Does a Bleeding Disorder Lessen the Efficacy of the 52-mg Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Adolescents? A Retrospective Multicenter Study

Heavy menstrual bleeding in women with inherited bleeding disorders in use of LNG-IUS: A systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Inherited bleeding disorders may cause heavy menstrual bleeding in women, impacting quality of life and impairing daily and social activities. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system is a potential treatment for these women, which might reduce menstrual blood loss.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a systematic review and single-arm meta-analysis to examine the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in women with inherited bleeding disorders and heavy menstrual bleeding.

RESULTS

A systematic search on PubMed, Embase and Cochrane yielded 583 results, of which six observational studies (n = 156) met inclusion criteria. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system use in patients with inherited bleeding disorders and heavy menstrual bleeding was associated with amenorrhea in 60% of patients and a significant increase of 1.40 g/dL in hemoglobin and of 19.75 ng/mL in ferritin levels when comparing post- and pre-treatment levels. The post-treatment mean hemoglobin was 13.32 g/dL and the mean ferritin was 43.22 ng/dL. The rate of intrauterine device expulsion or removal due to mal position was low (13%), as was the need for intrauterine device removal due to lack of efficacy (14%).

CONCLUSION

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system may improve bleeding patterns and quality of life in patients with inherited bleeding disorders and heavy menstrual bleeding.

IMPLICATIONS

Women with inherited bleeding disorders could benefit from levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system, so its use should be an option for this women.

Continuation rates of hormonal intrauterine devices in adolescents and young adults when placed for contraceptive and non-contraceptive indications

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to estimate and compare continuation rates of hormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs) when placed for contraceptive or menstrual management indications in adolescents and young adults.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a secondary analysis of a prospectively collected database of all hormonal IUD insertions from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2020, with at least 1-year follow-up, across four Adolescent Medicine practices. IUD insertions without known indication were excluded.

RESULTS

A total of 936 IUD insertions were attempted, 45% for contraception only, 18% for menstrual management only, and 37% for both indications. Insertion was successful in 868 (93%) attempts, and success did not differ by indication (p = 0.74). The mean age at insertion was 18.9 years (SD = 2.4 years), with no difference by indication. Of the completed insertions, 650 (75%) had at least one follow-up during the data analysis period. Excluding those without follow-up, the overall continuation rates were 77% at 1 year, 66% at 2 years, and 54% at 3 years. While continuation rates did not differ by indication at 1 year, at 3 years, continuation was highest among those who sought the device for menstrual management only (contraception = 53%, menstrual = 57%, both = 53%, p < 0.01) Malposition was rare (4.0%), as was device expulsion (2.5%), and these did not differ by indication.

CONCLUSION

IUD continuation rates were high among adolescents and young adults and did not significantly differ when placed for contraceptive or non-contraceptive indication in the first year of use.

IMPLICATIONS

Adolescents and young adults may seek the hormonal IUD for contraception and/or menstrual management. Our study found that IUD continuation rates were high at 1 year regardless of the indication for utilization.

The diagnosis, natural history, and management of von Willebrand disease in women in the age of guidelines

INTRODUCTION

Women and girls with bleeding disorders face multiple bleeding challenges throughout their life. The most significant morbidity and mortality are due to heavy menstrual bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage in their reproductive years. The ASH/ISTH/NHF/WFH 2021 guidelines on diagnosing and managing von Willebrand disease (VWD) provide several new updates.

AREAS COVERED

Women with VWD have a higher prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding. The subpopulation of adolescents is particularly vulnerable, as the diagnosis is often delayed with increased comorbidity of iron deficiency anemia and associated symptoms. A detailed review is done on the prevalence of bleeding-related complications, especially heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and post-partum hemorrhage (PPH). The management strategies are also reviewed in detail, with a specific focus on the target factor levels and the use of antifibrinolytics.

EXPERT OPINION

The 2021 ASH/ISTH/NHF/WFH diagnostic and management recommendations are reviewed with a specific focus on hormonal methods of HMB management and antifibrinolytics in this situation. The reviewed topics include neuraxial anesthesia, factor cutoff, and tranexamic acid use in the postpartum period.