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.