Management of abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents

Length of Hospital Stay in Adolescents Receiving High-Dose Oral Contraceptive Pills with and without Conjugated Equine Estrogen for the Treatment of Acute Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

STUDY OBJECTIVE

Compare the length of hospital stay (LOHS) of adolescents admitted for severe anemia (hemoglobin ≤8 g/dL) due to acute abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) treated with high-dose combined oral contraceptive pills (HD-OCPs) vs those treated with HD-OCPs and intravenous conjugated equine estrogen, also referred to as dual therapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This is a single-institution retrospective cohort study of adolescents hospitalized for the management of acute AUB and severe anemia between July 1, 2004, to January 1, 2020. Subjects were excluded if they were pregnant, had a malignancy, thrombocytopenia, treated with other hormonal therapies, or if bleeding stopped prior to admission.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was LOHS. Secondary outcomes were rates of complications and side effects secondary to the hormonal medication.

RESULTS

There were 113 subjects included in the study. Seventy-four (65%) received HD-OCPs only, and the remainder received dual therapy. Mean subject age was 13.8 years for both groups. Those who received HD-OCPs alone were hospitalized for an average of 38.4 vs 45.6 hours for those who received dual therapy (P = .0007). The only reported side effect in either group was nausea and/or vomiting, which was higher in the group who received dual therapy than those treated with HD-OCPs alone (85% vs 51.4% respectively, P value = .001).

CONCLUSION

Adolescents who received dual therapy had a longer hospital stay than those who received HD-OCPs alone. There were no complications related to the medication regimens in either group, but those receiving dual therapy had significantly higher rates of anti-emetic use.

Decreased Social Functioning and Increased Perception of Stress in Adolescents with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding

OBJECTIVE

There is a relative lack of research on the association of mental health problems and menstrual-related concerns in adolescents. The objective of the current study was to compare anxiety, depression, quality of life, and perceived stress between adolescents with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and control patients.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a cross-sectional study in which participants were recruited from a tertiary training and research hospital. Adolescents aged 12-18 years with a first diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding and healthy controls evaluated in adolescent, pediatric endocrinology and general pediatrics departments were included in the study. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) were used to assess mood, quality of life and perceived stress.

RESULTS

Fifty-six participants from the AUB group and fifty participants from the control group were included in the study. Except for social functioning scores which were lower in the AUB group versus controls (86.42 ∓ 14.03 vs. 92.4 ∓ 10.41, P < .05), there was no significant differences in PedsQL scores between groups. There was a significant difference between the Perceived Stress Scale total scores of the AUB and control groups (32.07 ∓ 6.49; 28.98 ∓ 5.55, P < .05), but no difference between the RCADS scores.

CONCLUSION

In our study, we found that abnormal uterine bleeding in adolescents was associated with reduced social functioning and increased perceived stress. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.

Norethindrone dosing for adequate menstrual suppression in adolescents

OBJECTIVES

We sought to study factors predictive of achieving menstrual suppression with norethindrone vs. norethindrone acetate in adolescents, as optimal dosing is unknown. Secondary outcomes included analyzing prescriber practices and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of adolescents ages <18 years presenting to an academic medical center from 2010 to 2022. Data collected included demographics, menstrual history, and norethindrone and norethindrone acetate use. Follow-up was measured at one, three, and 12 months. Main outcome measures were starting norethindrone 0.35 mg, continuing norethindrone 0.35 mg, achieving menstrual suppression, and patient satisfaction. Analysis included Chi-square and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 262 adolescents initiating norethindrone or norethindrone acetate, 219 completed ≥1 follow-up. Providers less often started norethindrone 0.35 mg for patients with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, prolonged bleeding, or younger age at menarche, but more often for patients who were younger, had migraines with aura, or were at risk of venous thromboembolism. Those with prolonged bleeding or older age at menarche were less likely to continue norethindrone 0.35 mg. Obesity, heavy menstrual bleeding, and younger age were negatively associated with achieving menstrual suppression. Patients with disabilities reported greater satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

While younger patients more often received norethindrone 0.35 mg vs. norethindrone acetate, they were less likely to achieve menstrual suppression. Patients with obesity or heavy menstrual bleeding may achieve suppression with higher doses of norethindrone acetate. These results reveal opportunities to improve norethindrone and norethindrone acetate prescribing practices for adolescent menstrual suppression.

