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Treatment of uterine fibroids with agonist analogs of gonadotropin-releasing hormone.

Agonist analogs of GnRH were used to effect a "medical castration" in 14 patients with uterine fibroids, presenting with either an enlarged uterus, recurrent menometrorrhagia, and/or infertility. This study confirms prior reports of a reduction in uterine size and cessation of menometrorrhagia in patients with fibroids following treatment with GnRHa. Of interest, however, was the successful use of GnRHa as either the sole treatment for uterine fibroid-associated infertility, or as a preoperative adjunct in infertility patients scheduled for myomectomy. Three of the five infertility patients in this study achieved intrauterine pregnancies. Further study of the role of GnRHa treatment in infertility patients with uterine fibroids appears warranted.

Adult↗

A giant fibroid uterus.

Giant uterine fibroids are those weighing greater than 25 lb (11.4 kg). Such a fibroid may appear as a solitary tumor or as a conglomerate mass of uterine fibroids presenting as a single uterine tumor. The challenge of these tumors lies in their proper surgical management. Combined preoperative and postoperative mortality is approximately 15%. The paucity of recent reports encountered in the literature of uterine fibroids of this magnitude reflects their rarity.

Female↗

The facts about fibroids. Presentation and latest management options.

Uterine fibroids, which eventually develop in more than 50% of women, are usually asymptomatic, but they can cause many different symptoms and complications that challenge clinicians. For example, they can complicate pregnancy, mask the diagnosis of ovarian neoplasms, and confuse the management of menopause by causing abnormal uterine bleeding. The best noninvasive method of diagnosis is ultrasonography. Progestogens may be used to suppress menorrhagia, but use of these agents to treat fibroids is not routine. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist analogues offer a promising medical approach to the treatment of fibroids; they have been shown to decrease fibroid size and to decrease uterine bleeding. Thus they may allow deferment of surgical treatment in selected patients (thereby preserving fertility) or decrease the risks involved when surgery is necessary. Further study is needed to assess the long-term effects of GnRH analogues on bone density, cholesterol levels, and risk of coronary artery disease. Surgical treatment is primarily by hysterectomy, unless myomectomy is indicated because of reproductive considerations.

Female↗

Add-back therapy for long-term use in dysfunctional uterine bleeding and uterine fibroids.

The gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are an efficacious medical approach for the management of both dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and uterine fibroids. However, due to the long-term effects of GnRH agonists on bone mass, their use is restricted to short courses. Add-back hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one strategy that could minimise the hypo-oestrogenic effects of GnRH agonists, without nullifying their therapeutic effects. In one study of add-back therapy with cyclical oestradiol/norgestrol in combination with Zoladex (goserelin acetate) in women with subjective DUB, the duration of menstruation, the number of days of heavy bleeding and objective blood loss were all significantly (P < 0.001) reduced. There was also significant (P < 0.001) symptomatic improvement. Furthermore, in 51 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids, combined oestrogen/progestogen given for 21 months after initial GnRH agonist treatment for 3 months did not promote fibroid regrowth. In contrast, in women randomised to progestogen only, there was a gradual increase in uterine volume. The combination of GnRH agonists and add-back HRT appears beneficial for women with either DUB or fibroids.

