Uterine volume, menstrual patterns, and contraceptive outcomes in users of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system: A cohort study with a five-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of the LNG-IUS on uterine volume, bleeding patterns, and LNG-IUS-related outcomes among women using the device to treat abnormal uterine bleeding caused by fibroids, adenomyosis, HMB (without structural cause), or contraception. STUDY DESIGN: This was a 5-year cohort study with LNG-IUS users. We selected 147 women, who were allocated to four groups: a) control (contraception indication); b) fibroids; c) adenomyosis; d) HMB. The visits for clinical and ultrasound evaluations were made at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months postinsertion. All data are expressed as mean and standard deviation (SD) or absolute and relative (%) frequency. Differences among groups were established by using the χ2 (chi-square) test and Fisher's exact tests for categorical outcomes, as well as the Mann-Whitney and the Kruskal-Wallis tests and Friedman's ANOVA for continuous variables. We used the 5% significance level as an indication of statistical significance. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study the association between predictors and outcomes. Results are expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI 95%). RESULTS: Although all groups had real rates of bleeding patterns, troublesome bleeding appeared to be more frequent in the fibroid group (∼15%). Also, along the 60 months of follow-up, uterine volume slightly decreased in the groups of HMB, adenomyosis, and fibroids, but not in the contraception group. However, the isolated volume of fibroids remained unchanged. In this cohort, we observed high continuation rates among LNG-IUS users. The uterine volume ≥200 cm3 was the main predictor of hysterectomy or IUS expulsion in the adenomyosis and fibroid groups. CONCLUSION: The LNG-IUS may control uterine menstrual bleeding as well as uterine volume in adenomyosis, fibroids, and HMB. An initial uterine volume smaller than 200 cm3 is an important predictor of adherence to treatment and better outcomes.

Effects of ulipristal acetate in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids. / Efectos del acetato de ulipristal en pacientes con miomas uterinos sintomáticos.

INTRODUCTION: Uterine fibroids are frequently encountered in gynecology and are a therapeutic challenge. New therapies, such as ulipristal acetate, could help with symptomatic relief, improve quality of life, and decrease uterine fibroid size. Notwithstanding, there is controversy about adverse effects, especially for hepatotoxicity. METHODS: We searched in Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis, and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified nine systematic reviews and included ten studies overall, of which five were randomized trials. We conclude that ulipristal increases the likelihood of amenorrhea, improves the quality of life, and decreases menstrual bleeding. However, there is also a likely increase in the risk of adverse effects. Furthermore, ulipristal could decrease the size of fibroids.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los miomas uterinos son una patología frecuente en ginecología, que tiene como desafío el enfrentamiento terapéutico. Existen nuevas terapias como el uso de acetato de ulipristal que podrían ayudar con el alivio sintomático y mejoría de la calidad de vida, además de la disminución del tamaño de los miomas uterinos. No obstante, existe controversia respecto a los efectos adversos, especialmente frente a la hepatotoxicidad. MÉTODOS: Realizamos una búsqueda en Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante el tamizaje de múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, analizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos una tabla de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos nueve revisiones sistemáticas que incluyeron diez estudios primarios, de los cuales cinco son ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que el uso de ulipristal aumenta la probabilidad de amenorrea, mejora la calidad de vida y disminuye el sangrado menstrual. Además, el uso de ulipristal podría disminuir el tamaño de los miomas. Sin embargo, podría aumentar el riesgo de efectos adversos.

Monte Carlo evaluation of occupational exposure during uterine artery embolization.

PURPOSE: Uterine fibroids affect women mainly of childbearing age, an alternative for the treatment of these fibroids is uterine artery embolization (UAE), a minimally invasive procedure which uses fluoroscopy, providing radiation doses often high, due to the fact that professionals remain in the room throughout the procedure. In this work, equivalent and effective doses were evaluated for the main physician, for the assistant and for the patient during the UAE procedure. METHODS: Doses were calculated using computer simulation with the Monte Carlo Method, and virtual anthropomorphic phantoms, in a typical scenario of interventional radiology with field sizes of 20 × 20, 25 × 25 and 32 × 32 cm2, tube voltages of 70, 80, 90 and 100 kV, and projections of LAO45, RAO45 and PA. RESULTS: The results showed that the highest doses received by the professionals were for the LAO45 projection with 32 × 32 cm2 field size and 100 kV tube voltage, which is in accordance with the existing literature. The highest equivalent doses, without the protective equipment, were in the eyes, skin, breast and stomach for the main physician, and for the assistant they were in the eyes, breast, thyroid and skin. When she used the protective equipment, the highest equivalent doses for the main physician were on the skin, brain, bone marrow and bone surface, and for the assistant they were on the skin, brain, red bone marrow and bone surface. CONCLUSIONS: Effective doses increased up to 3186% for the main physician, and 2462% for the assistant, without protective equipment, thus showing their importance.

