Destruction of the rabbit endometrium using a low-powered Neodymium-YAG laser

A low-powered (1–3 W) Nd-YAG laser was used to destroy the rabbit endometrium. Initial experiments showed that symmetrical lesions causing full thickness endometrial damage occurred at 2 W with exposure times of 100 s. Using these parameters the entire endometrium in one uterine horn was treated by overlapping lesions. Histology performed up to 14 weeks later showed that either the entire uterine horn was absent and replaced by a fibrous strand or regeneration of the endometrium occurred with reduced regrowth of villi and glands. However, because rabbit myometrium is extremely thin (1–3 mm) the depth of destruction needed was a fine balance between either too much damage causing entire horn loss or too little leaving undamaged areas which subsequently regenerated. This technique has proved to be effective, simple and safe. Even with complete destruction of a uterine horn the animal remained well, suffering no complications. The technique is now ready for pilot clinical trials.     

释放左旋18-甲基炔诺酮(20μg)宫内节育器的研究回顾

目的总结我所对释放20μg左旋18甲基炔诺酮宫内节育器(LNGIUD)的研究,以阐明其作用机理、长效避孕效用和安全性。方法本文是我所发表的22篇临床报告和研究论文的综合分析。结果观察100例避孕效果,使用8年仅1例妊娠,续用率为52%,因医学原因取器为32.2%。观察10例随访1年有排卵周期者占44.8%,置器6年后,14例中有排卵周期者占78.5%;血清LNG水平有排卵者低,无排卵者高,提示闭经是高浓度LNG对子宫内膜的局部作用。形态学观察显示置器后子宫内膜增生受到抑制,内膜细胞核DNA含量明显下降,内膜细胞雌激素受体(ER)、孕激素受体(PR)表达受到抑制,内膜血管细胞因子VIII(FVIII)活性明显减低。提示月经的改变是LNGIUD对子宫内膜的局部作用。观察34例特发性月经过多的治疗达3年,月经血量(MBL)显著下降,血红蛋白(Hb)和铁蛋白明显增加。结论释放20μg的LNGIUD是一个安全、高效、长效、可逆的避孕方法。主要优点是降低MBL,可接受性高,适合于我国实际应用。尤其对月经过多和贫血的妇女,更应优先选择。     

止血镇痛汤治疗月经过多的临床研究

目的客观评价止血镇痛汤治疗月经过多的有效性和安全性。方法采用随机、对照临床研究方法,从2003年7月至2005年3月共纳入病例数150例,其中试验组（止血镇痛汤）100例,对照组（云南白药胶囊）50例。7d为一个疗程。进行止血疗效及中医证候疗效评价。结果试验组总有效率为86.60%;对照组总有效率为87.50%。两组总有效率差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。两组未见明显的不良反应。结论止血镇痛汤与云南白药胶囊对月经过多具有类似临床疗效和安全性。     

Uterine artery embolization for symptomatic fibroids.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to introduce uterine artery embolization (UAE) as an effective and safe treatment option in patients with symptomatic fibroids. METHODS: Sixty-one patients underwent UAE with a 3- and 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: The procedure was well tolerated in all patients with the following symptoms improving: heavy bleeding [90% (95% CI 80.21%; 95.4%)]; dysmenorrhea [median -4 (95% CI -5; -4)]; feeling of a mass [74% (95% CI 57.9%; 85.8%)]; abdomino-pelvic discomfort [88% (95% CI 75.5%; 94.9%)]; and deep dyspareunia [90% (95% CI 71.1%; 97.3%)]. Uterine volume decreased by a median difference of 188 cm(3) (95% CI 146.5; 236), which related to a median % reduction of 37.7% (95% CI 32.4%; 45%) at 12-month follow-up. Most (91%) patients were satisfied with the procedure and only minor complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Uterine artery embolization can be performed effectively and safely at centers with the necessary expertise and can be used with success in Africa.     

Estimating a meaningful reduction in menstrual blood loss for women with heavy menstrual bleeding

Abstract

Objective:

A dichotomy exists within the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB); guidelines and expert opinion recommend that clinical management be guided by subjective, patient-centered measures, yet clinical trials often describe treatment efficacy in terms of objective reductions in menstrual blood loss (MBL). The purpose of this investigation was to correlate subjective and objective aspects of HMB treatment by identifying the minimum change in MBL that would be considered meaningful to women.     