Caregiver Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward the Levonorgestrel-Containing Intrauterine Device for the Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Adolescents and Young Adults

STUDY OBJECTIVE

We evaluated caretaker knowledge of and attitudes toward the levonorgestrel-containing intrauterine device (L-IUD) as a treatment option for adolescents and young adults with heavy menstrual bleeding.

DESIGN

A survey assessed demographic characteristics, menstrual history, perception of the L-IUD, and knowledge of the indications, risks, and benefits of the L-IUD.

SETTING

Participant recruitment occurred in the offices of a pediatric gynecologist, pediatric hematologist, and adolescent medicine physician in a hospital-based practice in New York.

PARTICIPANTS

English-speaking caretakers of patients with a chief concern of heavy menstrual bleeding (<21 years old) were invited to participate.

INTERVENTIONS

Electronic and paper surveys were administered prior to seeing the physician.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was participant willingness to allow their daughter to use the L-IUD for heavy menstrual bleeding. Additional outcomes were explored by calculating a mean knowledge score and conducting a descriptive analysis of the perception questions.

RESULTS

Forty surveys were included. Seventy percent of participants said they would allow their daughter to use birth control pills for heavy menstrual bleeding, whereas only 10% said the same of the L-IUD. The mean knowledge score was 73.3% (±15.7). Sixty-five percent of participants expressed the need for additional information on the L-IUD.

CONCLUSION

Caretaker acceptance of the L-IUD as treatment for their daughter with heavy menstrual bleeding is limited. Although baseline knowledge was high, many indicated needing additional information. Because heavy menstrual bleeding can negatively impact quality of life, potential caretaker bias must be addressed to ensure full access to this highly effective treatment option.

Heavy menstrual bleeding awareness among Saudi female population and clinical implications

BACKGROUND

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common clinical problem. However, seeking medical advice might be delayed until patients develop several clinical consequences.

AIM

To assess the prevalence and awareness of HMB among the Saudi female population and measures that are commonly used to control the bleeding.

METHOD

This is a cross-sectional study where a trained study team member carried out a survey. The survey includes patient demographics and medications history, comorbidities, blood transfusion, and patient perception about her period. HMB was defined as bleeding lasting >7 days, flooding or changing protection more than every 2 hours, and passing clots >1 in. in diameter.

RESULTS

Four hundred and thirty-one women were evaluated for HMB with a median age of 27.72 ± 7.75. Out of the total number, 281 (65.2%) females were identified to have HMB. Among these 281 females, only 35.6% were aware of having HMB, whereas 64.4% either unaware or unsure about having it. For those who were aware of having HMB, only 32% seek medical advice, particularly gynecology clinic though 46.6% were not satisfied with offered management. On the other hand, 28% and 3.9% of those unaware of having HMB did required iron supplementation and blood transfusion, respectively.

CONCLUSION

HMB is a major clinical problem though awareness about having HMB lacks regardless of the age and education level. Raising awareness and a multidisciplinary approach may result in early diagnosis, early intervention, and reduction of clinical consequences.

The Use of Norethisterone for the Treatment of Severe Uterine Bleeding in Adolescents: An Audit of Our Experience

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the effectiveness of norethisterone (NET) in the management of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in adolescents in a tertiary care center.

DESIGN

This was a prospective audit focused on administering high doses of NET in female adolescents with complaints of AUB.

SETTING

We included female adolescents who presented to our Emergency Gynecological Department or Adolescent Gynecological Outpatient Department from October 2016 to January 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

The study included 29 female adolescents aged 11-17 (mean, 13.14) years.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were administered a daily dose of 10-30 mg, depending on the severity of the condition, bleeding duration, and patient weight.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cessation of vaginal bleeding.

RESULTS

Mean age at menarche of our patient sample was 11.4 years (range, 10.7-14 years). AUB presented at a mean time of 24.6 months after menarche (range, 0-79 months). Blood transfusion was deemed necessary in 9 patients. Bleeding stopped at a mean of 46.1 (range, 8-120) hours after onset of treatment with NET. No serious adverse events were reported with NET administration, with only 3 cases of minor side effects.

CONCLUSION

The use of NET is an effective and reliable treatment option among adolescents for whom control of AUB is desired in the acute setting.

