Significance of changes in inflammatory parameters following uterine artery embolization in pre-menopausal females

The purpose of the present study was to describe the course of changes in laboratory inflammatory markers following bilateral uterine artery embolization (UAE) as a treatment for leiomyomas and adenomyosis. The body temperature was measured and blood samples were collected to determine white blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in 270 patients on the day prior to UAE and for up to 4 days post-embolization. Aside from a single case with a non-inflammatory complication, none of the other cases had any complications. Post-UAE leukocytosis with a mean maximum value of 10.8±3.5x10(9)/l (range, 5.9-18.6x10(9)/l) was observed one-year post-intervention. The mean leukocyte numbers were indicated to be higher on day 3 post-UAE. The CRP level was also increased post-UAE, with a mean maximum value of 7.75±3.5 mg/dl. Maximum levels were reached in 8 patients on the 2nd and in 11 patients on the 3rd post-operative day. The maximum pain score was ~5.5 and reached its lowest level at the end of the 12th week post-intervention. The present study did not consider an association between the embolic material used or uterus size with the level of treatment success. No complications were observed post-UAE; however, a significant increase in the WBC count was observed within the first 3 days, indicating mild leukocytosis.