TITLE:
Long-Term Health Related Quality of Life Following Uterine Fibroid Embolization in a Predominantly Black African Population: A Retrospective Cohort Study
AUTHORS:
Michael Kioko, Marleen Temmerman, Timona Obura, Adelaide Lusambili
KEYWORDS:
Uterine Fibroid Embolization, Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.4,
April
26,
2024
ABSTRACT: Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is one of the effective options available for treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids with documented improvement in the quality of life and reduction in symptoms. The study assessed long-term quality of life post-uterine fibroid embolization in a mostly black population, noting scanty local or African research on this topic despite evidence suggesting a higher fibroid burden among black women. This retrospective study examined patients who underwent UFE from 2009 to 2014. Participants completed online demographic and UFS-QOL surveys. Statistical tests included Wilcoxon signed rank tests for HRQOL score differences and Pearson correlation for associations between independent factors and outcomes like quality of life and symptom severity. Data from 77 participants showed a median follow-up of eight years post-UFE. Median health-related quality of life significantly improved from baseline, with a median score of 88.6 (62.9 - 98.3). Symptom severity score also decreased significantly from baseline (54.7 to 21.9, p < 0.001). Additionally, 31.1% reported follow-up fibroid treatments, 14.3% had major repeat procedures, and 22% reported pregnancies post-UFE, with 13% having children thereafter.