Levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine device in the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding: a 6‐ and 12‐month morphological and clinical follow‐up. (24th May 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Palmara, Vittorio; Sturlese, Emanuele; Villari, Daniela; Giacobbe, Valentina; Retto, Annalisa; Santoro, Giuseppe
• Is Part Of: Australian and New Zealand journal of obstetrics and gynaecology. Volume 53:Number 4(2013:Aug.)
• Page Start: 381
• Page End: 385
• Publication Date: 2013-05-24
• Subjects: abnormal uterine bleeding -- endometrial epithelium -- endometrial hyperplasia -- levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12097
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0004-8666

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding is defined as any alteration in the pattern or volume of menstrual blood flow, and it is preferably treated using hysterectomy, endometrial destruction or the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (Mirena ® ). Recently, it has been demonstrated that studies of Mirena ® were generally small and consequently imprecise. Aims: Our study was aimed at assessing the effects of a slow‐release levonorgestrel (20 μg/day) intrauterine device in fertile and postmenopausal women experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding that did not respond to traditional medical management. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 women, of whom 24 were of reproductive capacity and 16 were postmenopausal, were enrolled in the trial. Removal of the intrauterine device was required for only 2 of the 24 fertile women and for only 3 of the 16 postmenopausal women. After 6 and 12 months of treatment, the remaining women were clinically evaluated and underwent ultrasound and hysteroscopy using biopsy specimens as a control. The EuroQol Group EQ‐5D questionnaire was used for evaluation of quality of life. Results: The device showed good tolerability and efficacy. It resulted in a reduction in the endometrial mucosal thickness with a regression of bleeding and collateral effects, which were more evident after 12 months of treatment. A positive effect of the device on the woman's quality of life was demonstrated. Conclusions: The slow‐release levonorgestrel intrauterine device may be a valid therapeutic tool for treating basic symptomatology and increasing quality of life in women with abnormal uterine bleeding.