Treatment Modalities in Adolescents Who Present with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

STUDY OBJECTIVE

On this study we sought to determine the relationship of bleeding disorders to iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, this study was undertaken to examine all current treatment modalities used in a menorrhagia clinic with respect to heavy menstrual bleeding management to identify the most effective options for menstrual management in the setting of an underlying bleeding disorder. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We performed a retrospective chart review of adolescents younger than 21 years with heavy menstrual bleeding attending a multidisciplinary hematology-adolescent gynecology clinic. Information including demographic characteristics, bleeding diathesis, hematologic parameters, treatment, and the diagnosis was extracted from each chart. Subjects were grouped into 2 categories on the basis of the diagnosis of a bleeding disorder. Hemoglobin level, iron deficiency anemia, and need for transfusion were compared between a bleeding disorder and no bleeding disorder group. Subjects were grouped into categories depending on hormonal modality and treatment success of the groups were compared.

RESULTS

Seventy-three subjects were tested for a bleeding disorder. Of the subjects who completed testing, 34 (46%) were diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. Thirty-nine subjects (54%) had heavy menstrual bleeding because of other causes. There was no significant difference in hemoglobin between those with and without a bleeding disorder. Iron deficiency anemia was significantly higher in subjects without a bleeding disorder. In a comparison of hormone therapy success, the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (89%, 8 out of 9 subjects) had the highest rate of menstrual suppression followed by norethindrone acetate 5-10 mg/d (83%, 5 out of 6 subjects), and the transdermal patch (80%, 4 out of 5 subjects). All subjects using tranexamic acid as well as hormonal therapy had 100% achievement of menstrual suppression.

CONCLUSION

A high frequency of bleeding disorders was found in those tested. Subjects with a bleeding disorder were less likely to present with severe anemia requiring blood transfusion and less likely to have iron deficiency anemia. Although combined oral contraceptives were commonly used clinically for menstrual suppression, they were not found to be the most effective option.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Adolescents

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is the most common gynecologic complaint of adolescents admitted to hospital. Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is the most frequent clinical presentation of AUB. Anovulatory cycles, owing to immature hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, is the leading etiology of HMB and there is an accompanying bleeding disorder in almost 20% of patients with HMB. Additionally, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia and polycystic ovary syndrome are possible causes of AUB. Exclusion of bleeding disorders, especially of von Willebrand disease is important for diagnosis and treatment of HMB, particularly in cases with AUB, which has been present since menarche. Management of HMB is based on the underlying etiology and severity of the bleeding. After other causes are excluded, anovulatory heavy bleeding can be treated successfully with combined oral contraceptives and iron supplementation either as an outpatient or in hospital depending on the clinical findings and level of anemia. The epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and treatment of HMB is discussed and our clinical experience in this field is presented in this review.

Evaluation and management of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a common condition in women of reproductive age; however, adolescents with this issue present unique challenges in both diagnosis and management. Much of the research into this topic focuses on the adult population, with variable applicability to adolescents. There are currently no standard guidelines for the work up and treatment of adolescents with HMB.

RECENT FINDINGS

Current research into this topic has explored the utilization of standardized protocols in the evaluation of HMB in adolescents, the efficacy of various hormonal, nonhormonal, and surgical treatment modalities, and the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach. Recent literature has focused on adolescents found to have an underlying bleeding disorder, recommending more comprehensive bleeding disorder work up to identify these patients in a timely manner and initiate effective treatment plans.

SUMMARY

Providers in the primary care setting should be aware of the definitions for normal menses, and be able to recognize abnormal bleeding and HMB. Early recognition of HMB in adolescents can then lead to appropriate diagnosis of underlying disorders, and current research has proposed standard protocols to assist with the evaluation, ultimately leading to effective long-term management into adulthood.VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Differences in bleeding phenotype and provider interventions in postmenarchal adolescents when compared to adult women with bleeding disorders and heavy menstrual bleeding

INTRODUCTION

Due to lack of patient/health care provider awareness causing delayed diagnosis, the bleeding phenotype and provider interventions in adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and bleeding disorders (BD) may be different when compared to adults.

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare/characterize bleeding phenotype and provider interventions in postmenarchal adolescents < 18 years and premenopausal adults ≥ 18 years with HMB and BD.