Assessing burden, risk factors, and perceived impact of uterine fibroids on women's lives in rural Haiti: implications for advancing a health equity agenda, a mixed methods study.

BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids, the most common cause of gynecologic surgery, have a reported cumulative incidence of 59% among Black women in the U.S. Uterine fibroids negatively impact the quality of women's lives. No study has been found in the literature about fibroids in Haiti. We conducted a mixed methods study to assess the burden and risk factors of uterine fibroids, as well as their effects on women's quality of life. METHODS: A convergent mixed methods study was conducted between October 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020 at MUH's (Mirebalais University Hospital) OB-GYN outpatient department. Quantitatively, in a cross-sectional study 211 women completed consecutively a structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews with 17 women with fibroids and 7 family members were implemented for the qualitative component. Descriptive statistics were calculated for clinical and social demographic variables. Logistic regression was performed to examine associations between fibroids and related risk factors. An inductive thematic process was used to analyze the qualitative data. A joint display technique was used to integrate the results. RESULTS: Of 193 women analyzed 116 had fibroids (60.1%). The mean age was 41.3. Anemia was the most frequent complication- 61 (52.6%). Compared to women without uterine fibroids, factors associated with uterine fibroids included income decline (AOR = 4.7, 95% CI: 2.1-10.9, p = < 0.001), excessive expenses for transport (AOR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6-12.4, p = 0.005), and family history with uterine fibroids (AOR = 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6-13.6, p = 0.005). In contrast, higher level of education and micro polycystic ovarian syndrome were associated with lower prevalence (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.9, p = 0.021) and (AOR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.97, p = 0.044), respectively. The qualitative findings delineate how contextual factors such as health system failures, long wait times, gender inequality and poverty negatively affect the quality of women's lives. The poverty cycle of uterine fibroids emerged. CONCLUSIONS: A vicious cycle of poverty negatively impacts access to care for uterine fibroids in Haiti. Health insurance, social support, and income generating activities may be keys to promote social justice through access to adequate care for women with uterine fibroids in Haiti.

A systematic review of the psychosocial impact of fibroids before and after treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the high prevalence of uterine fibroids, the psychosocial impact of fibroids has not been evaluated across different quality of life indicators and compared with other chronic conditions. Here, we rigorously analyzed available evidence pertaining to the psychosocial burden of uterine fibroids in premenopausal women and compared validated quality of life and symptom scores before and after treatment. DATA SOURCES: We searched PubMed, PsycINFO, ClinicalTrials.gov, Embase, and Cochrane Library for publications from January 1990 to January 2020. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We considered English-language publications that evaluated the association between uterine fibroids diagnosed by imaging studies in premenopausal women and quality of life by standardized and validated questionnaires at baseline and after treatment. We used a detailed list of terms related to quality of life, questionnaires, and uterine fibroids to conduct the search. METHODS: Three reviewers screened titles and abstracts and then obtained full-text articles for further analysis. The reviewers assessed risk of bias using established Cochrane and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale guidelines. The quality of life scores of premenopausal women with fibroids were reviewed at baseline and compared with those of published quality of life scores in other disease populations in addition to after fibroid treatment. RESULTS: A total of 57 studies were included in the review: 18 randomized controlled trials and 39 observational studies. Of note, the 36-Item Short Form Survey and European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Scale questionnaires both indicated a diagnosis of uterine fibroids to have a disability score that was similar to or exceeded (was a greater psychosocial stressor) a diagnosis of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, or breast cancer. Quality of life scores were lower at baseline than after treatment in all instruments measuring these variables in women with uterine fibroids, indicating significantly impaired psychosocial functioning. Uterine fibroids were associated with significant patient-reported health disabilities related to bodily pain, mental health, social functioning, and satisfaction with sex life. CONCLUSION: A diagnosis of uterine fibroids was a significant psychosocial stressor among women at baseline and relative to other diseases. Validated quality of life instruments indicated therapeutic success and the improvement of both physical and emotional symptoms after treatment.

