Endometriosis and type 1 allergies/immediate type hypersensitivity: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Immunology
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Endometriosis affects 5-10% of women of reproductive age, presenting as a chronic and debilitating condition.
• Cellular immunity deficiencies are noted in women with endometriosis.
• Emerging research suggests a potential link between endometriosis and allergic diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on the association between endometriosis and allergic disease.
• To evaluate the prevalence and correlation of allergic manifestations in women diagnosed with endometriosis.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched PubMed and Embase databases for relevant studies.
• Included studies compared women with endometriosis and allergic disease manifestations to a control group.

Main Results:

• Five studies met inclusion criteria; four reported a positive correlation between endometriosis and allergic conditions.
• Significant associations found with hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and food intolerances (OR 4.28).
• Results for asthma prevalence were equivocal; study heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis.

Conclusions:

• Available literature suggests an increased risk of allergic disorders in women with endometriosis.
• Lack of standardized definitions and diagnostic criteria for allergic disease necessitates further investigation.
• Conclusive evidence requires more rigorous, unified research on the endometriosis-allergy association.