Adult↗

The FIBROID Registry: symptom and quality-of-life status 1 year after therapy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the change in symptom severity and health-related quality of life among patients treated with uterine artery embolization for leiomyomata. METHODS: Using the Fibroid Registry for Outcomes Data (FIBROID), a multicenter, prospective, voluntary registry of patients undergoing uterine embolization for leiomyomata, we studied changes in symptom status, health-related quality of life, subsequent care, menstrual status, and satisfaction with outcome. Health-related quality-of-life and symptom status were measured using the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life, a leiomyoma-specific questionnaire. Summary statistics were used to describe the data set and multivariate analyses to determine predictors of outcome at 12 months. RESULTS: Of 2,112 eligible patients, follow-up data were obtained on 1,797 (85.1%) at 6 months and 1,701 (80.5%) at 12 months. At 12 months, the mean symptom score had improved from 58.61 to 19.23 (P < .001), whereas 5.47% of patients had no improvement. The mean health-related quality-of-life score improved from 46.95 to 86.68 (P < .001), whereas 5.0% did not improve. In the first year after embolization, hysterectomy was performed in 2.9% of patients, with 3.6% requiring gynecologic interventions by 6 months and an additional 5.9% between 6 and 12 months. Amenorrhea as a result of embolization occurred in 7.3% of patients. Of these, 86% were age 45 or older. Most patients were satisfied with their outcome (82% strongly agree or agree). Predictors of a greater symptom change score include smaller leiomyoma size, submucosal location, and presenting symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding. CONCLUSION: Uterine embolization results in substantial symptom improvement for most patients, with hysterectomy required in only 2.9% of patients in the first 12 months after therapy.

Adult↗

Ultrasonic "honeycomb" appearance of uterine submucous fibroids undergoing cystic degeneration.

Uterine fibroids are the most common of uterine benign tumors. Generally, the ultrasonic appearance of uterine fibroids is typical, and diagnosis is uncomplicated. However, the sonographic characteristics of fibroids undergoing cystic degeneration, and especially those of the submucous type, may be misleading. We present a series of submucous fluids with cystic degeneration in peri- and postmenopausal women showing a distinct sonographic "honeycomb" pattern erroneously diagnosed as endometrial hyperplasia. The correct diagnosis was established by hysteroscopy.

Cysts↗

Endometrial ablation for the treatment of menorrhagia: a comparison of patients with normal, enlarged, and fibroid uteri.

One hundred sixty-one patients underwent endometrial ablation with the Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of refractory menorrhagia. Patients were divided into one of three groups: those with a normal-sized uterus; those with an enlarged uterus (greater than 10 cm); and those with uterine fibroids, which had been documented clinically, ultrasonographically, or by a combination of hysteroscopy and laparoscopy or by one or the other. All patients were considered candidates for hysterectomy. Both preoperatively and postoperatively, patients monitored their menstrual cycles and evaluated their flow according to predetermined categories of amenorrhea, light flow, normal flow, heavy flow, and severe flow. After treatment, 68% of patients with normal-sized uterus and 91% of patients with an enlarged uterus (greater than 10 cm) and 88% of patients with uterine fibroids became amenorrheic or had light flow. None of the patients in this last group have had to undergo hysterectomy. This study indicates that the patient with an enlarged or fibroid uterus may not have contraindications for endometrial ablation. Endometrial ablation may be effective in at least temporarily controlling bleeding in those patients with enlarged or myomatous uterus.

Adult↗

Maternal cell contamination of amniotic fluid cell cultures from two consecutive pregnancies complicated by fibroids.

The detection of maternal cells in amniocyte cultures is thought to be due to the outgrowth of cells from small fragments of maternal tissue removed by the amniocentesis needle. An unusual case is reported in which maternal cell contamination (MCC) was found in the cell cultures from a woman in two different amniocenteses from two consecutive pregnancies. Both pregnancies were complicated by the presence of fibroids and the fibroid tissue may have been the source of the maternal cells. A history of an amniocentesis in which there was MCC of cell cultures, or the detection of fibroids, may pose an additional risk for MCC attributable misdiagnosis in prenatal genetic studies.

Adult↗

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy as an alternative to abdominal hysterectomy in patients with fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) was evaluated for its usefulness to replace abdominal hysterectomy in fibroids. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 240 women with a mean age of 46.7 years underwent hysterectomy over a period of one year. The technique of LAVH was introduced starting in the second quarter of the study period. Clinical data of 60 patients undergoing either LAVH or abdominal hysterectomy for fibroids were compared in a cross-sectional study by chi 2- and t-test. RESULTS: A comparison between the first and the last quarter of the study period showed that the rate of abdominal hysterectomies decreased from 66% to 12%, whereas LAVH increased from 0 to 40% (p < 0.05). The rate of vaginal hysterectomies remained between 34% and 48%. Compared to abdominal hysterectomy, LAVH operating time was about 1/3 longer, hospital stay was shorter (3 days), and LAVH proved more cost-effective than abdominal hysterectomy (significance of all differences: p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LAVH is a valid alternative to abdominal hysterectomy in fibroids.