Leiomioma como simulador de neoplasia maligna uterina: reporte de un caso / Leiomyoma as a simulator of uterine malignant neoplasms: a case report

RESUMEN El cáncer de mama puede originar de forma muy excepcional metástasis en órganos genitales. Estas suelen presentarse de forma asintomática siendo su diagnóstico generalmente tardío. En el estudio de la enfermedad diseminada la tomografía de emisión de positrones con fluordeoxiglucosa asociada a la tomografía computada (FDG PET/CT) juega un rol importante, sin embargo presenta limitantes al momento de diferenciar entre lesiones secundarias, primarias y neoplasias benignas que pueden tener elevada captación de fluordeoxiglucosa (1). Por lo expuesto anteriormente el diagnóstico de certeza solo puede realizarse mediante el estudio anatomopatológico. El caso presentado a continuación abarca uno de los posibles diagnósticos diferenciales con FDG PET/CT que evidencia un incremento en la captación de fluordeoxiglucosa.

ABSTRACT Breast cancer rarely metastasize on pelvic organs and its diagnosis is often delayed due to the asymptomatic nature of this disease. Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (FDG PET/CT) is a useful method for early diagnosis. However, may present a false positive diagnosis from benign lesions that have an increased uptake of glucose. We present a case in which a patient who had breast cancer had an increase glucose uptake in FDG PET/CT from a benign lesion.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Transcervical Radiofrequency Ablation of Uterine Fibroids: The VITALITY Study.

Objective: The aim of this research was to learn the long-term (> 5 years) clinical outcomes of transcervical radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids. Materials and Methods: For this retrospective, single-arm, long-term data-collection study, 23 women with heavy menstrual bleeding secondary to fibroids were treated with transcervical radiofrequency ablation guided by integrated intrauterine sonography (using the Sonata® System, Gynesonics, Redwood City, CA). This study was within the 12-month Fibroid Ablation Study-EU clinical trial in Mexico. Symptoms were assessed using the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality-of-Life's Symptom Severity Score (SSS) and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) subscales. Patients were queried regarding pregnancy and surgical reinterventions. Results: Seventeen women (73.9%) provided long-term follow-up information, with a mean of 64.4 months ±4.5 months (range: 57-73 months). From baseline, mean SSS decreased significantly from 64.9 ± 16.9 to 27.6 ± 36.1, and mean HRQoL improved significantly from 27.2 ± 22.4 to 76.0 ± 32.6 (p = 0.002, and p = 0.0001, respectively). There were no surgical reinterventions through the first 3.5 years post-treatment. There was an 11.8% incidence of surgical reinterventions over 5.4 years of average follow-up, with 2 hysterectomies occurring after 3.5 and 4 years postablation, respectively (event rate: 2.2% per year; 95% confidence interval; 0.3%, 7.9%). Freedom from surgical reintervention at 1, 2, and 3 years was 100%, and, at 4 and 5 years, was 88.2% ± 7.8%. There was a single pregnancy occurring within the first year of treatment leading to a normal-term delivery by elective repeat cesarean section. Conclusions: Transcervical radiofrequency ablation with the Sonata System produced substantial durable clinical benefits beyond 5 years with a low reintervention rate.