Menstrual problems and contraception in women of reproductive age receiving oral anticoagulation

Background

Oral anticoagulation is associated with increased bleeding complications. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in menstrual loss and pattern in women taking anticoagulant treatment.

Study Design

Women on oral anticoagulant (OA) treatment at the Royal Free Hospital were interviewed and completed a questionnaire about their menstrual cycle before and after commencing oral anticoagulation treatment. They were then asked to complete a pictorial bleeding assessment chart (PBAC) during their next menstrual bleeding episode.

Results

Fifty-three women between the ages of 20 and 50 years participated in the study. Of these, 47 women completed a PBAC. The mean duration of menstruation increased from 5 days before starting OA therapy to 7 days after the commencement of treatment. Thirty-one (66%) of the 47 women who completed the PBAC had a score that was greater than 100. The number of women who experienced flooding or clots during menstruation and intermenstrual or postcoital bleeding also increased. In total, 29 (54.7%) women changed their method of contraception during OA treatment. Seventeen women who did not want to become pregnant were not using contraception, including 10 women who were on hormonal contraception prior to starting anticoagulant therapy.

Conclusion

Women of reproductive age experience heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding whilst on OA therapy. Women of reproductive age on OA therapy should be monitored for menstrual disorders to ensure that prompt and appropriate treatment is instituted. Advice about appropriate contraception should also be part of the medical care provided for these women. Barrier contraception, sterilization and progestin-only contraception are all suitable methods of contraception in this patient group.     

曼月乐治疗月经过多的临床应用

目的探讨左炔诺孕酮宫内缓释系统（商品名曼月乐）治疗月经过多的临床疗效。方法观察103例月经量〉80 m l的患者宫内放置LNG-IUS后月经周期、月经期、月经量、血红蛋白及子宫内膜厚度的变化情况。结果放置LNG-IUS后3个月,患者月经周期未出现显著变化,月经期表现为放置后1个月显著延长,但随后恢复正常;月经量较治疗前显著减少,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;治疗前、后子宫内膜厚度也显著变小,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）;患者治疗后血红蛋白水平也较治疗前显著增加。结论 LNG-IUS治疗月经过多疗效显著。     

月经过多诊刮后置曼月乐的疗效价值

目的:探讨月经过多诊刮后置曼月乐的疗效价值。方法:2008年6月～2009年10月在两家医疗机构选择有排卵型月经过多患者90例,接受3种治疗方式,对所有病例治疗后进行为期1年的随访,记录其治疗效果。结果:共71例有随访结果,其中接受诊断性刮宫同时置入曼月乐(A组)、月经第4～7天直接置入曼月乐(B组)、单纯诊断性刮宫(C组)3种方式的患者分别为24、22、25例。PBAC评分在第1、2、3、6、12月3组差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);血红蛋白在第1、2、3、6月差异无统计学意义,12月则显示差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。点滴状出血发生率在第1、2、3、6月3组间差异均有统计学意义,B组的发生率一直最高,A组次之,C组发生率最低。结论:曼月乐治疗有排卵型月经过多可有效减少月经量,提高血红蛋白且患者满意度较好。结合诊断性刮宫可准确诊断导致月经过多的器质性病变,值得在临床推广。     

Medical Child Abuse: An Unusual “Source” of Vaginal Bleeding

BackgroundMedical child abuse (MCA) is challenging to diagnose. Although young children are often affected, adolescents can be victims through caregiver coercion. Presentation is highly variable. Diagnosis is essential because of high associated morbidity and mortality.CaseWe describe the case of a 12-year-old girl who presented to multiple subspecialty clinics with reported menorrhagia. Despite reassuring clinical examinations, the family described menorrhagia that failed to respond to standard treatment. After an urgent evaluation for reported heavy bleeding revealed only scant blood, the diagnosis of MCA was made.Summary and ConclusionVaginal bleeding is a rare presentation of MCA, but must be considered whenever reported symptomatology does not follow physiologic patterns, respond to standard medical treatment, or correspond to clinical evaluation. Prompt identification is important to prevent further harm.