Alternatives to hysterectomy: The burden of fibroids and the quality of life

Appropriateness of Hysterectomy as Treatment for Benign Gynecological Conditions

Objective: To assess the appropriateness of hysterectomies performed at a large tertiary health system using the 1997 RAND appropriateness classification system and an updated algorithm. Design: We abstracted structured and unstructured data from electronic medical records on patient demographics, primary indication(s) for hysterectomy, diagnosis codes associated with the hysterectomy, previous treatments, and laboratory results. Subjects: Patients aged 18-44 years. Exposure: Receipt of hysterectomy for benign and nonobstetric conditions from October 2014 to December 2017. Main Outcome Measures: Using these data, we provided a RAND-based (dichotomous: inappropriate/appropriate) and Wright-based (3-level: inappropriate/ambiguous/appropriate) appropriateness rating and characterized missing information patterns associated with inappropriate ratings. Results: We analyzed 1,829 hysterectomies across 30 nonmutually exclusive primary indications for surgery. Nearly a third (32.8%) of surgeries had only one primary indication for surgery. Using the RAND-based classifier, 31.3% of hysterectomies were rated as appropriate and 68.7% as inappropriate. Using the Wright-based algorithm, 58.1% of hysterectomies were rated as appropriate, 15.7% as ambiguous, and 26.2% as inappropriate. Missing information on diagnostic procedures was the most common characteristic related to both RAND-based (46.1%) and Wright-based (51.2%) inappropriate ratings. Conclusions: The 1997 RAND classification lacked guidance for several contemporary indications, including gender-affirming care. RAND also has an outdated requirement for diagnostic surgeries such as laparoscopies, which have decreased in practice as diagnostic imaging has improved. Sensitivity analyses suggest that inappropriate surgeries cannot all be attributed to bias from missing electronic medical record data. Accurately documenting care delivery for benign gynecological conditions is key to ensuring quality and equity in gynecological care.

Recurrence of Uterine Fibroids After Conservative Surgery or Radiological Procedures: a Narrative Review

The present narrative review aims to discuss the available data on the incidence and the risk factors of uterine fibroids (UFs) recurrence after different types of conservative surgical or radiologic procedures in women wishing to preserve their uterus. UFs are the most common benign tumors in women all over the world. Clinical presentation, including abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), pelvic pain, bulky symptoms, and infertility affect patients' quality of life, and a large variety of conservative treatments are available especially for those with desire of pregnancy. Fertility sparing surgery, by either laparoscopy, hysteroscopy or laparotomy, or radiological interventions (uterine artery embolization, high-intensity focused ultrasound or magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound), are the most common therapeutic approaches. However, the genetic or acquired predisposition to UFs remain despite the treatments, and the recurrences are frequently described in a large percentage of patients. The most relevant risk factors for recurrence of UFs are young age at the first surgery, incomplete fibroid resection, the presence of multiple lesions, an enlarged uterus, and the coexistence with other pelvic diseases. The discussion on the possible medical strategy to reduce the recurrence is an open field of clinical investigation, in particular by using hormonal drugs.

Enhancing Uterine Fibroid Care: Clinician Perspectives on Diagnosis, Disparities, and Strategies for Improving Health Care

Objective

To explore clinicians' perspectives on diagnosing, treating, and managing uterine fibroids, identifying gaps and challenges in health care delivery, and offering recommendations for improving care.

Materials and Methods

A qualitative design was used to conduct 14 semistructured interviews with clinicians who treat fibroid patients in central Indiana. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis techniques. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify emergent themes.

Results

Four themes emerged. (1) Lack of patient fibroid awareness: Patients lacked fibroid awareness, leading to challenges in explaining diagnoses and treatment. Misconceptions and emotional distress highlighted the need for better education. (2) Inequities in care and access: Health care disparities affected Black women and rural patients, with transportation, scheduling delays, and financial constraints hindering access. (3) Continuum of care: Clinicians prioritized patient-centered care and shared decision-making, tailoring treatment based on factors like severity, location, size, cost, fertility goals, and recovery time. (4) Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) impact: The pandemic posed challenges and opportunities, prompting telehealth adoption and consideration of nonsurgical options.

Conclusions

Clinician perspectives noted patient challenges with fibroids, prompting calls for enhanced education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and accessible care to address crucial aspects of fibroid management and improve women's well-being.

Practice Implications

Clinicians identified a lack of patient awareness and unequal access to fibroid care, highlighting the need for improved education and addressing disparities. Findings also emphasized the importance of considering multidimensional aspects of fibroid care and adapting to challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, recommending broader education, affordability, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research for better fibroid health care.

Pantoea agglomerans bacteraemia after uterine artery embolisation: an unusual pathogen

A woman in her 40s presented to the emergency department (ED) with a 3-week history of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Blood cultures were positive for Serratia and Pantoea agglomerans spp. One month before her ED visit, she underwent targeted uterine artery embolisation with particles by an interventional radiologist. Uterine artery embolisation is considered a safe alternative to surgical removal of fibroids or hysterectomy. The patient was initially treated with targeted antibiotics for a large infected uterine fibroid but ultimately required a hysterectomy for source control. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of P. agglomerans infecting a uterine fibroid.

Unnecessary Hysterectomies Among Premenopausal Women in Developed and Developing Countries: A Critical Review of Steps Taken to Improve Women's Health

Women with pelvic organ disease often require a hysterectomy for better health. Still, in countries like India, there are many challenges for them as they are subjected many a time to unnecessary hysterectomies. Through this article, we suggest many ways to address this menace, such as proper health education and sensitization of women of premenopausal age group by health workers and mass media. Many preventable hysterectomies can be avoided if we guide women about their pathology before giving consent for surgery. Role enhancement of health agencies and nongovernmental organizations for early identification of such women in the society of all segments, stopping the greed of various health institutions using government-sponsored insurance health schemes for personal gain, and law enforcement by courts and health departments should also be our main focus. This study aims to review nonsurgical procedures adopted to decrease unnecessary hysterectomies and make suitable directions by government and lawful agencies to curb this menace. All states and union territories received the "Guidelines to Prevent Unnecessary Hysterectomies" recommendations from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for compliance. The recommendations suggest creating hysterectomy monitoring committees at the district, state, and federal levels. The duration of hospital stays and associated expenditures can decrease by performing minimally invasive treatments as outpatient operations. Minimally invasive options may shape the future of gynecology in developed nations.

Preoperative quality of life at time of gynecologic surgery: considerations for postoperative management

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting for gynecologic surgery are a heterogeneous group. Preoperative quality of life may be a useful tool to guide postoperative management.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the key drivers of preoperative quality of life to improve counseling and postoperative management.

STUDY DESIGN

This study analyzed preoperative survey results from 154 participants using the following surveys: National Institutes of Health Toolbox Global Health v1.2, Gastrointestinal: Gas and Bloating v1.1 13a, Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea v1.0 6a, and Sexual Function and Satisfaction Brief Profile (Female) v2.0, Perceived Stress Scale, the Vaginal Assessment Scale, and the Vulvar Assessment Scale. Survey results in the form of T-scores were compared in patients with endometrial cancer and patients with benign gynecologic conditions using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The multivariate analysis was performed using linear regression to adjust the comparisons for age, body mass index, and comorbidity.

RESULTS

Of the 154 patients, preoperative diagnosis was benign in 66% (n=102) and endometrial cancer in 34% (n=52). Patients with endometrial cancer were more likely to be older, non-White, in lower income brackets, have higher body mass index, and be postmenopausal (P<.05). Although preoperative global health scores were similar between benign and malignant cases (P>.05), when adjusted for age, the differences in global health quality of life between patients with benign gynecologic conditions and those with endometrial cancer became significant, because the endometrial cancer group was older than the benign group (P<.05). However, when adjusting for age, body mass index, and comorbidities (hypertension and diabetes), the differences were no longer significant (P>.05). Sexual interest was decreased in the patients with endometrial cancer both in the unadjusted and adjusted model; and vulvar complaints became significantly different between the groups when controlling for body mass index, age, and comorbidities (P<.05).

CONCLUSION

Despite substantial differences in preoperative diagnosis, preoperative quality of life is highly influenced by age, body mass index, and comorbidities. Therefore, these factors should be explored in surgical outcomes and postoperative management trials.

Our Experience with Hydrogel-Coated Trisacryl Microspheres in Uterine Artery Embolization for the Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis: A Follow-Up of 11 Years

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids and non-controllable adenomyosis symptoms is a relatively new procedure for organ-preserving therapy. These benign conditions can become symptomatic in about 30% of women between the ages of 35 and 50. The purpose of the UAE either for fibroids or adenomyosis is the elimination of blood loss, the reduction in pain, and bulky or rectal pressure symptoms. The purpose of this study is to present our experience in UAE with the use of hydrogel-coated tris acryl microspheres for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids and adenomyosis.

Implementation of robot-assisted myomectomy in a large university hospital: a retrospective descriptive study

Background

Background: Myomectomy is often the preferred treatment for symptomatic patients with myomas who wish to preserve their fertility, with a shift from open surgery towards minimally invasive techniques.

Objectives

Retrospective study assessing patient and surgery characteristics, follow-up, and outcomes of robot-assisted myomectomy (RAM) and abdominal myomectomy (AM) in women treated between January 1, 2018, and February 28, 2022, in a Belgian tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods

A descriptive analysis was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent myomectomies. 2018 was considered the learning curve for RAM.

Main outcome measures

We assessed rate of open surgery, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, and operative complications.

Results

In total, 94 RAMs and 15 AMs were performed. The rate of AMs was 56.5% in 2018 versus 2.3% after the learning curve. The median operation time for RAM was 136.5 minutes and 131 minutes for AM. Conversion rate for RAM was 0%. The median postoperative hospital stay after RAM was 1 night and 4 nights for AM. Postoperative complication rate was low, with only 14.9% and 33.3% of patients requiring pharmacological treatment of complications after RAM or AM, respectively. No surgical re-intervention was needed in any group.

Conclusions

Implementation of RAM at our centre resulted in a significant reduction of open surgery rate. RAM demonstrated shorter hospital stays and a lower incidence of complications compared to AM.

What is new?

Our study highlights the successful adoption of RAM, showcasing its potential to replace AM even in complex cases. The findings affirm the safety and feasibility of RAM, supporting its use as a valuable technique for minimally invasive myomectomy.

The Impact of Fertility Goals on Long-term Quality of Life in Reproductive-aged Women Who Underwent Myomectomy versus Hysterectomy for Uterine Fibroids

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to compare quality of life (QOL) for myomectomy with hysterectomy 1 to 5 years after surgical management for fibroids. This study evaluated the difference in QOL in a population of women of reproductive age, including those who desire fertility.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

SETTING

A large academic hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 142 women who underwent hysterectomy or myomectomy in 2015 to 2020. Included patients were women aged 18 years or older who underwent surgical intervention owing to uterine fibroids.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) provides a total score as a single measure of health-related QOL. The Uterine Fibroid Symptom Quality of Life Questionnaire for Hysterectomy and Myomectomy (UFS-QOL) is a patient-reported outcome measure of fibroid symptoms and health-related QOL after hysterectomy and myomectomy. There was no significant difference in SF-36 QOL scores in women after myomectomy who desired fertility compared with those who did not desire fertility, except in the social functioning domain (p = .025). UFS-QOL scores in women after myomectomy who desired fertility were not significantly different compared with women after myomectomy who did not desire fertility (p = .37). There were no significant differences between women who underwent myomectomy and hysterectomy in overall QOL scores on the SF-36 (p = .13) and UFS-QOL scores (p = .16).

CONCLUSION

Myomectomy is not associated with significant differences in measures of general health and QOL compared with hysterectomy, making it a viable fibroid management option for women who desire fertility. Our study highlights the importance of discussing fertility goals and QOL when counseling patients for surgical fibroid treatment.

Increased Risk of Breast Fibroadenomas Among Obese and Postmenopausal Women With Uterine Fibroids

Introduction Uterine fibroids and breast fibroadenomas are common female benign neoplasms that are similarly derived from a single clonal origin and are modulated by estradiol concentration in blood. However, the association between these neoplasms has not yet been explored. Hence, this study aims to investigate the relationship between uterine fibroids and breast fibroadenomas.  Methods A total of 199 women (cases: 72 women with uterine fibroids, control: 127 women without uterine fibroids) were included in this study. Ultrasound was used to screen for uterine fibroids, and both ultrasound and biopsy were utilized to diagnose breast fibroadenomas. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between uterine fibroids and breast fibroadenomas and the factors associated with the relationship. Results Women with uterine fibroids have more than two times higher odds of having breast fibroadenomas among older women (p=0.03), more than twofold increased odds of breast fibroadenomas among obese females (p=0.05), and higher odds of having breast fibroadenomas among postmenopausal transition participant groups (OR=9.6; 95% CI 1.98-30.14; p-value=0.005).  Conclusion The association between uterine fibroids and breast fibroadenomas is significantly pronounced among older, obese, and postmenopausal women. This relationship might be driven by the indirect stimulation of estrogen hormone receptors via adipose tissue or other lifestyle as well as genetic factors. Therefore, further larger prospective studies considering these factors are needed to replicate the current findings.

Global, regional, and national time trends in incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability for uterine fibroids, 1990-2019: an age-period-cohort analysis for the global burden of disease 2019 study

BACKGROUND

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign neoplasm of the uterus and a major source of morbidity for women. We report an overview of trends in uterine fibroids of incidence rate, prevalence rate, years lived with disability (YLDs) rate in 204 countries and territories over the past 30 years and associations with age, period, and birth cohort.

METHODS

The incident case, incidence rate, age-standardized rate (ASR) for incidence, prevalent case, prevalence rate, ASR for prevalence, number of YLDs, YLD rate, and ASR for YLDs were derived from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD 2019) study. We utilized an age-period-cohort (APC) model to estimate overall annual percentage changes in the rate of incidence, prevalence, and YLDs (net drifts), annual percentage changes from 10 to 14 years to 65-69 years (local drifts), period and cohort relative risks (period/cohort effects) between 1990 and 2019.

RESULTS

Globally, the incident cases, prevalent cases, and the number of YLDs of uterine fibroids increased from 1990 to 2019 with the growth of 67.07%, 78.82% and 77.34%, respectively. High Socio-demographic Index (SDI) and high-middle SDI quintiles with decreasing trends (net drift < 0.0%), and increasing trends (net drift > 0.0%) were observed in middle SDI, low-middle SDI, and low SDI quintiles in annual percentage change of incidence rate, prevalence rate and YLDs rate over the past 30 years. There were 186 countries and territories that showed an increasing trend in incidence rate, 183 showed an increasing trend in prevalence rate and 174 showed an increasing trend in YLDs rate. Moreover, the effects of age on uterine fibroids increased with age and peaked at 35-44 years and then declined with advancing age. Both the period and cohort effects on uterine fibroids showed increasing trend in middle SDI, low-middle SDI and low SDI quintiles in recent 15 years and birth cohort later than 1965.

CONCLUSIONS

The global burden of uterine fibroids is becoming more serious in middle SDI, low-middle SDI and low SDI quintiles. Raising awareness of uterine fibroids, increasing medical investment and improving levels of medical care are necessary to reduce future burden.