Quality information about uterine fibroids on the internet / Qualidade da informação presente na Internet sobre Leiomioma uterino

Abstract Objective There are no published studies analyzing the quality of the information for lay women on the Internet regarding uterine fibroids. The accuracy of the provided material is also unknown. Thus, we have performed a cross-sectional study with 381 websites in the English and Brazilian Portuguese languages between May and December 2017. Methods Two investigators performed the analysis, and the Cohen kappa coefficient was calculated to analyze the agreement between them. Search terms (uterine fibroids and derivatives) in the English and Brazilian Portuguese languages were used. The accuracywas analyzed by a 10-itemchecklist created based on the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS) consensuses about uterine fibroids. The item-test correlation and the intraclass coefficient were performed in the 16 questions from the DISCERN instrument, which was designed to measure the quality of health information on the Internet. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) measurements were performed for the independent variables and the DISCERN/accuracy scores. Results Google was the most used search engine, and uterine fibroid was the search term that generatedmost of the analyzed material. The median score for accuracy in all websites was 5 out of 10, and the median score of the DISCERN instrument was 38 out of 80. The top-scoring sites in the English language were derived from scientific organizations and federal governments, and they regarded the DISCERN score (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [ACOG], the Food and Drug Administration [FDA]) and the accuracy criteria (NIH, and FDA). On the other hand, in the Brazilian Portuguese language, the highest scores in both instruments were from magazines or physician's blogs. The Cronbach α test showed a higher correlation (0.77-0.79) between the sites and DISCERN; however, the item-test correlation varied from 0.39 to 0.56. Conclusion There is a need to improve the quality of the information regarding uterine fibroids for lay women.

Resumo Objetivos Não existem estudos publicados analisando a qualidade de informação para mulheres leigas na internet sobre o leiomioma uterino. A acurácia do material existente também não é conhecida. Portanto, realizamos um estudo transversal envolvendo 381 sites em língua inglesa e portuguesa de maio a dezembro de 2017. Métodos Dois pesquisadores fizeram a análise, e o coeficiente kappa de Cohen foi calculado para analisar a concordância entreambos. Termos de pesquisa (leiomioma uterino e derivados)eminglês e português foramusados. A acurácia foi analisada por meio de uma lista de 10 itens criados após a fusão de consensos da Sociedade Americana de Medicina da Reprodução (ASRM, na siglaeminglês), dos InstitutosNacionais de Saúde (NIH, na siglaem inglês) e da Sociedade Europeia de Menopausa e Andropausa (EMAS, na sigla em inglês) sobre leiomioma uterino. A correlação item-teste e o coeficiente intraclasse foram realizados nas 16 questões do questionário DISCERN, um instrumento desenvolvido para medir a qualidade da informação de saúde disponível na internet. O método de análise de variância (ANOVA, na sigla em inglês) foi utilizado para as variáveis independentes e as pontuações de acurácia e do DISCERN. Resultados O Google foi a ferramenta mais utilizada, e o leiomioma uterino foi o termo de busca que gerou a maior parte do material analisado. A pontuação média para a acurácia dos websites foi 5/10, e do questionário DISCERN, 38/80. Os sites de língua inglesa commaior pontuação foram os de organizações científicas e de governos federais, tanto no questionário DISCERN (Faculdade Americana de Obstetrícia e Ginecologia [ACOG, na sigla em inglês], Administração de Alimentos e Medicamentos [FDA, na sigla em inglês]) quanto na acurácia (NIH e FDA). Entretanto, em língua portuguesa, os sites com as maiores pontuações em ambos os instrumentos foram de revistas ou blogs médicos. O teste α de Cronbach evidenciou maior correlação entre os sites e o DISCERN (0,77-0,79); contudo, a correlação item-teste variou de 0,39 a 0,56. Conclusão Há necessidade demelhorar a qualidade da informação sobre o leiomioma uterino para mulheres leigas.

Plasticity in Uterine Innervation: State of the Art.

Early studies often claimed that autonomic nerves were unimportant for uterine function, since denervation of the uterus had little effects on reproductive success. In 1979, Thorbert wrote, "It seems unlikely that Nature has equipped the uterus with a complex innervation merely as a structural ornament. Our ignorance in this area may be rather due to defects in methods of study". Investigations carried out over the last four decades proved that Thorbert's words were correct, because it is now clear that autonomic and sensory nerves regulate many critical uterine functions. However, the most remarkable aspect of uterine innervation is its capacity to change in response to physiological fluctuations in levels of sex hormones, as those accompanying pregnancy, the sex cycle and puberty. The present review provides an overview about how sex hormones influence uterine innervation. Data are presented about how this physiological plasticity is mimicked by exogenous administration of sex hormones, particularly estrogen. We will review recent developments illustrating the complex multifactorial mechanisms regulating uterine neural plasticity and the nature of molecular signals involved. Finally, we will go through recent findings pointing to the relevance of uterine innervation in gynecological diseases leading to pain and infertility.

