Uterine artery embolisation versus myomectomy for premenopausal women with uterine fibroids wishing to avoid hysterectomy: the FEMME RCT

Post-uterine artery embolization: 3-day MRI changes and their predictive value for therapeutic efficacy in symptomatic uterine fibroids

OBJECTIVES

To summarize and discuss 3-day MRI changes after uterine artery embolization (UAE) and their predictive value for efficacy.

METHODS

From August 2016 to April 2023, 52 patients underwent enhanced MRI within 3 days post-embolization. We retrospectively analysed clinical and imaging data, focusing on MR characteristics at the 3-day mark, comparing pre- and post-embolization images. Patients were categorized based on 3-day MR findings into complete and incomplete necrosis groups, with clinical efficacy compared over 6 months.

RESULTS

Our study included 30 cases of multiple leiomyomas and 22 of single leiomyomas. Postoperative MRI revealed complete necrosis in 31 tumours and incomplete necrosis in 21 tumours. At 3 days, MR ADC imaging showed increased signals in necrotic areas, mildly increased signals on T2-weighted images, and minimal changes on T1-weighted images. Six-month follow-up showed no significant difference in symptom improvement between groups (P = .524, P = .587, P = .615). However, a significant difference was found in leiomyoma volume reduction, with 70.63 ± 15.53% in the complete necrosis group and 51.36 ± 25.20% in the incomplete necrosis group (P < .001), highlighting the impact of necrosis extent on volumetric reduction.

CONCLUSION

Short-term MRI changes after UAE can reflect changes in blood supply to fibroids and normal uterine tissue, and have good predictive value for medium-term embolization efficacy.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE

This study describes short-term MR manifestations of complete and incomplete embolism, aiding in predicting long-term outcome.

PhenoMATRIX™ for the screening of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) carriage in pregnant women: ready to get rid of the LIM broth?

There is a constant need to reduce turn-around times and keep costs as low as possible for the carriage screening of GBS in pregnant patients. Laboratory automation might provide an edge in this field. The objectives of the present study were: i) to compare the performance of the direct chromID™ Strepto B agar (CA) plating against LIM-broth enriched plating on CA for the detection of GBS from vagino-rectal screening-swabs; and ii) to assess the usage of PhenoMATRIX™ for the automated screening of GBS. Between January 2021 and December 2023, 9'107 vagino-rectal specimens were collected from pregnant women at Geneva University Hospitals and were used to address the first objective. There was a small difference in the GBS detection rates between direct CA plating (13.2%; 1'202/9'107) and LIM-broth enriched plating on CA (13.2%; 1'198/9'107). Based on the LIM-broth enrichment results, the sensitivity and specificity of the direct CA plating were 98.3% (95% CI, 97.3%-98.9%) and 99.7% (95% CI, 99.5%-99.8%), respectively. Importantly, for 25 specimens, GBS growth was only detected by direct CA plating. We used a random set of 8'768 CA plate pictures for the machine learning of PhenoMATRIX™. The validation was carried out on an additional set of 830 CA plate pictures. The sensitivity and specificity of PhenoMATRIX™ were 100% (95% CI, 96.6%-100.0%) and 90.2% (95% CI, 87.8%-92.1%), respectively. We established that for GBS screening, the performance of direct CA plating is not inferior to the LIM-broth enriched approach. By relying on PhenoMATRIX™, the negative predictive value for GBS screening reaches 100% (95% CI, 99.4%-100.0%), enabling the automatic release of GBS-negative cases within 24 h.

Comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to uterine teratoma in postmenopausal women: a case study and review

Background and objective

Uterine teratomas are extremely rare in postmenopausal women and pose significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment. This study reports a case of a 54-year-old postmenopausal woman diagnosed with a uterine teratoma during a routine gynecological ultrasound. The study aims to explore the diagnosis and treatment of uterine teratomas in postmenopausal women through detailed imaging assessment and hysteroscopy surgery, aiming to enhance the understanding of this rare uterine tumor and improve patient treatment outcomes and quality of life.

