pave the way for more personalized, targeted treatments for both adenomyosis and endometriosis.

Reference:

Gallone, A., Vannuccini, S., Manzi, V., La Torre, F., Toscano, F., Giani, M., Fambrini, M., Chedraui, P., & Petraglia, F. (2025). Systemic comorbidities in patients with adenomyosis. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 105102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2025.105102

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Tezepelumab therapy reduces size of nasal polyps, severity of nasal congestion and sinonasal symptoms: Study

A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine showed that tezepelumab dramatically decreased the size of the nasal polyps, congestion, and the intensity of the symptoms in people with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

1-5% Americans suffer with chronic rhinosinusitis and it could drastically lower life quality. In addition to objective evidence, the persistence of at least 2 of the 4 cardinal symptoms, facial pain/pressure, hyposmia/anosmia, nasal discharge, and nasal obstruction, for at least 12 weeks in a row is what defines chronic rhinosinusitis.

In individuals with severe, uncontrolled asthma with a history of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, tezepelumab has proven successful in treating sinonasal symptoms. However, its effectiveness and safety in treating adults with severe, uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps are uncertain. Thus, this study by Brian Lipworth and team evaluated the effectiveness of tezepelumab in treating severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps.

Adults with a clinically-diagnosed, symptomatic, severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps were randomly allocated to receive conventional therapy and either tezepelumab (210 mg) or a placebo subcutaneously every 4 weeks for 52 weeks. The changes from baseline in the mean nasal-congestion score (range, 0 to 3; higher scores indicate more severity) and the total nasal-polyp score (range, 0 to 4 [for each nostril]) at week 52 were the coprimary end goals.

The Lund-Mackay score (range: 0 to 24; higher scores indicate greater severity), the loss-of-smell score, the Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22; range: 0 to 110; greater scores suggest greater severity), the total symptom score (range: 0 to 24; higher scores suggest greater severity), and the initial decision to treat with nasal-polyp surgery, systemic glucocorticoid therapy, or both were evaluated in time-to-event analyses (individual and composite).

A total of 205 individuals were given a placebo and 203 patients were given tezepelumab. Both the mean nasal-congestion score and the total nasal-polyp score significantly improved in the tezepelumab-treated individuals at week 52. The loss-of-smell score, SNOT-22 total score, Lund–Mackay score, and overall symptom score were all markedly enhanced by tezepelumab.

Much fewer patients in the tezepelumab group (0.5%) than in the placebo group (22.1%) required surgery for nasal polyps, and tezepelumab-treated patients used systemic glucocorticoids much less frequently (5.2%) than placebo-treated patients (18.3%) (P<0.001 for both time-to-event analyses). Overall, in people with severe, uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, tezepelumab treatment resulted in considerably larger decreases in nasal polyp size, nasal congestion severity, sinonasal symptoms, nasal-polyp surgery, and systemic glucocorticoid usage than placebo.

Source:

Lipworth, B. J., Han, J. K., Desrosiers, M., Hopkins, C., Lee, S. E., Mullol, J., Pfaar, O., Li, T., Chen, C., Almqvist, G., Margolis, M. K., McLaren, J., Jagadeesh, S., MacKay, J., Megally, A., Hellqvist, Å., Mankad, V. S., Bahadori, L., & Ponnarambil, S. S. (2025). Tezepelumab in adults with severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2414482

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Pick up the pace of your daily walk to boost longevity, experts say

Regular walking is widely recognized for its significant benefits to overall health and well-being. Previous research has primarily focused on middle-to-high-income white populations.

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Pick up the pace of your daily walk to boost longevity, experts say

Regular walking is widely recognized for its significant benefits to overall health and well-being. Previous research has primarily focused on middle-to-high-income white populations.

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Offering self-collection kits at GP appointments could prevent 1,000 women a year from developing cervical cancer

Women who are overdue for cervical cancer screening are most likely to participate in screening when a self-sampling kit is offered by a health care professional as part of routine GP appointments, according to a new study led by Queen Mary University of London with King’s College London. The study has been published in EClinicalMedicine.

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Offering self-collection kits at GP appointments could prevent 1,000 women a year from developing cervical cancer

Women who are overdue for cervical cancer screening are most likely to participate in screening when a self-sampling kit is offered by a health care professional as part of routine GP appointments, according to a new study led by Queen Mary University of London with King’s College London. The study has been published in EClinicalMedicine.

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Vagus nerve stimulation could help people get more exercise

An experimental device that stimulates a key nerve connecting the heart and brain can improve fitness and exercise tolerance, according to research published in the European Heart Journal.

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Study offers clearer picture of childhood brain tumor survival

Childhood brain tumor survival depends on the type of tumor. Comparing survival rates across countries is difficult, because brain tumors aren’t recorded in the same way everywhere in Europe. A new study led by the Princess Máxima Center is helping to change that. For the first time, the research provides a clear and clinically relevant overview of survival outcomes for children with brain tumors.

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Most liver cancer cases are due to preventable risk factors, analysis suggests

The majority of liver cancer cases could be prevented by reducing levels of viral hepatitis, alcohol consumption and MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease—previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), suggests an analysis as part of The Lancet Commission on liver cancer.

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Early-Onset COPD in Young Adults Linked to Higher Mortality and Morbidity: Study

A recent analysis of U.S. population-based cohorts has revealed that early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — diagnosed in individuals aged 18 to 49 — affects at least 4.5% of this age group and is tied to significantly higher long-term health risks. These include increased hospitalization rates, elevated risk of chronic lower respiratory disease mortality, a greater likelihood of developing heart failure, and higher all-cause mortality before age 75 (Lange et al., 2024).

The study, published in NEJM Evidence, highlights a growing concern: COPD is not just a disease of older adults. While traditionally associated with long-term smoking in older populations, early-onset COPD may result from multiple exposures — including secondhand smoke, environmental pollutants, vaping, and early-life respiratory infections — and often goes underdiagnosed in younger adults. Researchers suggest that defining and recognizing “early COPD” as a distinct clinical category could help identify at-risk individuals sooner and offer a critical window for intervention. Despite their younger age, patients with early COPD experience significant declines in lung function and quality of life and are more likely to develop comorbid conditions like cardiovascular disease. vThe findings point toward a need for earlier screening strategies, especially in young adults with chronic respiratory symptoms or known risk factors. Proactive management — including smoking cessation, pulmonary rehab, and timely pharmacotherapy — could potentially alter the trajectory of the disease.

Keywords: early-onset COPD, chronic respiratory disease, COPD in young adults, lung health, premature mortality, all-cause mortality, heart failure risk, respiratory hospitalization, U.S. cohorts, COPD risk factors, Lange, P., Barr, R. G., Hansel, N. N

Reference:
Lange, P., Barr, R. G., Hansel, N. N., et al. (2024). Early-Onset Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Long-Term Health Outcomes in U.S. Cohorts. NEJM Evidence. https://doi.org/10.1056/EVIDoa2400424

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