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Leal CR, Vannuccini S, Jain V, Dolmans MM, Di Spiezio Sardo A, Al-Hendy A, Reis FM. Abnormal uterine bleeding: The well-known and the hidden face. JOURNAL OF ENDOMETRIOSIS AND UTERINE DISORDERS 2024; 6:100071. [PMID: 38764520 PMCID: PMC11101194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jeud.2024.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a bleeding from the uterine corpus that is abnormal in regularity, volume, frequency or duration. It encompasses heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular menstrual bleeding and intermenstrual bleeding, which are common symptoms among women of reproductive age, impacting their overall well-being. Menstruation involves interactions between endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, immune cell influx, and changes in endometrial vasculature. These events resemble an inflammatory response with increased vessel permeability, tissue breakdown, and the arrival of innate immune cells. However, the mechanisms of menstrual cessation are poorly understood. AUB can be related to structural causes (polyp, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy/hyperplasia) and nonstructural conditions (coagulopathy, ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial, iatrogenic). While transvaginal ultrasound is the primary method for the screening of intracavitary lesions, saline infusion sonohysterography is more accurate to detect endometrial polyps and submucous leiomyomas, while hysteroscopy with biopsy remains the reference method for a definitive diagnosis. The main goals in managing AUB are addressing and correcting the underlying primary cause, if possible, and establishing a regular bleeding pattern or amenorrhea, which can be done with antifibrinolytic agents, progestins, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists, or surgical interventions, each one with specific indications and limitations. Further research is necessary to assess the effectiveness and the long-term effects of various medical and surgical treatments. Meanwhile, the availability of diagnostic methods such as transvaginal ultrasound and hysteroscopy and the universal distribution of medical treatments for AUB should be prioritized by policymakers to minimize the diagnostic and treatment delay and thus reduce the risk of AUB-related anemia and the need of hysterectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio R.V. Leal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Silvia Vannuccini
- Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Varsha Jain
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marie-Madeleine Dolmans
- Pôle de Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Gynecology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Fernando M. Reis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Barra F, Vitale SG, Seca M, Scala C, Leone Roberti Maggiore U, Cianci A, Ferrero S. The potential role of elagolix for treating uterine bleeding associated to uterine myomas. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2020; 21:1419-1430. [PMID: 32401547 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2020.1755254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Uterine myomas represents a widespread gynecological disease of women in reproductive age. Although surgery remains the first choice for treating most patients, in the last years, new medical approaches have been considered in order to ameliorate heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) related to their presence. Elagolix is a second-generation gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist under investigation for the long-term treatment of uterine myomas. AREAS COVERED The aim of this drug evaluation is to give a complete overview of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data on elagolix for treating HMB related to uterine myomas and to report the results of the current clinical trials in this setting. EXPERT OPINION In two previous phase II studies, this drug succeeded in ameliorating blood loss and quality of life of patients affected by uterine myomas with a good safety profile. Three phase III trials (ELARIS UF-I, UF-II, and EXTEND) investigated the efficacy, tolerability, and safety of elagolix at 300 mg twice daily with add-back therapy. The primary endpoint, consisting in the reduction in HMB compared to placebo, was met in the majority of patients under treatment. Currently, elagolix is under investigation in two other ongoing multicenter phase III clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Barra
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino , Genova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (Dinogmi), University of Genova , Italy
| | - Salvatore Giovanni Vitale
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania , Catania, Italy
| | - Marta Seca
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino , Genova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (Dinogmi), University of Genova , Italy
| | - Carolina Scala
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gaslini Institute , Genova, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Cianci
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania , Catania, Italy
| | - Simone Ferrero
- Academic Unit of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino , Genova, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (Dinogmi), University of Genova , Italy
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Insights on Hysteroscopic Procedures and Their Place in Romanian Gynecologic Practice—The Experience of Two Medical Units. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:diagnostics10050281. [PMID: 32384648 PMCID: PMC7278013 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10050281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hysteroscopy has known an increasing use in Romania over the last decade, succeeding to mark an impact on lowering the costs of medical services. The strategy of this study was to present the experience of two Romanian medical units with different experiences using inpatient regimen hysteroscopy, and to further compare it with current worldwide tendencies. Strong points in our practice were sought, as well as components that require improvement. Overall, abnormal uterine bleeding stands for most hospital case presentations in our study group; hysteroscopy had the highest accuracy and positive predictive value in identifying uterine myomas: 91.03% and 100%, respectively; for endometrial polyps, statistical analysis showed the highest sensitivity: 100%, with 83.89% specificity and a 77.64% positive predictive value. The applicability of hysteroscopy was further described for infertility cases and isthmocele repair.