Methods

This study utilized hysteroscopic surgery to excise a mass initially suspected to be a uterine fibroid and performed pathological analysis. The analysis revealed the presence of fat and hair, confirming the diagnosis of a mature benign uterine teratoma. Additionally, the study includes a literature review summarizing the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies for uterine teratomas.

Results

Hysteroscopic surgery effectively identified and removed the complex uterine teratoma. Pathological analysis confirmed the teratoma contained various mature tissues, including neural tissue, bone, and cartilage. Comparative analysis of imaging features with surgical outcomes helped propose more precise diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopy surgery plays a crucial role in diagnosing uterine teratomas in postmenopausal women and showcases its advantages of minimal trauma and quick recovery in treatment. In addition, the literature review emphasizes the diagnostic challenges of uterine teratomas in clinical practice, particularly in expanding clinical awareness of the differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal presentations. It also summarizes the diagnostic and treatment strategies for rare uterine masses, contributing to the improved recognition of these rare cases.

The safety and efficacy of myomectomy in the treatment of recurrent uterine fibroids after HIFU

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of myomectomy for recurrent uterine fibroids (UFs) after high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy (AM) and laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) from January 2018 to December 2021 at the Three Gorges Hospital of Chongqing University were included. Among them, 73 had undergone prior HIFU ablation (Group 1), while 120 had not undergone HIFU (Group 2). Outcome measures included operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, postoperative activity times (PAT), duration of hospital stay (DOHS), and complications.

RESULTS

The operating time was 90.0 min (70.5, 115.0) for Group 1 and 110.0 min (81.5, 130.0) for Group 2 (P < 0.05). During all AM pathways, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups in EBL, blood transfusion, PAT, DOHS, and complications; however, operating time was shorter in Group 1. The operating time, EBL, blood transfusion, PAT, DOHS, and complications were similar in both groups during LM pathway. During the follow-up 40 (range: 24-53) months, the rate of relief, recurrence, and reintervention in Groups 1 and 2 was 78.1% versus 74.1%, 14.6% versus 16.4%, and 3.7% versus 2.6%, respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Myomectomy is a safe and effective surgical method for treating recurrent UFs after HIFU. Myomectomy for treating recurrent UFs resulted in a shorter operative and hospital stay, reduced blood loss, faster postoperative recovery, and fewer complications, better symptom relief rates, and lower risk of recurrence or reintervention. These findings indicate that previous HIFU ablation does not worsen the outcomes of the subsequent myomectomy.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence in uterine artery embolization vs myomectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids

This review compares the efficacy of Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) and Myomectomy (MYO) in managing symptomatic Uterine Fibroids (UFs) in women who do not want hysterectomy. A meta-analysis was performed on all available studies that evaluated the relative benefits and harms of MYO and UEA for the management of patients suffering from UFs. Outcomes evaluated reintervention, UFs scores for quality of life (QOL) and symptom severity, and other complications. To determine mean differences (MDs) or odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), a random or fixed-effects model was utilized. A meta-analysis of 13 studies (9 observational and 4 randomized controlled trials) was conducted. The results indicated that UAE had a higher reintervention rate (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.62-2.10; P < 0.01; I2 = 39%), hysterectomy rate (OR 4.04; 95% CI 3.45-4.72; P < 0.01; I2 = 59%), and symptom-severity score (OR - 4.02; 95% CI 0.82, 7.22; P = 0.01; I2 = 0%) compared to MYO at a four-year follow-up. However, UAE was associated with a lower rate of early complications (OR 0.44; 95% CI 0.20-0.95; P = 0.04; I2 = 25%), and readmission rate (OR 1.16; 95% CI 1.01-1.33; P = 0.04; I2 = 0%) compared to MYO. Furthermore, both procedures had comparable improvement in pregnancy rates and abnormal uterine bleeding. In conclusion, UAE and MYO are effective in treating symptomatic UFs but they have different outcomes. The decision on which procedure to choose should be made based on individual preferences and the physician's expertise.

