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Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Microsatellite DNA Genotyping and Flow Cytometry Ploidy Analyses of Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Hydatidiform Molar Tissues
Published on: October 20, 2019
Familial prevalence of uterine fibroids is associated with distinct clinical and molecular features
S O Okolo1, C C Gentry, C W Perrett
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London N18 1QX, UK. S.okolo@medsch.ucl.ac.uk
Background:
Although uterine fibroids are very common, their pathogenesis and clinical behaviour are poorly understood. Since they may be prevalent in some families, we investigated whether such a prevalence was associated with distinctive clinical and molecular features.
Methods:
A case-control questionnaire study of 300 multi-ethnic women with uterine fibroids at a London university hospital was undertaken, with review of case notes and immunohistochemical determination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) in fibroids.
Results:
When compared with families with sporadic fibroids, familial prevalence of fibroids was associated with a higher incidence of abdominal swelling (59.1% versus 41.6%; P=0.037), menorrhagia (84.4% versus 51.9%; P=0.042), dysmenorrhoea (64.4% versus 46.3%; P=0.004), dyspareunia (43.2% versus 27.9%; P=0.012) and family history of cancers (52.3% versus 32.4%; P<0.01). The fibroids were also more multiple (mean +/- SEM: 7 +/- 0.86 versus 3 +/- 0.42; P<0.011) and strong VEGF-A expression in fibroids was more common in the familial group (64% versus 28%). Racial distribution was the same in both groups (blacks 49%, whites 33.4%, others 18.6%).
Conclusions:
Familial prevalence of uterine fibroids is associated with distinct clinical and molecular features that differ from those found when fibroids occur sporadically in families.
