The effects of RU 486 and leuprolide acetate on uterine artery blood flow in the fibroid uterus: a prospective, randomized study.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to examine the effects of RU 486 and leuprolide acetate on uterine artery blood flow and uterine volume.


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to group A (eight patients) receiving 25 mg of RU 486 daily for 3 months or group B (six patients) receiving 3.75 mg of leuprolide acetate monthly for 3 months. Uterine artery blood flow change was determined by resistive index by means of vaginal color Doppler ultrasonography. Uterine volume was measured before and during the study with abdominal ultrasonography.


RESULTS
Both groups showed an increase in resistive index. Patients receiving RU 486 had uterine artery blood flow decreased by 40%, and those receiving leuprolide acetate had a 21% decrease. We noted a significant decrease in uterine volume compared with pretreatment in both groups at 3 months. There was no significant decrease between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Both RU 486 (25 mg daily) and leuprolide acetate (3.75 mg monthly) are effective in decreasing blood flow to the uterus (increasing resistive index) and decreasing uterine volume at 3 months. A significant decrease in uterine artery blood flow may provide a mechanism for the decrease in uterine size and the decrease in uterine blood loss at the time of surgery.
Reinsch
R C
RC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente, University of California, San Diego 92103.
Murphy
A A
AA
Morales
A J
AJ
Yen
S S
SS
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000187:drug effects; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000187:drug effects
D015735:Mifepristone; D016729:Leuprolide