Impact of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of uterine fibroids on ovarian reserve and quality of life: a single-center prospective cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Background We aimed to evaluate changes in ovarian reserve and quality of life in women treated with ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU) for uterine fibroids. Methods In this single-center prospective study, a total of 69 patients with uterine fibroids treated with USgHIFU from October 2018 to November 2021 were enrolled. Fibroid volume, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels, uterine fibroid symptom scores, and uterine fibroid symptoms and quality of life (UFS-QOL) questionnaire scores before and 1, 3, and 6 months after USgHIFU treatment were analyzed. Correlations between AMH levels and age, fibroid type, and fibroid location were assessed. Results Data from 54 of the 69 patients included in the present study were analyzed. The UFS-QOL scores at baseline and at 1 month and 6 months after USgHIFU treatment were 70 (50.75–87.50), 57 (44.75–80.00), and 52 (40.75–69.00) points, respectively (p 0.99). The median AMH levels before and at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment were 1.22 (0.16–3.28) ng/ml, 1.12 (0.18–2.52) ng/ml, 1.15 (0.19–2.08) ng/ml and 1.18 (0.36–2.43) ng/ml, respectively (p = 0.2). Multivariate linear regression analyses revealed that age was independently associated with AMH levels. Conclusions USgHIFU treatment for uterine fibroids can significantly improve quality of life with minimal adverse effects on ovarian function.

Keywords

• AMH
• Ovarian reserve
• Quality of life
• USgHIFU
• Uterine fibroid