METHODS

Patient demographics, BD, and provider interventions/therapy details for HMB were compared between both age groups enrolled in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Female Universal Data Collection (UDC) surveillance project in United States hemophilia treatment centres. Cross-sectional descriptive analyses including frequency distributions, summary statistics, bivariate and logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Of 269 females (79 adolescents; median age 16 years, interquartile range (IQR) = 2; 190 adults; median age 27 years, IQR = 13) evaluated, BD distribution was similar in both groups. Compared to adolescents, adults more often had family history of bleeding (Adjusted odds ratios [AOR] = 2.6, 1.3-5.6), delay in diagnosis (AOR = 2.5, 1.2-4.9), bleeding with dental procedures (AOR = 2.0, 1.0-4.0), gastrointestinal bleeding (AOR = 4.6, 1.0-21.9), anaemia (AOR = 2.7, 1.4-5.2), utilized desmopressin less often (AOR = 0.4, 0.2-0.8) and underwent gynaecologic procedure/surgery more frequently (AOR = 5.9, 1.3-27.3).

CONCLUSION

Bleeding phenotypes of adolescents and adults with HMB and BD were different with more frequent bleeding complications, anaemia, gynaecologic procedures/surgeries, less desmopressin use and more delay in diagnosing BD in adults. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether improved patient/provider awareness and education will translate to early diagnosis and timely management of BD/HMB in adolescents that may prevent/reduce future haematologic/gynaecologic complications.

Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine Device Use in Female Adolescents with Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Bleeding Disorders: Single Institution Review

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To identify complications and efficacy of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNgIUD) in adolescents with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and bleeding disorders (BD).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective chart review of 13 postmenarchal adolescent girls with HMB/BD who underwent placement of an LNgIUD.

INTERVENTIONS

Placement of an LNgIUD.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was to identify complications from placement of an LNgIUD. Secondary outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of the LNgIUD in adolescents with BD.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients met study criteria. The mean age of diagnosis of HMB was 14.08 ± 1.75 years. BD or bleeding risk factor diagnoses included low von Willebrand (VW) activity in 5, type I VW disease in 5, type IIM VW disease in 1, low VW activity and factor 7 deficiency in 1, and acquired VW disease and factor 7 deficiency in 1. Before LNgIUD placement, other hormonal therapy (n = 13) and hemostatic therapy (antifibrinolytic agents, desmopressin acetate; n = 8) yielded poor control of HMB. The LNgIUD was placed using anesthesia with periprocedure hemostatic therapy with no complications. All patients reported significant improvement in HMB after LNgIUD placement and 60% achieved amenorrhea, with mean time to improvement of 94 ± 69 days. Mean hemoglobin and ferritin levels increased after LNgIUD placement compared with before LNgIUD placement values (P = .02, P = .0085, respectively). Use of supplemental hormonal and hemostatic agents decreased (n = 4) after LNgIUD placement. None required LNgIUD removal; 1 spontaneously expelled the LNgIUD with subsequent replacement.

CONCLUSION

Study results indicated the LNgIUD is an effective therapeutic option in postmenarchal adolescents with HMB due to BD/bleeding risk factor with minimal complications, high compliance rate, improvement in HMB and anemia, and no periprocedural bleeding with hemostatic management.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Adolescents

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is a very common gynecological condition in female adolescents and a frequent presenting complaint of those with bleeding disorders. Recommendations have been established to screen for bleeding disorders in this age group where appropriate. The purpose of this document is to impart clinical recommendations regarding HMB in adolescents. Specifically, in this article we provide a description of the epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, and treatment of HMB in adolescents.

Menstrual Patterns and Treatment of Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Adolescents with Bleeding Disorders

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To characterize menstrual bleeding patterns and treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents with bleeding disorders.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We conducted a retrospective review of female patients aged nine to 21 years with known bleeding disorders who attended a pediatric gynecology, hematology, and comprehensive hematology/gynecology clinic at a children's hospital in a metropolitan area.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding at menarche, prolonged menses, and irregular menses among girls with bleeding disorders and patterns of initial and subsequent treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding in girls with bleeding disorders.

