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. STUDY DESIGN: 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 sigificant decrease in uterine volume compared with pretreatment in both groups at 3 months. There was no significant decrease between groups. CONCLUSION: 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. (AM J Obstet Gynecol 1994;170:1623-8.)