Use of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system to treat bleeding related to uterine leiomyomas.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study was designed to evaluate the potential usefulness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG IUS) in treating women with uterine leiomyomas.

DESIGN:

Prospective before-and-after study.

SETTING:

Family planning unit in an academic research institute.

PATIENT(S):

Sixty-seven women with uterine leiomyomas who chose the LNG IUS as their method of contraception.

INTERVENTION(S):

Clinical and ultrasound examinations were performed prior to and 3, 6, and 12 months after the LNG IUS insertion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S):

Menstrual blood loss assessed with pictorial blood loss assessment charts, ferritin and hemoglobin concentrations, and uterine and leiomyoma volume.

RESULT(S):

Use of the LNG IUS was associated with a marked reduction in menstrual blood loss. After 12 months of use, the mean pictorial blood loss assessment chart score declined from 97 to 16 (P<.001). Hemoglobin and ferritin levels increased significantly over 1 year of use. Eighteen of 19 women (95%) who were anemic at the beginning of the study were no longer anemic at 12 months, as judged by hemoglobin levels. No pregnancies occurred during the study.

CONCLUSION(S):

The LNG IUS was associated with a profound reduction in menstrual blood loss. For women with leiomyomas of this size, the LNG IUS provides effective medical treatment of bleeding.

• Authors: Vera Grigorieva, Mario Chen-Mok, Marina Tarasova, Anton Mikhailov
• Journal: Fertility and sterility (Fertil Steril) Vol. 79 Issue 5 Pg. 1194-8 (May 2003) ISSN: 0015-0282 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12738516 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Hemoglobins
• Levonorgestrel

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Hemoglobins (analysis)
• Humans
• Leiomyoma (drug therapy)
• Levonorgestrel (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Menstruation (drug effects)
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Uterine Hemorrhage (drug therapy)
• Uterine Neoplasms (drug therapy)