A significant burden: A qualitative exploration of the experience of women living with fibroids in St. Kitts and Nevis

Background:

Our study aimed to understand the illness experience of women living in St Kitts and Nevis who have been affected by fibroids by utilising Leventhal’s commonsense model of illness.

Methods:

Upon receiving ethics approval, females aged between 18 and 55 who were currently a resident in St Kitts and Nevis and who had an experience with fibroids within the last 5 years were recruited to consent and complete 1-hour interviews during which they described the different ways in which fibroids affects them.

Results:

The interview guide incorporated the common-sense model; all interviews were 1:1 and a thematic analysis was conducted. The final sample consisted of 11 women, 10 from St Kitts and 1 from Nevis. Their ages ranged from 23 to 49, and the average age of participants was 39 years. Participants described their fibroids in generally negative terms and noted several physical, emotional, social and professional consequences as a result of their fibroid symptoms.

Conclusions:

Our study revealed the need for a clear strategy for managing patients with symptomatic fibroids—a strategy that includes regular monitoring of patients, good communication between doctor and patient and clear guidance on management for patients.

Disparities in Benign Gynecologic Surgical Care

A person's health is not only affected by their disease states, but also the quality of care and posttreatment sequelae. Research shows that disparities exist in benign gynecologic surgery access to care, techniques, and perioperative outcomes. Surgical education, pathways that emphasize minimally invasive approaches, and patient-centered care that recognizes historical influences on patient perspectives are critical to dampening these disparities.

Treatment Patterns in Patients with Uterine Fibroids With and Without a Diagnosis of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Results from a Large U.S. Claims Database

Background: This retrospective database analysis describes clinical characteristics and treatment patterns of U.S. women with a diagnosis for uterine fibroids (UF), both with and without heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Materials and Methods: Two cohorts aged 18-50 years with an incident UF diagnosis, comprising women with and without claims for HMB (UF-HMB and UF-only), were identified from the IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus database (January 1, 2010-December 31, 2019). The index date was the first UF claim following diagnosis; treatment patterns were documented for postindex years 1 and 2 and the full duration of postindex follow-up. Also identified were claims for symptoms or signs potentially associated with UF. Outcomes were the proportion of patients treated with pharmacologic therapies of interest and gynecologic procedures. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with postdiagnosis hysterectomy and hormonal therapy. Results: A total of 66,313 (71.8%) women were included in the UF-HMB cohort (mean age [standard deviation]) 42.6 [5.4] years), and 26,068 (28.2%) in the UF-only cohort (41.8 [6.3]). Median follow-up was ∼4 years. Pain was the most common symptom (42.7% in patients with UF-HMB and 36.6% with UF-only); also common were abnormal bleeding (15.6%, 11.5%) and fatigue (22.2%, 15.5%). Within 1 year of UF diagnosis, 28.8% and 49.2% of women with UF-HMB and UF-only, respectively, had no claims for relevant pharmacologic or surgical treatment. In logistic regression, multiple factors were associated with a higher likelihood of receiving hysterectomy or hormonal therapy. Conclusions: Patients with UF-HMB were more likely to receive UF treatment, either surgical or pharmacologic, than women with UF-only. Apart from HMB, pain was the most commonly documented symptom of UF.

MED12 mutations in uterine leiomyomas: prediction of volume reduction by gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists

BACKGROUND

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists are used to treat premenopausal uterine leiomyomas; however, leiomyoma volume reduction is not always achieved. The reduction rate after this treatment varies for each leiomyoma, even in the same patient. Therefore, an effective method for predicting uterine leiomyoma volume reduction is required to reduce the adverse hypoestrogenic effects and drug-related economic burden related to gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the predictive use of MED12 mutations for evaluating the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment concerning reducing uterine leiomyoma volume and to predict the MED12 mutation status based on the findings of magnetic resonance imaging performed before treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

MED12 exon 2 mutation and erythropoietin expression in uterine leiomyomas were evaluated concerning volume reduction, as measured using magnetic resonance imaging. We developed a system for classifying leiomyomas according to T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging signals to noninvasively predict the presence or absence of MED12 mutations in leiomyomas. Leiomyoma samples (>5 cm) were obtained from 168 patients during surgery (hysterectomy or myomectomy) between 2005 and 2021 at Yokohama City University Hospital. To analyze the rate of leiomyoma volume reduction, 41 patients had been preoperatively administered the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (leuprorelin acetate 3.75 mg, monthly subcutaneous injection) for 3 months; magnetic resonance imaging was performed before and after treatment without contrast material.

RESULTS

Patients with MED12 exon 2 mutations had smaller volume reduction after treatment with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (P<.001, Mann-Whitney U test) and displayed lower signal intensity on T2-weighted images than those with leiomyomas expressing wild-type MED12 exon 2. The newly proposed magnetic resonance imaging-based classification system showed that MED12 exon 2 mutations were more frequent in the low-signal group than in the high-signal group, with nearly equal proportions of mutated and wild-type MED12 exon 2 leiomyomas noted in the intermediate group. The low-signal group had significantly lower erythropoietin expression levels than the high-signal group (P<.001, Kruskal-Wallis test with the Dunn posthoc analysis).

CONCLUSION

MED12 mutation status can be a candidate marker for predicting the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists on uterine leiomyoma reduction. Magnetic resonance imaging findings can be used to determine MED12 mutation status as a noninvasive strategy to select patients who will most likely benefit from gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist treatment.

"I think people should be more aware:" Uterine fibroid experiences among women living in Indiana, USA

OBJECTIVE

To understand healthcare experiences among patients with uterine fibroids (fibroids) across the continuum of care, from early symptoms through diagnosis, treatment, and management, while also investigating health disparities.

METHODS

We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with patients with fibroids. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis. Eligible participants were women aged 18 and over, residing within 75 miles of one of the two recruitment locations (Tippecanoe or Marion County) in Indiana, USA.

RESULTS

Women experienced myriad physical symptoms, which often manifested into psychological and sexual disturbances and infiltrated all aspects of daily life. Internet searches were frequently mentioned as their main information source. Fertility became a prominent factor in deciding treatment options. However, health disparities prevented some from receiving quality fibroids healthcare. Some women reported staying home during COVID-19 pandemic facilitated the management of physical symptoms. Overall, participants advocated for greater fibroids awareness and education.

CONCLUSION

Results highlight barriers and facilitators to fibroids-related decisions, behaviors, and outcomes. Translation of research to practice was guided by a combined Social-Ecological Model and social determinants of health framework for development of strategic interventions.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Interventions should aim to improve fibroids healthcare access, education and awareness, and patient-provider communication for minority, rural, and low socioeconomic status communities disproportionately impacted by fibroids.

Age of first diagnosis and incidence rate of uterine fibroids in Ghana. A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that grow in or on the uterus of women. Globally, they occur in more than 80% of women of African ancestry and 70% in white women. Uterine fibroid requires much attention because of its high incidence rate among women of all races and ages. This study sought to document the age of first diagnosis and incidence rates of uterine fibroids in our urban setting.

METHODS

This study reviewed and analyzed the ages and year of diagnosis of all 2,469 patients with the first diagnosis of uterine fibroids from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2021 in South-Central Ghana. The obtained data were analyzed using GNU PSPP, Python on Jupyter Notebook and Libre Office Calc with statistical significance level set at p≤0.05.

RESULTS

The overall average age was 36.29±8.08 years, with age range 17-61 years and the age groups with the highest frequencies were 35-39 years (n = 642, 26.00%), 30-34 years (n = 563, 22.80%) and 40-44 years (n = 381, 15.43%). The mean ages of the patients in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 were 36.70±8.00 years (95%CI = 35.97-37.43), 37.07±7.66 years (95%CI = 36.45-37.70), 35.92±7.87 years (95%CI = 35.30-36.53) and 35.78±8.54 years (95%CI = 35.19-36.38) respectively. The incidence rate (per 100,000) of uterine fibroids in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 were 66.77 (95% CI = 60.63-72.90), 81.86 (95%CI = 75.19-88.58), 85.60 (95%CI = 78.85-92.35) and 92.40 (95%CI = 85.88-98.92) respectively, with 35-39 age group recording the highest in all years.

CONCLUSION

The incidence rate of uterine fibroids increased as the years progressed and it is mostly high in 35-39 years age category, with a decreasing annual mean age trend indicative of early diagnosis.

Uterine Fibroids, Perceived Stress, and Menstrual Distress: a Key Role of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, frequently associated with pain symptoms and heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), leading to impaired quality of life. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the global perception of stress and the menstrual distress in patients with UFs. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on a group (n = 69) of fertile age women with UFs compared to age-matched controls, by administering two questionnaires: the perceived stress scale (PSS) and the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MEDI-Q). The PSS, MEDI-Q Total Score and 3 subscales—menstrual symptoms (MS), menstrual symptoms distress (MSD), and menstrual specificity index (MESI)—were evaluated. Patients with UFs showed higher PSS than controls (18.5 ± 5.0 vs. 13.8 ± 5.0, p < 0.001) and PSS values were very high in those with HMB, severe dysmenorrhea, and impaired social and working life. Patients with UFs also showed significantly higher score for MEDI-Q Total Score (16.51 ± 12.99 vs. 10.86 ± 12.36) (p < 0.01) as well as for the subscales MSD (2.54 ± 1.07 vs. 1.57 ± 0.98) (p < 0.001) and MESI (0.76 ± 0.30 vs 0.60 ± 0.39) (p < 0.05). The menstrual distress was associated to being uncomfortable about uterine bleeding; in fact, MEDI-Q Total Score was significantly higher in women with HMB compared to those with moderate/normal bleeding. UF characteristics (number, type, and size) did not correlate with perceived stress or menstrual distress. In conclusion, women with UFs have significantly higher levels of perceived stress and menstrual distress than controls and HMB plays a major role in determining such conditions.

Life Quality in Premenopausal Women after Embolization of Uterine Myomas

Objectives: Fibroids cause significant morbidity and are the most common indication for hysterectomies worldwide, delimiting a major public health problem. Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is an alternative therapy to surgical treatment of symptomatic fibroids; it has satisfactory long-time results and is no longer considered investigational for the treatment of symptomatic fibroids. This study was undertaken to evaluate changes in fibroid specific symptom severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after UAE and to optimize the assessment of safety and outcomes measures for participants who receive UAE to objective compare UAE and surgical alternatives for therapy of symptomatic fibroids. Study design: The analysis was based on questionnaires completed by 270 pre-menopausal females with a mean age of 42 years (range, 38-50 years) who underwent UAE for uterine leiomyomas and/or adenomyosis from November 2013 through December 2019. Only symptomatic women were selected whose symptoms were not improving with medication and who did not wish to have children. The primary outcome measure was a change in fibroid symptoms and HRQOL (health related quality of life) after UAE. Secondary outcomes included the decrease in uterine volume after UAE. Results: Questionnaires were completed by 270 women (100%) at a mean of 12.1 months from UAE. The median follow-up period was two years. Uterine fibroid embolization led to a shrinkage at three months for the 90% of the participants. A reduction of bleeding symptoms, pain and bulk-related symptoms was observed in 89.7%, 88.9%, and 89.5% of the patients, respectively. In the long term, there was no significant difference in parameters assessed compared with the midterm follow-up findings. A total of 6 patients (2.3%) underwent fractional curettage an average of 32.1 months after intervention due to necrotic changes in submucosal fibroids. All participants continued to be satisfied with the intervention, and 240 patients (88.9%) answered that they would recommend uterine fibroid embolization to other patients. Conclusions: Women who undergo UAE have a significant decrease in symptom severity and increase in HRQOL which is associated with high levels of satisfaction with the procedure (even when subsequent therapies are pursued).

Development, Validation, and Application of a Human Reproductive Toxicity Prediction Model Based on Adverse Outcome Pathway

A growing number of environmental contaminants have been proved to have reproductive toxicity to males and females. However, the unclear toxicological mechanism of reproductive toxicants limits the development of virtual screening methods. By consolidating androgen (AR)-/estrogen receptors (ERs)-mediated adverse outcome pathways (AOPs) with more than 8000 chemical substances, we uncovered relationships between chemical features, a series of pathway-related effects, and reproductive apical outcomes─changes in sex organ weights. An AOP-based computational model named RepTox was developed and evaluated to predict and characterize chemicals' reproductive toxicity for males and females. Results showed that RepTox has three outstanding advantages. (I) Compared with the traditional models (37 and 81% accuracy, respectively), AOP significantly improved the predictive robustness of RepTox (96.3% accuracy). (II) Compared with the application domain (AD) of models based on small in vivo datasets, AOP expanded the ADs of RepTox by 1.65-fold for male and 3.77-fold for female, respectively. (III) RepTox implied that hydrophobicity, cyclopentanol substructure, and several topological indices (e.g., hydrogen-bond acceptors) were important, unbiased features associated with reproductive toxicants. Finally, RepTox was applied to the inventory of existing chemical substances of China and identified 2100 and 7281 potential toxicants to the male and female reproductive systems, respectively.

Relugolix Combination Therapy for Uterine Leiomyoma-Associated Pain in the LIBERTY Randomized Trials

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of once-daily relugolix combination therapy (relugolix-CT: relugolix 40 mg, estradiol 1 mg, and norethindrone acetate 0.5 mg) compared with placebo on moderate-to-severe pain in women with uterine leiomyomas and heavy menstrual bleeding.

METHODS

Two replicate, multinational, double-blind, 24-week, randomized, phase 3 studies (LIBERTY 1 and 2) were conducted in premenopausal women with uterine leiomyoma-associated heavy menstrual bleeding (80 mL or greater per cycle for two cycles or 160 mL or greater during one cycle). A predefined secondary objective was to determine the effect of relugolix-CT on moderate-to-severe uterine leiomyoma-associated pain in the pain subpopulation (women with maximum pain scores of 4 or higher on the 0-10 numerical rating scale at baseline, with pain score reporting compliance of 80% (ie, 28 days or more over the last 35 days of treatment). This key secondary endpoint was defined as the proportion of women achieving minimal-to-no uterine leiomyoma-associated pain (maximum numerical rating scale score 1 or lower) at week 24; menstrual and nonmenstrual pain were evaluated in prespecified secondary analyses. Treatment comparisons were performed in the pooled LIBERTY 1 and 2 pain subpopulation using the Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel test stratified by baseline menstrual blood loss volume.

RESULTS

Across both trials, 509 women were randomized to relugolix-CT or placebo (April 2017-December 2018). Of these, 277 (54.4%) met pain subpopulation requirements. With relugolix-CT, 45.2% (95% CI 36.4-54.3) of women achieved minimal-to-no pain compared with 13.9% (95% CI 8.8-20.5) with placebo (nominal P<.001). The proportions of women with minimal-to-no pain during menstrual days and during nonmenstrual days were significantly higher with relugolix-CT (65.0% [95% CI 55.6-73.5] and 44.6% [95% CI 32.3-57.5], respectively) compared with placebo (19.3% [95% CI 13.2-26.7], nominal P<.001, and 21.6% [95% CI 12.9-32.7], nominal P=.004, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Over 24 weeks, relugolix-CT significantly reduced moderate-to-severe uterine leiomyoma-associated pain with a more pronounced effect on menstrual pain. These data support that relugolix-CT had clinically meaningful effects on women's experience of uterine leiomyoma-associated pain.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: LIBERTY 1, NCT03049735; LIBERTY 2, NCT03103087.

FUNDING SOURCE

Myovant Sciences GmbH.

The Burden of Uterine Fibroids from the Perspective of US Women Participating in Open-Ended Interviews

BACKGROUND

Research on women's perspective of uterine fibroids (UF) experiences using their own words is limited. This study aimed to provide new insights on the symptoms experienced and their impacts on daily life.

METHODS

Interview substudy in 30 US women with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) associated with UF who completed one of two phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (LIBERTY 1 and 2; ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT03049735, NCT03103087). Women who consented to participate in this substudy were interviewed after their last clinical trial study visit. Concepts (i.e., symptoms and impacts) of importance to women were determined via open-ended questions, and the frequency of symptoms and their impacts, including the relationship between pain and menstruation, were assessed. Data were analyzed using established qualitative research methods, including grounded theory and constant comparative methods, and concept saturation was assessed.

RESULTS

Fifteen unique symptoms of UF emerged: the most commonly reported were HMB (n = 30, 100.0%), pelvic pain (n = 28, 93.3%), and passing of blood clots (n = 24, 80.0%). In total, 25 unique impacts were identified across eight concepts: physical impacts, activities of daily living, sleep, emotional impacts, sex life, social impacts, work and school, and financial impacts. Concept saturation was achieved for both symptoms and impacts.

CONCLUSION

This study provides data on the symptoms experienced by women with HMB associated with UF, as well as the negative impacts of these symptoms as reported using their own words. The study findings confirm the significant burden associated with symptomatic UF.

Body Image and Sexual Function Improve after Both Myomectomy and Hysterectomy for Symptomatic Fibroids

OBJECTIVES

To determine the factors that influence the choice of myomectomy, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), or hysterectomy in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids and to assess women's perception of body image and sexual functioning before and after treatment.

METHODS

In this prospective observational cohort pilot study, women scheduled to undergo hysterectomy, myomectomy, or UFE were surveyed before surgery and again at 3 to 6 months after their procedure to assess body image and sexual function using the validated 10-item Body Image Scale and 19-item Female Sexual Function Index. Logistic regression was used to determine predictive factors for surgery choice and paired t tests were used to determine changes in perceived sexual function and body image.

RESULTS

Of the 71 women surveyed, 69 underwent their scheduled procedure and 68 participants completed the preoperative questionnaire completely (98%). A total of 33 participants completed the postoperative questionnaire (49%). The predictive factor for hysterectomy versus myomectomy/UFE was older age (odds ratio 1.13, P = 0.017, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02-1.24). Regardless of surgery type, there were significant improvements in perceived body image and sexual function, including an increase in the overall sexual satisfaction of the participant (mean difference 0.50, P = 0.021, 95% CI 0.92-0.08) and less likely to feel less sexually attractive because of their menstrual bleeding problem (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 0.637-1.675).

CONCLUSIONS

Women of older age are more likely to choose hysterectomy over myomectomy or UFE for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. In addition, women who underwent any treatment for fibroids have increases in perception of body image and sexual functioning after their procedure.

Increased Expression of Fibroblast Activation Protein is Associated with Autophagy Dysregulation and Oxidative Stress in Obese Women with Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (UF) represent an immense health burden throughout the world. Obesity is considered one of the risk factors for UF development; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We investigated the effect of obesity on fibroblast activation and its association with inflammation, autophagy dysfunction, and oxidative stress in UF patients. Thirty-five pre-menopausal UF patients were included in this study and classified into non-obese group (BM1 ≤ 30 kg/m², n = 15) and obese group (BMI > 30 kg/m², n = 20). Tissue samples were collected from fibroids and adjacent normal myometrium. Our results showed increased expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) together with markers of autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress in UF patients, which were all more markedly upregulated in obese compared to non-obese patients. In addition, BMI was significantly positive correlated with FAP and autophagy markers. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that obesity-associated autophagy dysregulation together with increased FAP expression may increase the risk of UFs in obese women.

Comparison of (Cost-)Effectiveness of Magnetic Resonance Image-Guided High-Intensity-Focused Ultrasound With Standard (Minimally) Invasive Fibroid Treatments: Protocol for a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (MYCHOICE)

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance image-guided high-intensity-focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU) is a rather new, noninvasive option for the treatment of uterine fibroids. It is safe, effective, and has a very short recovery time. However, a lack of prospectively collected data on long-term (cost-)effectiveness of the MR-HIFU treatment compared with standard uterine fibroid care prevents the MR-HIFU treatment from being reimbursed for this indication. Therefore, at this point, when conservative treatment for uterine fibroid symptoms has failed or is not accepted by patients, standard care includes the more invasive treatments hysterectomy, myomectomy, and uterine artery embolization (UAE). Primary outcomes of currently available data on MR-HIFU treatment often consist of technical outcomes, instead of patient-centered outcomes such as quality of life (QoL), and do not include the use of the latest equipment or most up-to-date treatment strategies. Moreover, data on cost-effectiveness are rare and seldom include data on a societal level such as productivity loss or use of painkillers. Because of the lack of reimbursement, broad clinical implementation has not taken place, nor is the proper role of MR-HIFU in uterine fibroid care sufficiently clear.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study is to determine the long-term (cost-)effectiveness of MR-HIFU compared with standard (minimally) invasive fibroid treatments.

METHODS

The MYCHOICE study is a national, multicenter, open randomized controlled trial with randomization in a 2:1 ratio to MR-HIFU or standard care including hysterectomy, myomectomy, and UAE. The sample size is 240 patients in total. Women are included when they are 18 years or older, in premenopausal stage, diagnosed with symptomatic uterine fibroids, conservative treatment has failed or is not accepted, and eligible for MR-HIFU. Primary outcomes of the study are QoL 24 months after treatment and costs of treatment including direct health care costs, loss of productivity, and patient costs.

RESULTS

Inclusion for the MYCHOICE study started in November 2020 and enrollment will continue until 2024. Data collection is expected to be completed in 2026.

CONCLUSIONS

By collecting data on the long-term (cost-)effectiveness of the MR-HIFU treatment in comparison to current standard fibroid care, we provide currently unavailable evidence about the proper place of MR-HIFU in the fibroid treatment spectrum. This will also facilitate reimbursement and inclusion of MR-HIFU in (inter)national uterine fibroid care guidelines.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register NL8863; https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8863.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/29467.

What We Know about the Long-Term Risks of Hysterectomy for Benign Indication-A Systematic Review

Hysterectomy is the most common treatment option in women with uterine fibroids, providing definitive relief from the associated burdensome symptoms. As with all surgical interventions, hysterectomy is associated with risk of complications, short-term morbidities, and mortality, all of which have been described previously. However, information on the potential long-term risks of hysterectomy is only recently becoming available. A systematic literature review was performed to identify studies published between 2005 and December 2020 evaluating the long-term impact of hysterectomy on patient outcomes. A total of 29 relevant studies were identified. A review of the articles showed that hysterectomy may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, certain cancers, the need for further surgery, early ovarian failure and menopause, depression, and other outcomes. It is important to acknowledge that the available studies examine possible associations and hypotheses rather than causality, and there is a need to establish higher quality studies to truly evaluate the long-term consequences of hysterectomy. However, it is of value to consider these findings when discussing the benefits and risks of all treatment options with patients with uterine fibroids to allow for preference-based choices to be made in a shared decision-making process. This is key to ensuring that patients receive the treatment that best meets their individual needs.

A prospective cohort study of ambient air pollution exposure and risk of uterine leiomyomata

STUDY QUESTION

To what extent are ambient concentrations of particulate matter <2.5 microns (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ozone (O3) associated with risk of self-reported physician-diagnosed uterine leiomyomata (UL)?

SUMMARY ANSWER

In this large prospective cohort study of Black women, ambient concentrations of O3, but not PM2.5 or NO2, were associated with increased risk of UL.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

UL are benign tumors of the myometrium that are the leading cause of gynecologic inpatient care among reproductive-aged women. Black women are clinically diagnosed at two to three times the rate of white women and tend to exhibit earlier onset and more severe disease. Two epidemiologic studies have found positive associations between air pollution exposure and UL risk, but neither included large numbers of Black women.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We conducted a prospective cohort study of 21 998 premenopausal Black women residing in 56 US metropolitan areas from 1997 to 2011.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIAL, SETTING, METHODS

Women reported incident UL diagnosis and method of confirmation (i.e. ultrasound, surgery) on biennial follow-up questionnaires. We modeled annual residential concentrations of PM2.5, NO2 and O3 throughout the study period. We used Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for a one-interquartile range (IQR) increase in air pollutant concentrations, adjusting for confounders and co-pollutants.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

During 196 685 person-years of follow-up, 6238 participants (28.4%) reported physician-diagnosed UL confirmed by ultrasound or surgery. Although concentrations of PM2.5 and NO2 were not appreciably associated with UL (HRs for a one-IQR increase: 1.01 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.10) and 1.05 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.16), respectively), O3 concentrations were associated with increased UL risk (HR for a one-IQR increase: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.32). The association was stronger among women age <35 years (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 0.98, 1.62) and parous women (HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.48).

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Our measurement of air pollution is subject to misclassification, as monitoring data are not equally spatially distributed and we did not account for time-activity patterns. Our outcome measure was based on self-report of a physician diagnosis, likely resulting in under-ascertainment of UL. Although we controlled for several individual- and neighborhood-level confounding variables, residual confounding remains a possibility.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Inequitable burden of air pollution exposure has important implications for racial health disparities, and may be related to disparities in UL. Our results emphasize the need for additional research focused on environmental causes of UL.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

This research was funded by the National Cancer Institute (U01-CAA164974) and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (R01-ES019573). L.A.W. is a fibroid consultant for AbbVie, Inc. and accepts in-kind donations from Swiss Precision Diagnostics, Sandstone Diagnostics, FertilityFriend.com and Kindara.com for primary data collection in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO). M.J. declares consultancy fees from the Health Effects Institute (as a member of the review committee). The remaining authors declare they have no actual or potential competing financial interests.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

N/A.

The health concerns related to hysterectomy among Taiwanese women with uterine fibroids- a mixed-methods study

This study aimed to assess health concerns after hysterectomy from different perspectives among Taiwanese women with uterine fibroids. A mixed-methods was used in this study. In a cross-sectional study, 95 patients completed a structured questionnaire (Health Concern Questionnaire-HCQ). Face-to-face interviews with 5 patients were implemented for the qualitative component from OBS-GYN outpatient departments at two hospitals in Northern Taiwan. Participants who met the following criteria, 20 years of age or older, conscious alert without mental disturbances were recruited to this study. Descriptive statistics were calculated for social demographic variables and HCQ. A content analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data. The mean age was 46.28 of 95 patients. Findings of the present study showed that the most health concerns among patients with UFs after hysterectomy are hysterectomy-related complications, follow by impacts on daily life, body image and female identity, and intimacy and sexual relations. The findings of qualitative interviews supported the above findings. In addition, the information needs of post-operative self-care were identify in this qualitative interviews. The results of this research study could help healthcare professionals to address women's health concerns and provide adequate care for Taiwanese women with uterine fibroids after hysterectomy.

Successful uterine-sparing surgical management in a patient with a large multi-fibroid uterus

Uterine fibroids are a common gynaecological condition. A key factor when deciding on surgical approach for fibroid management is a patient’s age and desire for fertility with uterine-sparing treatment generally recommended in women who are aiming for future pregnancies. This case report discusses a woman who presented with a very large multi-fibroid uterus. In this case, a hysterectomy was recommended due to safety concerns however, this advice was declined as the patient desired uterine preservation. Fertility testing showed that the patient was not peri-menopausal and abdominal myomectomy was safely performed to good effect. This case report outlines the surgical approach undertaken, in addition to considerations for fertility and pregnancy management.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in uterine leiomyoma: role in tumor biology and targeting opportunities

Uterine leiomyoma is the most common tumor of the female reproductive system and originates from a single transformed myometrial smooth muscle cell. Despite the immense medical, psychosocial, and financial impact, the exact underlying mechanisms of leiomyoma pathobiology are poorly understood. Alterations of signaling pathways are thought to be instrumental in leiomyoma biology. Wnt/β-catenin pathway appears to be involved in several aspects of the genesis of leiomyomas. For example, Wnt5b is overexpressed in leiomyoma, and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway appears to mediate the role of MED12 mutations, the most common mutations in leiomyoma, in tumorigenesis. Moreover, Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a paracrine role where estrogen/progesterone treatment of mature myometrial or leiomyoma cells leads to increased expression of Wnt11 and Wnt16, which induces proliferation of leiomyoma stem cells and tumor growth. Constitutive activation of β-catenin leads to myometrial hyperplasia and leiomyoma-like lesions in animal models. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is also closely involved in mechanotransduction and extracellular matrix regulation and relevant alterations in leiomyoma, and crosstalk is noted between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and other pathways known to regulate leiomyoma development and growth such as estrogen, progesterone, TGFβ, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, IGF, Hippo, and Notch signaling. Finally, evidence suggests that inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway using β-catenin inhibitors inhibits leiomyoma cell proliferation. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of leiomyoma development is essential for effective treatment. The specific Wnt/β-catenin pathway molecules discussed in this review constitute compelling candidates for therapeutic targeting.

The Risk of Uterine Malignancy in a Population Being Evaluated for Uterine Fibroid Embolization

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of uterine malignancy in patients evaluated for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) and the role of magnetic resonance imaging in triage.

METHODS

Records and imaging studies of 864 UFE consult patients were reviewed for MRI findings suggestive of fibroid malignancy. Pathology was obtained for cases with suspicious baseline MRI's, and the most atypical mass was reanalyzed by an experienced radiologist, blinded to the pathological findings.

RESULTS

Twenty one of 864 patients had baseline MRI findings concerning for malignancy at consultation and 17 had complete records. Re-evaluation suggested that 5 were malignant. Three were confirmed malignant (0.35%). One malignancy among the 843 without suspicious baseline MRI findings was missed at consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

In our UFE population, uterine malignancy is rare (4/864, 0.46%), and MRI detected the majority, 3 (75%) of 4 before UFE. The observed prevalence of any malignancy was 0.35%, congruent with current Federal Drug Administration estimates.

Uterine artery embolization versus surgical treatment in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data

OBJECTIVE

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumours in women of the reproductive age. Symptoms of heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal discomfort and infertility may seriously affect a woman's quality of life. Uterine artery embolization is a safe and effective alternative treatment to hysterectomy or myomectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Which treatment provides the highest quality of life, least complications, symptom reduction and least chance intervention, has not been established and might depend on strict patient selection. This study aims to identify which specific subgroups benefit most of each treatment by analyzing individual participant data derived from randomized controlled trials of women undergoing embolization or surgical treatment. This study will primarily assess the effectiveness of both treatment groups by evaluating the effect on quality of life of embolization in comparison to surgery on specific patient and fibroid characteristics and the possible need for re-intervention for fibroid-related symptoms.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and The Cochrane Library were searched up to August 2020.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We will collect individual participant data from randomized controlled trials that studied clinical and procedural outcomes of premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids, who were randomized between uterine artery embolization and surgery.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Individual participant data from all eligible trials will be sought and analysed according to intention-to-treat principle. Risk of Bias will be done by using version 2 of the Cochrane tool for Risk of Bias in randomized trials. Subgroup analyses to explore the effect of e.g. age, fibroid characteristics and fibroid complaints will be performed, if data is available. This individual patient data meta-analysis will be analysed according to a one-stage model.

The Selective Progesterone Receptor Modulator Ulipristal Acetate Inhibits the Activity of the Glucocorticoid Receptor

CONTEXT

The selective progesterone modulator ulipristal acetate (ulipristal) offers a much-needed therapeutic option for the clinical management of uterine fibroids. Although ulipristal initially passed safety evaluations in Europe, postmarketing analysis identified cases of hepatic injury and failure, leading to restrictions on the long-term use of ulipristal. One of the factors potentially contributing to significant side effects with the selective progesterone modulators is cross-reactivity with other steroid receptors.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether ulipristal can alter the activity of the endogenous glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in relevant cell types.

DESIGN

Immortalized human uterine fibroid cells (UtLM) and hepatocytes (HepG2) were treated with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone and/or ulipristal. Primary uterine fibroid tissue was isolated from patients undergoing elective gynecological surgery and treated ex vivo with dexamethasone and/or ulipristal. In vivo ulipristal exposure was performed in C57Bl/6 mice to measure the effect on basal gene expression in target tissues throughout the body.

RESULTS

Dexamethasone induced the expression of established glucocorticoid-target genes period 1 (PER1), FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5), and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) in UtLM and HepG2 cells, whereas cotreatment with ulipristal blocked the transcriptional response to glucocorticoids in a dose-dependent manner. Ulipristal inhibited glucocorticoid-mediated phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and DNA interactions of GR. Glucocorticoid stimulation of PER1, FKBP5, and GILZ was abolished by cotreatment with ulipristal in primary uterine fibroid tissue. The expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes was decreased in the lung, liver, and uterus of mice exposed to 2 mg/kg ulipristal. Interestingly, transcript levels of Fkbp5 and Gilz were increased in the hippocampus and pituitary.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies demonstrate that ulipristal inhibits endogenous glucocorticoid signaling in human fibroid and liver cells, which is an important consideration for its use as a long-term therapeutic agent.

Ulipristal acetate on quality of life and sexual function of women with uterine fibromatosis

To evaluate quality of life and sexual function of childbearing-age women, affected by uterine fibromatosis undergoing medical treatment with ulipristal acetate. The data obtained by filling the questionnaires European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Scale and modified Female Sexual Function Index, were analyzed to assess UPA usefulness in improving QoL and sexual activity. A total of 139 patients affected by uterine fibromatosis undergoing conservative ulipristal acetate treatment were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Seventy-one women (average age 46.5 years) answered the questionnaires: QoL and sexuality were evaluated before and after ulipristal acetate treatment. 59 patients (83.1%) had an improvement of QoL and general health state, with a reduction of VAS score after ulipristal acetate treatment. EQ-5D-5L showed a statistically significant improvement of usual act impairment, mobility, discomfort, anxiety/depression (p < .0005). There was no difference in personal care management after therapy. Modified FSFI showed a statistically significant improvement (p < .0001) of sexual satisfaction and sexual life. A not statistically significant improvement in dyspareunia was also highlighted. This study provides a clear picture about QoL impact on women and confirms the effectiveness of the ulipristal acetate in improving different aspects of daily and sexual life of patients undergoing medical treatment.

Contributors to Racial Disparities in Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy in the US Department of Veterans Affairs

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive hysterectomy for fibroids decreases recovery time and risk of postoperative complications compared with abdominal hysterectomy. Within Veterans Affair (VA), black women with uterine fibroids are less likely to receive a minimally invasive hysterectomy than white women.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the contributions of patient, facility, temporal and geographic factors to VA black-white disparity in minimally invasive hysterectomy.

RESEARCH DESIGN

A cross-sectional study.

SUBJECTS

Veterans with fibroids and hysterectomy performed in VA between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2015.

MEASURES

Hysterectomy mode was defined using ICD-9 codes as minimally invasive (laparoscopic, vaginal, or robotic-assisted) versus abdominal. The authors estimated a logistic regression model with minimally invasive hysterectomy modeled as a function of 4 sets of factors: sociodemographic characteristics other than race, health risk factors, facility, and temporal and geographic factors. Using decomposition techniques, systematically substituting each white woman's characteristics for each black woman's characteristics, then recalculating the predicted probability of minimally invasive hysterectomy for black women for each possible combination of factors, we quantified the contribution of each set of factors to observed disparities in minimally invasive hysterectomy.

RESULTS

Among 1255 veterans with fibroids who had a hysterectomy at a VA, 61% of black women and 39% of white women had an abdominal hysterectomy. Our models indicated there were 99 excess abdominal hysterectomies among black women. The majority (n=77) of excess abdominal hysterectomies were unexplained by measured sociodemographic factors beyond race, health risk factors, facility, and temporal or geographic trends.

CONCLUSION

Closer examination of the equity of VA gynecology care and ways in which the VA can work to ensure equitable care for all women veterans is necessary.

Relugolix, a novel oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist, in the treatment of pain symptoms associated with uterine fibroids: a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study in Japanese women

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of the oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist, relugolix, in patients experiencing uterine fibroid-associated pain.

DESIGN

Phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

Medical centers.

PATIENT(S)

Premenopausal Japanese women (N = 65) experiencing moderate-to-severe uterine fibroid-associated pain with a maximum Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score of ≥4 were randomized and completed the study.

INTERVENTION(S)

Once-daily 40 mg relugolix (n = 33) or placebo (n = 32) for 12 weeks.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Primary end point: proportion of patients with a maximum NRS score of ≤1 during the 28-day period before the final dose of study drug. Secondary end points: proportion of patients with no pain (NRS = 0) and percentage of days without pain during the 28-day period before the final dose of study drug; adverse events.

RESULT(S)

More patients receiving relugolix versus placebo achieved a maximum NRS score of ≤1 during the 28-day period before the final dose of study drug (57.6% vs. 3.1%). Similarly, more patients receiving relugolix versus placebo achieved a maximum NRS score of 0 (48.5% vs. 3.1%) and experienced more days without pain (96.4% vs. 71.4%). More patients receiving relugolix versus placebo experienced treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs; 87.9% vs. 56.3%); however, the rate of treatment discontinuation was low and not different between groups. Most TEAEs were mild to moderate in intensity. TEAEs (≥10%) included hot flush, metrorrhagia, hyperhidrosis, and menorrhagia, consistent with relugolix's mechanism of action, and viral upper respiratory tract infection.

CONCLUSION(S)

Relugolix improved uterine fibroid-associated pain and was well tolerated.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT02655224.

JAPIC CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION

JapicCTI-163127.

NAMS 2018 Utian Translational Science Symposium, October 2018, San Diego, California New therapies for leiomyomas: when surgery may not be the best option

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) held the 2018 Utian Translational Science Symposium on October 2, 2018, in San Diego, California, to discuss new therapeutic approaches to uterine leiomyomas when surgery is not the optimal choice.Uterine leiomyomas arise from a single clonal cell and are the most common gynecologic disorder affecting reproductive and perimenopausal women worldwide. The prevalence of this disorder is approximately 40% to 70% in white women and 60% to 80% in black women. Recent research suggests that both estrogen and progesterone modulate the growth of leiomyomas, with progesterone being a major stimulator of leiomyoma growth.Women with symptomatic uterine leiomyomas experience heavy uterine bleeding, bulk symptoms, miscarriages, and pregnancy complications. Surgical therapies such as myomectomy or hysterectomy are highly effective; however, medical therapy with progestin-predominant contraceptives or gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are in many ways inadequate to address the unmet need for better, noninvasive, and cost-effective treatments.Recent advances in medical treatment, such as selective progesterone receptor modulators, new oral GnRH analogs, and clinical trials that provide new therapeutic approaches, were presented by speakers at the symposium. Research on why there is a prevalence of leiomyomas in black women, the racial and genetic effects on leiomyoma growth, and potential molecular mechanisms also were discussed.

Burden of Uterine Fibroids: An African Perspective, A Call for Action and Opportunity for Intervention

Black women carry the burden of uterine fibroids, (AKA uterine leiomyomas), at a much higher rate than their racial counterparts. Thus, increasing awareness and discovering a solution to an endemic problem that plagues Sub-Saharan Africa is of critical importance, not only for the region itself, but also for the medical community globally. A collaborative, patient oriented, cost effective, and culturally sensitive approach must be at the forefront of this endeavor. While the exact pathogenesis of uterine fibroid development remains elusive, the racial disparity is well documented. Moreover, in the developed world, women are able to seek treatment through surgical and non-surgical means; however, sub-Saharan regions face their own challenges that, if not addressed, can ultimately extinguish the lives of many suffering women. Unfortunately, the literature is scarce on how to prevent fibroid development, which may be critical for women who do not have access to effective interventions. Recent research from our group and others has shown that vitamin D deficiency plays an important role in fibroid development and may be a preventable risk factor. Daily vitamin D supplementation is a low cost, effective intervention that could be implemented throughout the Sub-Saharan region. Similarly, education and increased awareness as to the nature and symptoms of uterine fibroids could improve the quality of life, remove negative social stigma, and reduce morbidity and mortality rates in women who seek medical care with advanced uterine fibroids.

Proposed Key Characteristics of Female Reproductive Toxicants as an Approach for Organizing and Evaluating Mechanistic Data in Hazard Assessment

BACKGROUND

Identification of female reproductive toxicants is currently based largely on integrated epidemiological and in vivo toxicology data and, to a lesser degree, on mechanistic data. A uniform approach to systematically search, organize, integrate, and evaluate mechanistic evidence of female reproductive toxicity from various data types is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to apply a key characteristics approach similar to that pioneered for carcinogen hazard identification to female reproductive toxicant hazard identification.

METHODS

A working group of international experts was convened to discuss mechanisms associated with chemical-induced female reproductive toxicity and identified 10 key characteristics of chemicals that cause female reproductive toxicity: 1) alters hormone receptor signaling; alters reproductive hormone production, secretion, or metabolism; 2) chemical or metabolite is genotoxic; 3) induces epigenetic alterations; 4) causes mitochondrial dysfunction; 5) induces oxidative stress; 6) alters immune function; 7) alters cell signal transduction; 8) alters direct cell–cell interactions; 9) alters survival, proliferation, cell death, or metabolic pathways; and 10) alters microtubules and associated structures. As proof of principle, cyclophosphamide and diethylstilbestrol (DES), for which both human and animal studies have demonstrated female reproductive toxicity, display at least 5 and 3 key characteristics, respectively. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), for which the epidemiological evidence is mixed, exhibits 5 key characteristics.

DISCUSSION

Future efforts should focus on evaluating the proposed key characteristics against additional known and suspected female reproductive toxicants. Chemicals that exhibit one or more of the key characteristics could be prioritized for additional evaluation and testing. A key characteristics approach has the potential to integrate with pathway-based toxicity testing to improve prediction of female reproductive toxicity in chemicals and potentially prevent some toxicants from entering common use. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4971.

Potential synergism between ulipristal acetate and vitamin D3 in uterine fibroid pharmacotherapy - 2 case studies

This is a preliminary report of the first cases of successful simultaneous use of ulipristal acetate (UPA) and vitamin D3 in uterine fibroid (UF) oral treatment in humans. We present two cases of 37- and 49-year-old females with clinically symptomatic UFs and vitamin D deficiency. Both patients were treated with a standard 3 months of UPA scheme (5 mg daily) with the additional use of vitamin D3 (7000 IU daily orally). In the 37-year-old female all the symptoms (pain, pressure, frequent urination) decreased, total tumor volume after the treatment changed by 47.8%. In the 49-year-old female most symptoms perished, total tumor volume was reduced by 63.3%. UPA and vitamin D share synergistic anti-fibroid properties. Further studies are necessary to show the exact effect of UPA and vitamin D as co-drugs.

Mediator Kinase Disruption in MED12-Mutant Uterine Fibroids From Hispanic Women of South Texas

CONTEXT

Mutations in the gene encoding Mediator complex subunit MED12 are dominant drivers of uterine fibroids (UFs) in women of diverse racial and ethnic origins. Previously, we showed that UF-linked mutations in MED12 disrupt its ability to activate cyclin C-CDK8/19 in Mediator. However, validation of Mediator kinase disruption in the clinically relevant setting of MED12-mutant UFs is currently lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was twofold. First, to extend the ethnic distribution profile of MED12 mutations by establishing their frequency in UFs from Hispanic women of South Texas. Second, to examine the impact of MED12 mutations on Mediator kinase activity in patient-derived UFs.

METHODS

We screened 219 UFs from 76 women, including 170 tumors from 57 Hispanic patients, for MED12 exon 2 mutations, and further examined CDK8/19 activity in Mediator complexes immunoprecipitated from MED12 mutation-negative and MED12 mutation-positive UFs.

RESULTS

MED12 exon 2 mutations in UFs from Hispanic women are somatic in nature, predominantly monoallelic, and occur at high frequency (54.1%). We identified a minimal cyclin C-CDK8 activation domain on MED12 spanning amino acids 15 through 80 that includes all recorded UF-linked mutations in MED12, suggesting that disruption of Mediator kinase activity is a principal biochemical defect arising from these pathogenic alterations. Analysis of Mediator complexes recovered from patient UFs confirmed this, revealing that Mediator kinase activity is selectively impaired in MED12-mutant UFs.

CONCLUSIONS

MED12 mutations are important drivers of UF formation in Hispanic women of South Texas. MED12 mutations disrupt Mediator kinase activity, implicating altered CDK8/19 function in UF pathogenesis.

Changes in sexuality during ulipristal acetate treatment in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate changes in sexuality in women treated with Ulipristal acetate (UPA) due to symptomatic uterine fibroids.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 102 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids undergoing conservative therapy with UPA were enrolled in this observational study. Sexuality was evaluated before and after a three month UPA treatment using the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) as well as the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ). Before treatment was initiated, participants additionally filled in a standardised questionnaire addressing the expected changes in sexuality due to UPA. Demographic parameters, expectations concerning changes in sexuality, and FSFI- and SAQ-scores were analysed.

RESULTS

The average age of the study collective was 42.3 years. For the majority of the included women (n = 70; 71.4%) sexuality was rated as an important issue and 86 women (87.8%) did not think that UPA would have an impact on the frequency of sexual intercourse, the quality (n = 91; 92.9%) or frequency of orgasms (n = 87; 88.8%) neither sexual receptivity (n = 88; 89.8%). Full data sets were available for 73 patients (71.6%). The FSFI showed significantly higher sub scores regarding desire (3.6 ± 1.2 vs. 3.9 ± 1.2; p = 0.0012) and arousal (4.2 ± 1.7 vs. 4.4 ± 1.9; p = 0.0151) as well as a higher total score (26.6 ± 9.0 vs. 27.4 ± 9.5; p = 0.0008) after UPA treatment. Regarding the SAQ a statistically significant difference regarding the subscore "habit" was found (p < 0.0001) comparing pre with post interventional scores.

CONCLUSION

Sexuality in general seems to be important for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. As the treatment with UPA appears to improve sexuality, this circumstance can be mentioned in a pre-therapeutic counselling.