Embolização de mioma uterino em mulheres portadoras de miomas volumosos / Uterine fibroid embolization in women with giant fibroids

OBJETIVO: avaliar a eficácia da embolização de mioma uterino (EMUT) em pacientes com miomas volumosos no que diz respeito tanto à evolução clínica quanto à redução do tamanho dos mesmos. MÉTODOS: vinte e seis pacientes com média etária de 36,5 anos, portadoras de miomas uterinos sintomáticos com volume acima de 1.000 cm³, foram submetidas à EMUT. Todas possuíam indicação para tratamento percutâneo. Os procedimentos foram realizados sob anestesia epidural e sedação, empregando-se protocolo institucional de analgesia. Após punção femoral unilateral, foi realizado o cateterismo seletivo das artérias uterinas e infusão de microesferas calibradas por meio de microcateter. A avaliação clínica pós-procedimento foi realizada em ambulatório de ginecologia segundo o protocolo de atendimento. Todas as pacientes tinham ressonância nuclear magnética (RNM) antes do procedimento e 15 pacientes RNM de controle após 6 meses. RESULTADOS: o sucesso técnico foi de 100 por cento. Não houve complicação relacionada aos procedimentos. A média de volume uterino das 15 pacientes foi 1.401 cm³ antes da embolização (min. 1.045 cm³, max. 2.137 cm³) e, após 6 meses 799 cm³ (min. 525 cm³, max. 1.604 cm³), constituindo uma redução média de 42,9 por cento. A melhora clínica foi constatada em 25 das 26 pacientes. Uma paciente com útero de 1.098 cm³ apresentou necrose e expulsão parcial do mioma, sendo submetida à miomectomia. Outra paciente foi submetida à miomectomia após seis meses devido ao desejo de gravidez, apesar da redução parcial do volume dos miomas. Uma paciente com volume uterino de 2.201 cm³ necessitou de segunda intervenção para alcançar um resultado adequado. Nenhuma paciente foi submetida à histerectomia. Foram utilizadas em média 9,2 seringas de microesferas por paciente. CONCLUSÃO: a embolização de miomas uterinos de grande volume é um procedimento factível, com aceitáveis resultados clínico e radiológico. Pode ser considerada uma opção para as pacientes que desejam a preservação uterina e também servir como terapêutica adjuvante à miomectomia de alto risco.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the effectiveness of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) in patients with giant fibroids, with regard to both clinical outcomes and size reduction. METHODS: twenty-six patients with a mean age of 36.5 years, carrying symptomatic fibroids with a volume over 1,000 cm³, were referred for UFE. All patients had indication for percutaneous treatment. The procedures were performed under epidural anesthesia and sedation, using an institutional protocol. By unilateral femoral access, selective catheterization of uterine arteries and infusion of calibrated microspheres through microcatheter were carried out. Clinical evaluation was performed by means of regular outpatient gynecology consultation. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before the procedure and 15 patients underwent control MRI after 6 months. RESULTS: technical success was 100 percent. There was no complication related to the procedures. Mean uterine volume of the 15 patients studied was 1,401 cm³ before embolization (min 1,045 cm³, max 2,137 cm³) and 799 cm³ after 6 months (525 cm³ min, max. 1,604 cm³), resulting in a total reduction of 42.9 percent. Clinical improvement was observed in 25 of 26 patients. One woman with uterine volume of 1,098 cm³ who developed necrosis and partial fibroid expulsion underwent myomectomy. Another patient was submitted to myomectomy six months after the procedure because she wanted to become pregnant, despite partial fibroid size reduction. One patient with a uterine volume of 2,201 cm³ required a second intervention to achieve an adequate angiographic result. No patient underwent hysterectomy. On average, 9.2 microsphere syringes were used per patient. CONCLUSION: embolization of giant uterine fibroids is a feasible procedure with acceptable clinical and radiological outcomes. It can be considered an option for patients who desire to preserve the uterus, and it may serve as adjuvant therapy for high-risk myomectomy.