The role of VEGF and TGF-β blood levels for fibroid shrinkage, menorrhagia score, and quality of life improvement after uterine artery embolization for uterine fibroids: a study protocol

Uterine leiomyoma is a common condition affecting women that occurs in more than 70% of females. Women with leiomyomas overall have lower quality of life and deficiency in many specific spheres of life including work-related productivity, sexuality, relationships, social-emotional health, and physical well-being that might be present even in pre-and extended throughout early postmenopausal life. Choices for symptomatic fibroid management include medical, interventional radiology procedures, surgical, and expectant management. The uterine artery embolization (UAE) procedure has gained justified popularity for myoma management. Growth factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor growth factor β (TGF-β), hold an important role in leiomyoma progression. However, blood levels of VEGF and TGF-β in patients before and after UAE are not fully investigated and the possible relationship with myoma shrinkage has not been evaluated. Therefore, this study aims to assess menorrhagia score and quality of life improvement after UAE for uterine fibroids and compare blood levels of VEGF and TGF-β in patients with uterine leiomyoma before and after UAE. This cross-sectional study will be performed at the University Medical Center, Astana, Kazakhstan. Women undergoing the UAE procedure for uterine leiomyoma will be involved in the study following the precisely defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Uterine leiomyoma nodules' structural changes after UAE will be assessed along with the blood levels of growth factors (VEGF and TGF-β), menorrhagia score, and quality of life. An important outcome of this project will be an investigation of the blood levels of growth factors (VEGF and TGF-β) before and after the procedure and their association with leiomyoma shrinkage in correlation with the menorrhagia score and quality of life alterations among patients undergoing UAE.

Uterine artery embolization versus myomectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Uterine fibroids are the commonest benign tumors of the reproductive tract in women of childbearing age. They are usually asymptomatic but can cause menorrhagia. Treatments include myomectomy and uterine artery embolization (UAE). The latter is a relatively new procedure, therefore of special interest.

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all published studies to provide a comprehensive outlook on the effectiveness of UAE by comparing its outcomes to those of myomectomy. Electronic databases (PubMed and Cochrane Central) were systematically searched from January 2000 to March 2022 for published randomized control trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses that compared UAE to myomectomy for at least one of the pre-specified outcomes, namely re-intervention rates, length of hospital stay, and complications.

Methods

We shortlisted nine studies for the final analysis. For continuous outcomes, results from random-effects meta-analysis were presented as mean differences (MDs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model.

Results

The final analysis consisted of nine studies. Factors like re-intervention, hospitalization, and complications, each with its unique follow-up duration were assessed. Pooled analysis demonstrated significant results for greater re-intervention rates with UAE as compared to myomectomy (RR: 2.16, 95% CI: (1.27-3.66), p-value 0.004, heterogeneity I2 = 85%). UAE holds a greater but statistically insignificant risk for major complications (RR: 0.62, 95% CI: (0.29-1.33), p-value 0.22, heterogeneity I2 = 0%) and myomectomy shows a statistically insignificant greater risk for minor complications (RR: 1.72, 95% CI: (0.92-3.22), p-value 0.09, heterogeneity I2 = 0%). UAE had a shorter but statistically insignificant duration of hospital stay (MD: -1.12, 95% CI: (-2.50 to 0.27), p-value 0.11, heterogeneity I2 = 96%) (p-value for subgroup differences = 0.005).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis of approximately 196,595 patients demonstrates that myomectomy results in a significant reduction in re-intervention rate compared to UAE.

