title: The effects of uterine artery embolisation and surgical treatment on ovarian function in women with uterine fibroids.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare both ovarian function and menstrual characteristics following uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Subgroup of women from a randomised controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Gynaecology and radiology units in Scotland, UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-six women from the randomised controlled trial comparing embolisation with surgery as a treatment for fibroids (REST), which recruited 157 patients (106 UAE; 51 surgery).
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-three women undergoing UAE and 23 women undergoing surgery (with ovarian conservation) had serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) measurements taken on day 3 of the menstrual cycle prior to treatment, and at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. Data on menstrual cycle characteristics was also collected.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ovarian failure, as defined by an FSH level of >40 iu/l, and change in duration of menses and length of menstrual cycle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in the rate of ovarian failure at 12 months between UAE (11%) and surgical patients (18%) (P = 0.44). This finding was not influenced by age. The mean duration of menstrual flow decreased significantly, from baseline to 12 months, by 1.7 days (SD 3.8), (95% CI 0.8-2.6). There was no statistically significant change in mean cycle length at 12 months (0.7 days [SD 4.9]; 95% CI [-0.5, 1.9]).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no evidence for UAE accelerating a deterioration in ovarian function at 1 year, when compared with surgery. UAE is associated with a decrease in the duration of menstrual flow at 1 year.
authors.affiliation: Section of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Division of Developmental Medicine, Western Infirmary, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rashid
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khaund
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Moss
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lyons
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Lumsden
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D055357:Uterine Artery Embolization / Q000379:methods*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone