Deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) is a severe form of the disease. The median time interval from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of endometriosis is around 8 years. In this prospective study patients were divided into two groups: cases (34 DIE patients) and control (20 tubal ligation patients). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of CA-125 measurement in the menstrual and midcycle phases of the cycle, as well as the difference in its levels between the two phases, for the early diagnosis of DIE. Area Under the Curve (AUC) of CA-125 in menstrual phase and of the difference between menstrual and midcycle phases had the best performance (both with AUC = 0.96), followed by CA-125 in the midcycle (AUC = 0.89). The ratio between menstrual and midcycle phases had the worst performance. CA-125 may be useful for the diagnosis of deep endometriosis, especially when both are collected during menstruation and in midcycle. These may help to decrease the long interval until the definitive diagnosis of DIE. Multicentric studies with larger samples should be performed to better evaluate the cost-effectiveness of measuring CA-125 in two different phases of the menstrual cycle.

A179and items. Feedback on the questionnaire was also obtained from the patient interviewers, clinical experts and a translation expert. The conceptual framework and questionnaire were subsequently revised. RESULTS: The conceptual framework represents functional reading independence as a unidimensional concept. Eleven functional reading activities have a direct effect on functional reading independence: 1) reading written print; 2) reading to pay bills or write a check; 3) reading in order to take medicine; 4) reading instructions; 5) reading labels; 6) reading to play games; 7) reading to make or receive a telephone call; 8) reading words or numbers on the screen while watching television; 9) reading when using a computer; 10) reading street signs; and 11) reading signs for directions. The process of performing each functional reading activity may be completely independent, or may involve the use of vision aids, behavior changes to accommodate vision problems, and/or receiving help from another person. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first conceptual framework specifically representing functional reading independence from the perspective of patients with GA. The conceptual framework may evolve once empirical evidence is available. The questionnaire based on the conceptual framework is currently being tested in a Phase II clinical trial.

upper extremity of these elderly patients with very fair skin. The preferred treatment was physical destruction of the lesions instead of noninvasive topical therapy.