Quality of life improvements in women with uterine fibroids treated with relugolix combination therapy during the LIBERTY long-term extension study: A descriptive subgroup analysis in women with anemia at baseline

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of 52 weeks of treatment with relugolix combination therapy (relugolix 40 mg, estradiol 1 mg, norethindrone acetate 0.5 mg) on symptoms of uterine fibroids (UF) and quality of life (QoL) in women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with UF and anemia (hemoglobin ≤10.5 g/dL) at baseline.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis included women from the LIBERTY long-term extension study with anemia (hemoglobin concentration ≤10.5 g/dL) at pivotal study baseline and documented hemoglobin values at week 52 (anemia-evaluable population). Treatment responders: women achieving a menstrual blood loss volume of <80 mL and a ≥50% reduction over the last 35 days of treatment. Anemia responders were women achieving a hemoglobin increase of >2 g/dL from baseline to week 52. Least squares (LS) mean changes from baseline in uterine fibroid symptom (UFS)-QoL symptom severity, fatigue, and health-related QoL total (HR-QoL) and (sub)scale scores were calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 115 women were included in the anemia-evaluable population. Of 39 anemia-evaluable women who received continuous treatment with relugolix combination therapy for 52 weeks, 34 (87.2%) met treatment responder criteria and 23 (59.0%) were anemia responders. LS mean hemoglobin concentration increased by 29.4% at week 52. LS mean UFS-QoL symptom severity and fatigue scores decreased by 38.5 and 31.9 points, respectively, and HR-QoL total score increased by 41.6 points.

CONCLUSION

In women with UF and a high disease burden due to anemia, relugolix combination therapy substantially improved hemoglobin levels, decreased distress due to symptoms, especially fatigue, over 52 weeks.

Management of Uterine Fibroids and Sarcomas: The Palermo Position Paper

BACKGROUND

Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal tumors originating from the smooth muscle cells of the myometrium, constituting the most prevalent pathology within the female genital tract. Uterine sarcomas, although rare, still represent a diagnostic challenge and should be managed in centers with adequate expertise in gynecological oncology.

OBJECTIVES

This article is aimed to summarize and discuss cutting-edge elements about the diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids and sarcomas.

METHODS

This paper is a report of the lectures presented in an expert meeting about uterine fibroids and sarcomas held in Palermo in February 2023.

OUTCOME

Overall, the combination of novel molecular pathways may help combine biomarkers and expert ultrasound for the differential diagnosis of uterine fibroids and sarcomas. On the one hand, molecular and cellular maps of uterine fibroids and matched myometrium may enhance our understanding of tumor development compared to histologic analysis and whole tissue transcriptomics, and support the development of minimally invasive treatment strategies; on the other hand, ultrasound imaging allows in most of the cases a proper mapping the fibroids and to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, which need appropriate management.

CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK

The choice of uterine fibroid management, including pharmacological approaches, surgical treatment, or other strategies, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), should be carefully considered, taking into account the characteristics of the patient and reproductive prognosis.

Prophylactic Use of Uterine Artery Embolization to Decrease Bleeding in Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Case Report

Uterine fibroids, or leiomyomas, are the most frequent benign tumors affecting the female reproductive system, particularly during the reproductive years. The case report that follows presents the diagnosis and treatment of uterine fibroids in a female patient. The 33-year-old female patient in this instance arrived at the tertiary rural hospital with an abnormally large, bloated belly. Upon examination and imaging, it was discovered that the patient had multiple fibroids growing inside her uterus. Here, we present a successful management of uterine leiomyoma with laparoscopic myomectomy where we performed uterine artery embolization before surgical management in order to minimize blood loss during surgery. The case highlights the significance of collaboration between gynecologists, surgeons, and interventional radiologists. Thanks to their combined expertise, the patient was given a variety of treatment options, such as minimally invasive treatments, surgical interventions, and medication therapy. Decision considerations included the consequences of fibroids and the patient's age and desire to preserve fertility. The effect of fibroids on her life expectancy is taken into account. This case emphasizes how important it is to embolize the uterine arteries before having a myomectomy to cure large uterine leiomyomas successfully.