Adult↗

Fibroid in the buttock: an unexpected diagnosis.

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are very common lesions with well-described imaging features. We present an unusual case of a fibroid which presented in the buttock with atypical clinical and imaging features in a woman who had had a previous hysterectomy. Despite extensive imaging and biopsies, the diagnosis was not suspected until pathological evaluation of the resected mass. The differential diagnosis for such a lesion, and the imaging and pathological features of fibroids, including atypical and parasitic leiomyomas, are discussed.

Buttocks↗

Magnetic resonance angiography of uterine artery: changes with embolization using gelatin sponge particles alone for fibroids.

PURPOSE: To assess uterine artery recanalization, together with tumor devascularization, after embolization using gelatin sponge particles alone for fibroids. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients underwent uterine artery embolization (UAE) for fibroids using only gelatin sponge particles. The angiographic endpoint of embolization was defined as near stasis of contrast medium in the ascending segment of the uterine artery. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) before and 4 months after UAE, and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CE-MRI) before, 1 week after, and 4 months after UAE. The visualization of the uterine arteries before and 4 months after UAE was assessed using MRA. The infarction rates of the largest tumor were assessed using CE-MRI 1 week after UAE. RESULTS: MRA 4 months after UAE showed 100% (53/53) of the descending and transverse segments, and 88% (43/49) of the ascending segments that had been noted on baseline MRA. The visualization of the ascending segments on MRA 4 months after UAE was identical to that on baseline MRA in 20 of 27 patients (74%). CE-MRI showed complete infarction of the largest tumor in 22 of 27 patients (81%), and 90-99% infarction of the largest tumor in the remaining 5 of 27 patients (19%). CONCLUSION: Based on the MR study, in most cases uterine artery recanalization occurred, together with sufficient devascularization of fibroids, after UAE using gelatin sponge particles alone.

Adult↗

Hysteroscopic management in submucous fibroids to improve fertility.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prospectively the reproductive performance following hysteroscopic myomectomy in women with submucous fibroids and wishing a pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-nine consecutive women wishing a pregnancy with a previously diagnosed submucous fibroid as a sole cause for reproductive failure were treated by hysteroscopic myomectomy. Fourteen women suffered from primary infertility and 15 women had previous pregnancies with a poor obstetric outcome. The myomas were intracavitary (n = 25) and intramural class 1 (n = 4). None of the patients had type 2 or multiple submucousal fibroids. Myoma size was not larger than 5 cm (the mean was 13.3 mm). Before myomectomy, the outcome reproductive data were recorded prospectively. Following myomectomy, the cumulative rate of first pregnancies, live birth rate and the hysteroscopic anatomical results were assessed and compared with that before surgery. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up before and after myomectomy was comparable. Twenty-one women (72.4%) experienced 30 pregnancies after myomectomy. Thirteen women gave birth to 16 live infants. Compared with previous pregnancies, the rate of deliveries increased from 3.8% to 63.2% and the abortion rate decreased from 61.6% to 26.3%. No complications occurred during myomectomy. The hysteroscopic anatomical results were good in the majority of cases. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study demonstrates that hysteroscopic myomectomy at present is the method of choice to improve the cumulative pregnancy rate as well as the live birth rate in selected women with submucous myomas and a history of reproductive failure.

