Markers of muscle ischemia, necrosis, and inflammation following uterine artery embolization in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to quantify markers of myometrial ischemia, necrosis, and inflammation in women undergoing uterine artery embolization (UAE).

STUDY DESIGN

Women with symptomatic fibroids were randomized to treatment with UAE (n = 14) or abdominal myomectomy (n = 11). Peripheral venous blood samples were taken before and after the procedure, at 24 hours and 6 weeks. Creatine kinase (CK) and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) were measured as markers of necrosis and ischemia. Inflammation was assessed by measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP).

OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes in the markers following UAE and myomectomy were measured.

RESULTS

Following UAE, no change was seen in CK or IMA, but CRP was raised only at 6 weeks. At 24 hours after myomectomy, there were significant rises in all 3 markers, with a return to normal by 6 weeks.

CONCLUSION

No significant ischemia or necrosis occurs in the myometrium following UAE, whereas the delayed rise in CRP is likely to reflect necrosis in fibroids.