Complications of transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of fibroids: A 5-year experience

Introduction

Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation is a relatively noninvasive approach for the treatment of fibroids in patients who do not wish to undergo conventional surgery. Information on potential complications of this novel technique is very scarce.

Methods

Retrospective, descriptive, epidemiological study of 115 patients who underwent transvaginal radiofrequency ablation of fibroids and for whom complications were recorded.

Results

We performed 115 transvaginal radiofrequency ablation procedures, we recorded a total of 11 complications (9.6%; 95% CI, 3.8-14.8). Of these, 8 (7.0%) were classified as Clavien-Dindo type I, 1 (0.9%,) as type II, and 2 (1.7%) as type IIIb (severe). No other complications were recorded in a year follow-up.

Conclusion

Transvaginal radiofrequency ablation is a treatment option that makes it possible to treat fibroids that are difficult to manage using other techniques. Few associated complications have been described, and most of them are mild.

The combination of natural compounds Crila and epigallocatechin gallate showed enhanced antiproliferative effects on human uterine fibroid cells compared with single treatments

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the combined effects of Crila and green tea extract, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), compared with single treatments, on human uterine fibroid cells.

DESIGN

Human uterine leiomyoma (HuLM) cells were treated with different concentrations of Crila, alone or in combination with EGCG, and several experiments were employed.

SETTING

A laboratory study.

PATIENTSS

N/A.

INTERVENTIONS

Crila, EGCG.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cell proliferation assay, drug synergy using combination index, protein and gene expression analysis of proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and apoptosis marker BAX using western blotting and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

RESULTS

Results showed that tested Crila concentrations, when combined with 25 and 50 μM EGCG, exerted synergistic growth inhibitory effects on HuLM viability. This inhibitory effect on HuLM cell viability was because of decreased cell proliferation, as shown by a decrease in the proliferation marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen at messenger RNA and protein levels, rather than inducing apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Our study concludes that the utility of natural compounds may provide a safe and cost-effective alternative to currently used short-term hormonal therapies against uterine fibroids.

Incidence and changes in endometrial-leiomyoma fistula following uterine artery embolization: a single-center retrospective analysis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether the number and size of endometrial-leiomyoma fistulas (ELFs) change following uterine artery embolization (UAE) for leiomyoma and the correlation between ELFs and vaginal discharge (VD).

MATERIALS & METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of 100 patients who underwent UAE at a single institution between May 2016 and March 2021. They all underwent MRI at baseline, 4 months, and 1 year after UAE. The number and size of the ELFs were compared with the MRI images each time. The ELF tumor characteristics and the correlation between the ELFs and VD were assessed. Additional gynecologic interventions due to VD associated with ELFs were evaluated.

RESULTS

No ELF was observed at baseline. Ten ELFs were noted in nine patients at 4 months, and 35 ELFs were noted in 32 patients 1 year after UAE. The ELFs significantly increased over time (p = 0.004, baseline vs. 4 months; p < 0.001, 4 months vs. 1 year). The ELF size did not significantly change over time (p = 0.941). The tumors developing ELFs after UAE were mainly located at the submucosal or intramural area contacting the endometrium at baseline, with a mean size of 7.1 (2.6) cm. Nineteen patients (19%) had VD 1 year after UAE. There was no significant correlation between VD and the number of ELFs (p = 0.80). No patients underwent additional gynecologic interventions due to VD associated with ELFs.

CONCLUSION

ELFs increased in number and did not disappear over time after UAE in most tumors.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Despite the MR imaging findings, within the limited data of this study, ELFs were not seemingly associated with clinical symptoms, including VD.

KEY POINTS

• Endometrial-leiomyoma fistula (ELF) is a complication of uterine artery embolization (UAE). • ELFs increased in number over time after UAE and did not disappear in most tumors. • Most tumors developing ELFs after UAE were located near/contacted the endometrium and were larger.