Risk Factors of Complications After Uterine Artery Embolisation for Symptomatic Fibroids: A Case-Control Study

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Gynecology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Uterine artery embolisation (UAE) is a treatment for symptomatic fibroids.
• While effective, complications and treatment failure can occur, necessitating further investigation into risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and clarify potential risk factors associated with complications following UAE.
• To differentiate the impact of risk factors on early versus late complications.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted over 15 years, analyzing 1,172 UAE procedures.
• Complications were classified as Grade 2 or worse, and categorized as early (<1 month) or late (≥1 month).
• Multinomial analysis was used to assess the relationship between potential risk factors and complication occurrence.

Main Results:

• Sixty-nine complications (0.06%) were recorded, with pain, infection, and fibroid expulsion being common reasons for hospitalization.
• Intra-uterine devices and multiple fibroids were significantly associated with early complications.
• Increased major fibroid diameter was identified as a risk factor for both early and late complications.

Conclusions:

• The study identifies key risk factors for UAE complications, distinguishing between early and late occurrences.
• Fibroid size and the presence of an intra-uterine device are significant predictors of complications.
• Understanding these factors can help optimize patient selection and management for UAE.