Purpose: Myomectomy is currently the gold standard for the treatment of uterine fibroids in women who desire pregnancy. However, this surgical fibroid removal has a long convalescence. Promising alternatives may be non-invasive High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) under either MRI (MR-HIFU) or ultrasound guidance (USgHIFU). In this systematic review, an overview is provided of reproductive outcomes after these two relatively new ablation techniques.

Method: A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies reporting reproductive outcomes after HIFU treatment of fibroids. Only peer reviewed, full papers were included. Outcomes included pregnancy-, live-birth- miscarriage and caesarian section rate, time to conceive, reported complications, and possible prognostic factors.

Results: In total 21 studies were included. Fourteen studies reported 124 pregnancies after MR-HIFU. Two placenta previas and no uterus ruptures were reported. Pregnancy rates were only retrospectively collected and ranged between 7% and 36%. Miscarriage rate in the oldest and largest prospective registry was 39%. After USgHIFU 366 pregnancies were reported with one fetal intrauterine death, six placenta previas and no uterus ruptures. The only prospective study reported a pregnancy rate of 47% and a miscarriage rate of 11%. Possible prognostic factors like age were not available in most studies.

Conclusions: Based on the heterogeneous data currently available, reproductive outcomes after HIFU appear non-inferior to outcomes after the current standard of care. However, a (randomized) controlled trial comparing reproductive outcomes after HIFU and standard care is necessary to provide sufficient evidence on the preferred fibroid treatment for women with a pregnancy wish.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrad.2021.109801DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

reproductive outcomes
20
outcomes hifu
12
systematic review
8
high intensity
8
intensity focused
8
focused ultrasound
8
treatment uterine
8
uterine fibroids
8
placenta previas
8
previas uterus
8

Similar Publications

Introduction: ICAM-1 is an adhesion molecule expressed on the endothelial cells and is involved in regulating leukocyte recruitment to the site of inflammation. Elevated ICAM-1 mRNA expression was found in the serum of mothers with chorioamnionitis. This study aimed to determine the expression of ICAM-1 in the placenta and umbilical cord of pregnancy with chorioamnionitis, and its association with adverse neonatal outcome.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol is associated with few oocytes retrieved, few mature oocytes and poor endometrial receptivity. Omission of GnRH-ants on trigger day seems unlikely to induce preovulation and may improve outcomes in the GnRH-ant protocol. This study aimed to systematically evaluate the effects of GnRH-ant cessation on trigger day on in vitro fertilisation outcomes following the GnRH-ant protocol.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Purpose: Few studies have examined disparities in-and social determinants of-contraception use among rural adolescents despite evidence of higher teen birth rates and greater STI risk in rural communities. Guided by a social determinants of health (SDoH) framework, this cross-sectional study aimed to address these gaps.

Methods: Data come from the 2018 Healthy Youth Survey, including N = 3757 sexually active, rural-based adolescents.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The recent advancements in cancer immunotherapy have spotlighted the potential of natural killer (NK) cells, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-transduced NK cells. These cells, pivotal in innate immunity, offer a rapid and potent response against cancer cells and pathogens without the need for prior sensitization or recognition of peptide antigens. Although NK cell genetic modification is evolving, the viral transduction method continues to be inefficient and fraught with risks, often resulting in cytotoxic outcomes and the possibility of insertional mutagenesis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Conflict-affected regions face severe reproductive health challenges that disproportionately impact adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and children, who are especially vulnerable due to the breakdown of healthcare systems and limited access to essential services. AGYW are at heightened risk due to restricted access to family planning, prenatal care, and emergency obstetric services, while children face malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and developmental delays. These challenges have profound long-term consequences for both their physical and psychological well-being.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!