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Tskhay V, Schindler AE, Мikailly G. Operation, hormone therapy and recovery of the patients with severe forms of adenomyosis. Gynecol Endocrinol 2018; 34:647-650. [PMID: 29447009 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1397116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is among the prevalent gynecological diseases and diagnosed in 10% of women of reproductive age. Endometriosis/adenomyosis is becoming increasingly a health-social problem, which is associated with severe clinical manifestations and recurrent disease which has a negative effect on quality of life, women ability to work and her reproductive function. This article presents modern approaches of drug therapy to treat severe forms of adenomyosis. We have reviewed recent major studies in the field of surgical treatment of this disease, analyzed the main stages of disease progress and the results of our surgeries. Here, we are presenting our own results of long-term post-operative hormonal therapy and complex medical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Tskhay
- a Department of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology , Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino -Yasenetsky , Krasnoyarsk , Russia
| | - A E Schindler
- b Institute for Medical Research and Education , Essen , Germany
| | - G Мikailly
- a Department of Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology , Krasnoyarsk State Medical University named after Prof. V.F. Voino -Yasenetsky , Krasnoyarsk , Russia
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Cheong Y, Cameron IT, Critchley HOD. Abnormal uterine bleeding. Br Med Bull 2017; 123:103-114. [PMID: 28910998 DOI: 10.1093/bmb/ldx027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It is not uncommon for a woman to suffer from abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) at some point during her lifetime. Once pathology is excluded, in practice, management needs to be individualised, taking into account the improvement of the woman's symptoms and quality of life. SOURCES OF DATA Peer-reviewed journals, governmental and professional society publications. AREAS OF AGREEMENT There is now agreement on a structured, universal approach to the diagnosis of AUB, with the aide memoirs PALM (polyps, adenomyosis, leiomyoma, malignancy) and COEIN (coagulopathies, ovulatory dysfunction, endometrial, iatrogenic, not otherwise classified). Once malignancy and significant pelvic pathology have been ruled out, medical treatment is an effective first-line therapeutic option, with surgery, including endometrial ablation and hysterectomy, offered when medical management has failed to resolve symptoms and fertility is no longer desired. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY There remains controversy around the management of the types and subtypes of adenomyosis and leiomyoma, and understanding their impact on clinical reproductive outcomes. AREAS CURRENTLY UNDER DEVELOPMENT Standardised assessment tools for measuring outcomes of AUB are being developed. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH Novel diagnostic and monitoring tools should be developed to help stratify treatment for women with AUB, particularly relating to 'unclassified' and 'endometrial' causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Cheong
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton.,University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
| | - Iain T Cameron
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton.,University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
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Liao X, Zhang P, Zhang C, Lu G. Tardive intermittent massive vaginal bleeding from abnormal blood vessels within cesarean scar: Two more new cases should bring our attention to a new entity. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2016; 42:726-729. [PMID: 26952975 DOI: 10.1111/jog.12965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The two cases in this report had intermittent massive vaginal bleeding with a distant history of cesarean delivery. Such severe bleeding was life-threating but was eventually cured by surgical management. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second report of cases of tardive vaginal bleeding caused by abnormal blood vessels embedded within cesarean scars. The two new cases in this report suggest a novel cause of tardive vaginal bleeding, which should bring our special attention to post-cesarean clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangling Liao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hunan Province Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Pu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hunan Province Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Caiyi Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hunan Province Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Hunan, China
| | - Gary Lu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, New York, USA
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Zupi E, Centini G, Sabbioni L, Lazzeri L, Argay IM, Petraglia F. Nonsurgical Alternatives for Uterine Fibroids. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2015; 34:122-31. [PMID: 26711881 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomata are the direct cause of a significant health-care burden for women, their families, and society as a whole. Because of the long experience with the mode of treatment, surgical myomectomy remains the gold standard for treating reproductive-age women; however, in the recent years, the wide evolution of less invasive approaches led to a change in the options used by the clinician to treat symptomatic fibroids. Minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization (UAE) are increasingly used to treat symptomatic fibroids. Other alternative treatments are becoming more diffuse, such as magnetic resonance-guided high-frequency focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS), cryomyolysis, vaginal occlusion, and laparoscopic closure of the uterine arteries. Both advantages and limitations of these techniques under development must be taken into account, but this wider range of choices is being increasingly considered for a tailored treatment. This article aims to enable health-care providers with the tools to provide the latest evidence-based care in the minimally invasive or noninvasive management of this common problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Errico Zupi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Centini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Sabbioni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Lucia Lazzeri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - István Máté Argay
- IRCAD, Hopitaux Universitaires, 1 Place de l'Hopital, 67091 Strasbourg, France
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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