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Ovarian function after uterine artery embolisation
Abstract
Objective. To evaluate ovarian function in 29 patients who underwent uterine artery embolisation (UAE).
Methods. Twenty-nine patients with myomata of the uterus underwent uterine artery embolisation (UAE) using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles with a particle size of 150-550 µm in diameter. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were done pre- and post-UAE.
Results. The median age of the patients was 39 years (range 19-51 years). Two patients (7%) were menopausal before UAE was attempted. In three patients (10%), normal pre-procedural FSH values raised to menopausal levels afterwards (95% CI [3.6%; 26.4%]). Only one of these patients was younger than 40 years of age (39 years). Therefore, in 15 patients less than 40 years of age, 6.7% (95% CI [1.2%; 29.8%]) developed a significant rise in FSH levels. One patient, aged 35 years, developed temporary amenorrhoea and endometrial atrophy which returned to normal within a year.
Conclusions. UAE resulted in ovarian failure in 7% of patients younger than 40 years of age and 10% of patients overall.
Methods. Twenty-nine patients with myomata of the uterus underwent uterine artery embolisation (UAE) using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles with a particle size of 150-550 µm in diameter. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were done pre- and post-UAE.
Results. The median age of the patients was 39 years (range 19-51 years). Two patients (7%) were menopausal before UAE was attempted. In three patients (10%), normal pre-procedural FSH values raised to menopausal levels afterwards (95% CI [3.6%; 26.4%]). Only one of these patients was younger than 40 years of age (39 years). Therefore, in 15 patients less than 40 years of age, 6.7% (95% CI [1.2%; 29.8%]) developed a significant rise in FSH levels. One patient, aged 35 years, developed temporary amenorrhoea and endometrial atrophy which returned to normal within a year.
Conclusions. UAE resulted in ovarian failure in 7% of patients younger than 40 years of age and 10% of patients overall.
Authors' affiliations
A Prollius, University of the Free State
A Viljoen, University of the Free State
A du Plessis, University of the Free State
H S Cronjé, University of the Free State
M Nel, University of the Free State
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Keywords
Uterine artery embolisation; Follicle stimulating hormone; Ovarian function; Ovarian failure; Amenorrhoea
Cite this article
South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2009;15(1):34.
Article History
Date submitted: 2008-08-20
Date published: 2009-06-15
Date published: 2009-06-15
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