RESULTS

Of 115 participants aged nine to 21 years with known bleeding disorders, 102 were included in the final analysis. Of the 69 postmenarcheal girls, almost half (32/69, 46.4%) noted heavy menstrual bleeding at menarche. Girls with von Willebrand disease were more likely to have menses lasting longer than seven days. Only 28% of girls had discussed a treatment plan for heavy menstrual bleeding before menarche. Hormonal therapy was most commonly used as initial treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Half (53%) of the girls failed initial treatment. Combination (hormonal and non-hormonal therapy) was more frequently used for subsequent treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents with bleeding disorders are at risk of heavy bleeding at and after menarche. Consultation with a pediatric gynecologist and/or hematologist prior to menarche may be helpful to outline abnormal patterns of menstrual bleeding and to discuss options of treatment in the event of heavy menstrual bleeding.

Oral Tranexamic Acid versus Combined Oral Contraceptives for Adolescent Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Pilot Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of oral tranexamic acid (TA) with combined oral contraceptives (COC) in reducing menstrual blood loss (MBL) and improving quality of life in adolescent heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A prospective randomized crossover trial with 17 postmenarchal girls aged 21 years and younger with HMB who were seen at our institution.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomized to group A (TA arm) or group B (COC arm), each for 3 cycles, with crossover to the second arm after 1-month washout.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary end points were difference in improvement in MBL and QOL, from baseline to end of each therapy.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were enrolled (mean age 14.2 years, range 11.7 to 16.8 years). Nine patients completed both arms; 8 patients withdrew from the study due to adverse events or noncompliance. Compared with baseline, significant improvement (P < .05) was demonstrated by TA and COC in MBL (mean Pictorial Blood Assessment Chart score decrease: TA, 536.4; COC, 430.6) and quality of life (mean Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory(TM) version 4.0 Generic Scales score increase: TA, 15.6; COC, 16.75), but no significant difference was noted between TA and COC (P > .05). There was statistically significant reduction in the length of menstrual cycle for COC only (mean reduction 5.3 days; P = .04) and not for TA (P = .18). Ten patients (58%) experienced adverse events that were possibly drug related (TA: n = 3, 30%; COCP: n = 7, 64%).

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, oral TA appeared as efficacious as COC in the management of adolescent HMB by reducing MBL and improving quality of life.

Disorders of Menstruation in Adolescent Girls

Abnormal menstruation in adolescent girls can cause psychological and physical strain from excess, unpredictable, painful, or even absent bleeding. Care providers who understand what is normal and what is concerning can educate and often reassure the young woman and her family. When there is an abnormal or concerning scenario, they can initiate investigations and/or treatment in an expedient fashion to limit psychosocial and/or physical morbidity. This article provides pediatricians, family doctors, nurse practitioners, and adult gynecologists with the knowledge and understanding of the common complaints, differential diagnoses, and treatment strategies.

Management of hematometrocolpos due to dysfunctional uterine bleeding following progestin use: a case report

Hematometrocolpos is accumulation of blood in the vagina and uterine cavity due to intra-uterine hemorrhage. A 20-year-old female presented to our clinic with massive menorrhagia at menarche after progestin usage. Hematometrocolpos was detected by transabdominal ultrasonography. She was pale because of heavy bleeding for 5 days and hemoglobin level was measured as 5.1 g/dl. Initial treatment was blood transfusion and medical drug therapy. After resolution of the hematometrocolpos was shown by transabdominal ultrasound 2 days later, the patient, who was stable, was discharged without complication. Obstruction of the female genital outflow tract is rarely seen. Hematocolpos has been reported in elderly women following vaginal occlusion due to radiotherapy, vaginal fibroma and labial synechiae causing infection or inflammatory conditions. The case is presented here because of the successful management of hematometrocolpos due to massive dysfunctional uterine bleeding in a young virgin patient.

[Meno-metrorrhagia, dysmenorrhea in adolescents]

Menometrorrhagia is a common symptom in adolescents. It is idiopathic in most cases. In case of menometrorrhagia, it is necessary to exclude a pregnancy, a disorder of hemostasis, particularly the von Willebrand disease, as it represents the most common inherited disorder, and more rarely a chronic disease or an endocrinopathy. History of the bleedings, menstrual blood loss quantification by the Higham score and tolerance of the bleedings (blood pressure) should be evaluated. Laboratory testing includes hCG, ferritin level, a complete blood count, a prothrombin time, an activated partial thromboplastin. Management of menometrorrhagia is related to the severity of the blood loss. It associates antifibrinolytics or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) with hormonal treatments, such as estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive pill or cyclic oral progestins. Primary or functional dysmenorrhea concerns 40 to 90% of the teenagers and represents a frequent cause of school absenteeism. Management of primary dysmenorrhea is primarily based on a treatment by NSAIDS. In case of its inefficacy or if contraception is needed hormonal treatments, such as estrogen-progestin combined pill should be prescribed. It is very important when pelvic pain is chronic and not soothed by simple medications to look for a secondary dysmenorrhea, mainly endometriosis. In such cases, pelvic magnetic resonance imaging should be performed.

