Association between uterine leiomyomas and the biochemical screening test results in the first and second trimester of pregnancy: a pilot study

Low first trimester maternal serum PAPP-A concentrations in women with non-cavity-distorting intramural uterine fibroids

OBJECTIVE

Reliable aneuploidy risk estimation in first trimester is prominently interconnected with accurate assessment of maternal serum biomarkers. Some maternal factors like insulin-dependent diabetes, weight, and rhesus status are known to alter levels of these biomarkers. Adjustment of biomarker values for specific factor is crucial to avoid excessive invasive procedures or missed diagnoses. We aimed to investigate the effects of noncavity distorting intramural uterine fibroids on first trimester aneuploidy screening test maternal serum biomarkers.

METHODS

Pregnant women who underwent first trimester aneuploidy screening test in a single tertiary center between 2011 and 2020 were retrospectively assessed. One hundred ninety-eight women were found to have at least one noncavity distorting intramural uterine leiomyoma (Figo type 3-6) of at least 2 cm diameter and remaining women were assigned as controls. First trimester aneuploidy screening test parameters were compared.

RESULTS

Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) MoMs were found significantly lower in leiomyoma group in comparison to control group (1.19 ± 0.60 MoM vs. 1.40 ± 0.73 MoM, p = 0.002). PAPP-A MoMs in women with leiomyomas larger than 5.5 cm were significantly lower in comparison to both control group and women with ≤5.5 cm leiomyomas (0.82 ± 0.376 vs. 1.40 ± 0.73, p < 0.001; 0.82 ± 0.376 vs. 1.33 ± 0.61 p < 0.001, respectively). PAPP-A MoM and size of leiomyoma were found inversely correlated when fibroid size exceeds 5.5 cm (r = -0.467, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Noncavity distorting intramural uterine leiomyomas >5.5 cm are associated with low first trimester PAPP-A MoMs (<0.5). PAPP-A concentrations are inversely correlated with fibroid size in women with >5.5 cm intramural uterine leiomyomas. Fibroids ≤5.5 cm are not associated with alterations in first trimester aneuploidy screening test parameters.

Myoma and myomectomy: Poor evidence concern in pregnancy

AIM

Summarize the results of the many, but often underpowered, studies on pregnancy complicated by myoma or myomectomy.

METHODS

Survey of the electronic PubMed database for the last two decades was conducted. We selected reviews, meta-analyses, case series, case reports, clinical studies only with statistical analysis, and guidelines from scientific societies.

RESULTS

Delaying childbearing leads to an increased incidence of pregnancy complicated by fibroids or previous myomectomy. Approximately 10-30% of pregnant women with myomas develop complications during gestation, at delivery and in puerperium. Submucosal, retroplacental, large and multiple myomas have a greater risk of complications. Cervical myomas, although rare, need careful management. The location and size of the fibroids should be assessed from the first trimester. Despite the increased risk of cesarean section, fibroids are not a contraindication to labor, unless they obstruct the birth canal or other obstetric conditions coexist. Myomectomy during pregnancy, in selected cases, is feasible and safe. Myomectomy cannot be considered a prophylactic measure prior to conception, but has to be individualized. Uterine rupture after myomectomy generally occurs in the third trimester or during labor and some associated risk factors have been identified. There is no consensus on the optimal interval between myomectomy and conception.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnancy in patients with fibroids or previous myomectomy should be considered as high risk, requiring a maternal-fetal medicine specialist. To date available literature is inconsistent on evidence-based management. Further research is needed for definitive recommendations.

Biomarkers in uterine leiomyoma

Biomarkers are biologic compounds that are easily accessible and reflect normal physiology or pathology. They are useful in a variety of clinical situations that involve detection of subclinical disease, risk stratification, preoperative planning, and monitoring treatment. A useful intervention needs to exist for a biomarker to be an effective tool. Many compounds have been investigated as potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and surveillance of uterine leiomyomas. Most of these compounds demonstrate subtle differences among patients when leiomyomas are compared with controls. The compounds investigated lack the diagnostic accuracy necessary to add any benefit to the current available modalities used to diagnose and monitor uterine leiomyomas.