[Short-term treatment with leuprolide acetate depot before surgical intervention for uterine leiomyomatosis]

Abstract

It has been amply demonstrated that uterine leiomyoma possess estrogen receptors. On the basis of this presupposition, it is considered logical to use GnRH-agonists which, by reducing the level of estrogen, also reduce the volume of the leiomyoma, although to a varying extent. The maximum reduction which can be obtained occurs, according to published data, between 3 and 6 months of treatment, attaining mean values of approximately 50%. In the author's experience the treatment period was shortened even further by administering only 2 vials of leuprolide depot each month to women who subsequently underwent hysterectomy. The sample group comprised 30 women with uterine leiomyomatosis, of whom 15 were treated with a GnRH analogue and 15 with placebo. The reduction of uterine volume was evaluated by echography and was found to be 40% in the treated group, whereas non change was detected in the "placebo-group".