Gynecologic concerns in pubertal females with blood disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The incidence and prevalence of blood disorders varies depending on the underlying etiology, age, ethnicity, family history, and presence of comorbid medical conditions. Gynecologic problems occurring around puberty may cause stress to families and patients, as well as management challenges to providers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Management strategies in the setting of bleeding disorders include hormonal and non-hormonal options to address problems occurring around puberty. Management strategies in the setting of clotting disorders allow providers to address common problems occurring in adolescence, while minimizing risk of venous thromboembolism.

SUMMARY

Preparedness is important at this time of life, not only to prevent unwanted gynecologic complications or hospitalizations related to specific blood conditions, but also to identify problems related to reproductive care that may be exacerbated or complicated by an underlying blood disorder.

Use of levonorgestrel intrauterine system for medical indications in adolescents

The levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is an underused contraceptive method in adolescent populations. In addition to being a highly effective, reversible, long-acting contraception, the LNG-IUS has many noncontraceptive health benefits including reduced menstrual bleeding, decreased dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain related to endometriosis, and menstruation suppression in teens with physical or developmental disabilities. The LNG-IUS can also provide endometrial protection in teens with chronic anovulation, and may be used to treat endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. This review examines the evidence supporting the use of the LNG-IUS in adolescents for these noncontraceptive benefits.

Management of heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is an extremely common problem among adolescents. This article reviews the differential diagnosis and clinical presentation. Additionally, we aim to present the most up-to-date guidelines for evaluation and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Bleeding disorders are now recognized as a common cause for menorrhagia. The recommended laboratory evaluation has evolved in the last few years. Most forms of hormonal contraception, including the levonorgestrel intra-uterine device, are effective and have been studied in adolescents.

SUMMARY

HMB is prevalent in the adolescent population and is associated with serious complications. Laboratory analysis to rule out bleeding disorders should be considered. Medical management, the cornerstone of treatment, has been proven to be safe and effective in this population.

Successful Management of Acute Catastrophic Juvenile Vaginal Bleeding in Glanzmann's Thromboasthenia by Uterine Tamponade: A Case Report and Review of The Literature

Glanzmann's thromboasthenia (GT) is a rare platelet disorder, due to membrane defects involving glycoprotein GP IIb/IIIa complex. Symptoms appear in infancy with episodes of bruising, gingival bleeding, epistaxis, or at the time of menarche acute episode of uterine bleeding. Hormonal therapy and antifibrinolytic agents are first-line treatment. Platelet transfusion is given to control hemorrhage when medical treatment fails. However, repeated transfusions may result in development of platelet refractioness, due to development of antibodies against membrane glycoprotein. Activated recombinant FVII is licensed for use in acute control of bleeding in GT. Here we report a case of acute juvenile uterine bleeding at menarche, which responded successfully to uterine tamponade. To our knowledge, this is the first case report on use of balloon tamponade for control of acute catastrophic juvenile bleeding at menarche.

Idiopathic pulmonary hypertension causing acquired von Willebrand disease and menorrhagia

BACKGROUND

Von Willebrand disease (VWD) maybe inherited or acquired; both etiologies can be associated with heavy menstrual bleeding. Pulmonary arterial hypertension may result in acquired VWD due to the destruction of high molecular weight von Willebrand multimers. We report a case of menorrhagia due to acquired VWD in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension.

CASE

An adolescent female with known idiopathic pulmonary hypertension developed acquired VWD. Her primary disease necessitates the use of platelet inhibitors and intermittent anticoagulation. At menarche she also developed menorrhagia due to acquired VWD. She is currently controlled with stimate and progesterone-only therapy. VWD in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension causing menorrhagia. Although VWD and menorrhagia are commonly linked, the treatment and disease process in a patient with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension is incredibly complex.