Adult↗

Laparoscopic cryomyolysis: an alternative to myomectomy in women with symptomatic fibroids.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cryomyolysis may present an alternative valid surgical procedure to hysterectomy or myomectomy for selected women with symptomatic fibroids who wish to preserve their uterus but do not desire future pregnancies. METHODS: Sixty-three women with symptomatic fibroids who refused either myomectomy or hysterectomy, requesting a conservative surgery for myomata, underwent laparoscopic cryomyolysis using a 3- to 5-mm or 8-mm cryoprobe (CRYOcare system). RESULTS: Our study showed a mean (+/-standard deviation) decrease of myoma volume of 60.3% (+/-20.7) and complete symptom relief in 83.6% (p < 0.001) of patients after a 12-month follow-up from cryomyolysis. No significant intra- or postoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSION: Cryomyolysis is an effective laparoscopic procedure for obtaining myoma shrinkage and symptom relief in women with symptomatic fibroids who desire to preserve their uterus.

Adult↗

Midterm follow-up study of laparoscopic dissection of uterine vessels for surgical treatment of symptomatic fibroids.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess laparoscopic dissection of uterine vessels (LDUV) for symptomatic fibroids in women. METHODS: A total of 69 women entered the study between March 2000 and June 2003. In this case series, 68 consecutive women underwent LDUV using ultrasonically activated sheers or electrosurgery for the treatment of fibroids over 3 years (median follow-up period, 14.5 months). Ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging was carried out 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment. The tissue markers, gonadotropin, and estrogen levels were studied postoperatively. RESULTS: Almost all the patients (98.5%) had a successful LDUV with a low rate (7.3%) of postoperative complications. The time of surgery ranged from 15 to 50 min (mean, 30.8 min). The blood loss was minimal (mean, 14.7 ml), and the hospital stay was 2.4 days. Symptom improvement (menorrhagia or dysmenorrhoea) was 93.2%, and the average reduction in the dominant myoma was 57.8% during a follow-up period longer than 12 months. All the patients with anemia had normal red cell counts after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine volume and the dominant fibroid were significantly reduced and symptoms were improved by LDUV. The laparoscopic procedure is associated with insignificant tissue damage and normal gonadotropin and estrogen levels.

Adult↗

Treatment of uterine fibroids: current findings with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

The gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists have potential benefit as presurgical adjuncts in the management of uterine leiomyomas or fibroids. Uterine fibroids contain estrogen receptors and are responsive to therapeutic hormonal manipulation; gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are effective by inducing a state of hypoestrogenism. Clinical trials with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists consistently have demonstrated efficacy for decreasing both myoma size and uterine volume. The advantages of the preoperative use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists include a reduction in uterine and myoma size and vascularity and potentially improved operative technique and uterine cavity integrity. Ongoing clinical trials will be needed to confirm the role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in the treatment of uterine fibroids.

Analysis of Variance↗

Effects of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist on uterine fibroids and bone density.

Bone density (BD) was evaluated by single photon absorptiometry (SPA) in 18 women treated with Buserelin a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue, for uterine fibroids. Buserelin was administered for a period of 6 mth. Amenorrhoea and oestradiol levels in the follicular-phase range were recorded in all patients during treatment. Fibroid volume was evaluated by means of ultrasound. SPA was performed at the 1/3 proximal radius and at the 1/10 distal radius sites before starting therapy and every 2 mth subsequently for 12 mth. BD was also measured in a control group of 18 normally-menstruating premenopausal women, matched for age and body mass index. No significant changes in BD at the proximal or distal radius sites were observed in either the cases or the controls during the study. Moreover, comparison of the data on the cases and the controls revealed no differences in BD at 0, 6 or 12 mth. Thus, although LHRH analogue treatment proved effective in reducing fibroids, it did not cause any significant changes in BD.

Adult↗

A new hypothesis about the origin of uterine fibroids based on gene expression profiling with microarrays.

This article will discuss some recent insights based on our microarray studies that have emphasized the role the extracellular matrix, transforming growth factor beta, and collagen structure in fibroid formation. These studies led to appreciation of molecular similarities between fibroids and keloids. Collectively, these observations suggest a model of fibroid development based on an abnormal response to tissue repair, resulting in disordered healing and formation of an altered extracellular matrix.

Extracellular Matrix↗