Publications by authors named "C Merli"

Background: Although topical corticosteroids (TCS) represent first-line treatment for vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS) and as such should be prescribed to all women at time of diagnosis, approximately 30% of patients do not experience complete symptom resolution following such treatment. TCS may not effectively improve vulvar trophism and elasticity, both of which are crucial for sexual function. Owing to its regenerative and healing properties, cord blood platelet-rich plasma (CB-PRP) may represent an efficacious supplementary therapy, to be administered following first line treatment with TCS.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Recent research has proven that peripheral (PS) and central sensitization (CS), mental health, and myofascial dysfunction all play a role, alongside nociception, in the genesis and in the perpetuation of endometriosis' symptoms. However, such components of pain are still largely ignored in clinical practice, although not considering such contributors may entail serious consequences on women's health, including the choice of unnecessary surgery and leaving the real causes of pain untreated. At the present time, we are facing a paradox by which 25-40% of women who undergo laparoscopic surgery for pelvic pain do not have an obvious diagnosis, while the percentage of women with endometriosis who have signs of CS, of depressive or anxiety disorders, or who have an increased pelvic muscle tone ammounts to 41-55%, 15-88% and 28-73%, respectively.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Products that may reduce menstrual flow from the endometrial cavity to the vagina (i.e. tampons and menstrual cups) could facilitate retrograde menstruation and the spillage of blood into the myometrium, two mechanisms which could be major determinants in endometriosis and adenomyosis pathogenesis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Artificial intelligence (AI) is experiencing advances and integration in all medical specializations, and this creates excitement but also concerns. This narrative review aims to critically assess the state of the art of AI in the field of endometriosis and adenomyosis. By enabling automation, AI may speed up some routine tasks, decreasing gynecologists' risk of burnout, as well as enabling them to spend more time interacting with their patients, increasing their efficiency and patients' perception of being taken care of.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF