Abnormal uterine bleeding in the reproductive years. Part I--pathogenesis and clinical investigation

Radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation of fibroids: a prospective, clinical analysis of two years' outcome from the Halt trial

BACKGROUND

Although most myomas are asymptomatic, quality of life is compromised for many women with uterine fibroid disease. Twelve-month outcomes from the Halt Trial have been reported in the literature. Here we analyze the clinical success of radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation (RFVTA) of symptomatic uterine fibroids at two years of follow up.

METHODS

Prospective, multicenter, outpatient interventional clinical trial of fibroid treatment by RFVTA in 124 premenopausal women (mean age, 42.4 ± 4.4 years) with symptomatic uterine fibroids and objectively confirmed heavy menstrual bleeding (≥160 to ≤500 mL).Outcome measures included: subject responses to validated questionnaires, treatment-emergent adverse events, and surgical re-intervention for fibroids at 24 months postprocedure. Continuous and categorical variables were summarized using descriptive statistics and means and percentages. Comparisons between visits were based on t-tests using repeated measures models. P-values < 0.05, adjusted for multiplicity, were statistically significant.

RESULTS

One hundred twelve subjects were followed through 24 months. Change in symptom severity from baseline was -35.7 (95% CI, -40.1 to -31.4; p<.001). Change in health-related quality of life (HRQL) was 40.9 (95% CI, 36.2 to 45.6; p < .001). HRQL subscores also improved significantly from baseline to 24 months in all categories (concern, activities, energy/mood, control, self-consciousness, and sexual function) [p<.001]. Six patients underwent surgical re-intervention for fibroid-related bleeding between 12 and 24 months providing a re-intervention rate of 4.8% (6/124).

CONCLUSION

Radiofrequency volumetric thermal ablation of myomas significantly reduces symptom severity and improves quality of life with low surgical re-intervention through 24 months of follow up.

Menstrual cycle bleeding patterns in cigarette smokers

It is known that women who smoke cigarettes and use oral contraceptives are more likely to have breakthrough bleeding than women who do not smoke. In this article, we review possible mechanisms by which cigarette smoke and its constituents may contribute to irregular bleeding, highlight differences in the activities of nicotine and cigarette smoke, and postulate further studies in the area.

Abnormal vaginal bleeding in the nonpregnant patient

Vaginal bleeding is a common complaint in most emergency departments. Abnormal vaginal bleeding causes many patients a great deal of stress and inconvenience. Although treatment of most cases is straightforward, vaginal bleeding can herald serious occult disease including cancer, coagulopathy, and systemic illness. Vaginal bleeding can also be the initial complaint in patients suffering sexual abuse or trauma. From an emergency medicine perspective, vaginal bleeding should be approached in terms of whether the patient is stable or not. Subsequent evaluation should exclude or treat problems that might cause the patient's condition to deteriorate. The emergency physician is able to provide initial therapy for most causes of vaginal bleeding, and in most cases the patient must be referred to a gynecologist for further evaluation and treatment.