Sonographic assessment of pregnancy co-existing with uterine leiomyoma in Owerri, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy could cause obstetric complications. Objectives: To assess sonographically the frequency of occurrence and effect of uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted during a period of 23 months. A convenience sample of 816 consecutive consenting pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria was evaluated during routine prenatal ultrasound scan. The women were referred for prenatal sonography. One hundred of the subjects who had myoma co-existing with pregnancy and another 100 subjects without myoma were selected for follow-up. These groups were followed up till delivery and obstetric complications and outcomes were documented. Any changes in size and growth rate of myoma were documented. Results: Subjects with myoma co-existing with pregnancy were 12.3%. This was commoner with increasing maternal age. An increase was observed in myoma mean size from 60mm to 63mm from the 1 st scan sequence to the 2 nd scan sequence and a reduction from 63mm to 59mm in the 3 rd scan sequence. Myoma growth rate was 0.667mm per week. Myomas in pregnancy especially large ones caused more complications during delivery when compared to pregnancies without myomas. Conclusion: Routine sonography is important in pregnancy management of uterine myomas co-existing with pregnancy.

Dydrogesterone has no effect on uterine fibroids when used to prevent miscarriage in pregnant women with uterine fibroids

“…Rosati et al [11] showed that the uterine fibroid volume increased during the first trimester, did not continue to increase during the second and third trimesters, and decreased after birth. Some studies have indicated that during pregnancy, uterine fibroids grew at a rate of 0.667 mm per week during the first and second trimesters [12]. Benaglia et al [13] also showed that the uterine fibroid volume increased rapidly and significantly during the first trimester.…”

A Rare Case of Large Uterine Myoma in an Antenatal Women with Situs Inversus: A Case Report

“…They can cause complications in ante-, intra-and postpartum periods of pregnancy which include spontaneous abortions, preterm labour, premature rupture of membranes, abruption placenta, placenta previa/accrete, labour dystocia, red degeneration, malpresentation, intrauterine growth restriction, feto-pelvic disproportion, retention of placenta, postpartum haemorrhage, etc [15][16][17]. Around 10%-40% of all prepartum complications during pregnancy with fibroid are due to the presence of fibroid itself [18].…”

Editorial: Nodding syndrome, infections and sexuality

“…33 Several interesting associations are noted: anti-Chlamydia antibodies with ectopic pregnancy; 34 abdomino-pelvic surgery and tubal pathology; 35 recurrent pregnancy loss with chromosomal abnormalities and hereditary thrombophilias. 36 Other articles are on leiomyoma, 37 emergency maternal and newborn care, 38 peripartum hysterectomy, 39 dexamethasone use for cesarean sections, 40 and the effect of unilateral vasectomy on testosterone. 41 Papers on substance abuse among brothel-based female sex workers 42 ; and risky sexual behavior among preparatory school students living with their parents 43 completes this sexuality section.…”