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The following is a summary of “Evaluating pregnancy outcomes in women with uterine fibroids treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound: insights from a single-institution study,” published in the December 2024 issue of Obstetrics & Gynecology by Zhao et al. 

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) ablation on pregnancy outcomes in women with uterine fibroids wishing to conceive.  

They conducted a retrospective analysis of 210 women who underwent HIFU treatment (Group I) from January 2018 to December 2022 and conceived. Pregnancy outcomes were compared with 510 vaginal deliveries (Group II) and 278 cesarean sections (Group III). Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors. The study focused on immediate pregnancy outcomes following HIFU treatment, excluding subsequent pregnancies or long-term effects. 

The results showed a natural conception rate of 93.81% (197/210) post-HIFU, with a miscarriage rate of 19.05% (40/210). Group I had lower rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (8.24%) and precipitate labor (0%) compared to Group II but higher rates of mild anemia (31.18%) and adherent placenta (10.59%). Compared to Group III, Group I had lower gestational diabetes mellitus (8.24% vs 20.86%) and moderate anemia (4.71% vs 16.55%) but higher premature rupture of membranes (18.82%). Neonates in Group I had lower birth weights (P < 0.05), with no cases of low birth weight. Multivariable analysis identified fibroid location as a predictor of preterm birth and maternal age and mode of delivery as factors in incomplete uterine rupture risk. 

Investigators concluded that HIFU ablation was a safe and effective fertility-preserving treatment for women with uterine fibroids, with favorable short-term pregnancy outcomes. However, careful patient selection and management were essential due to its impact on pregnancy duration and complications. 

Source: reproductive-health-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12978-024-01930-x