Pregnancy Outcomes Following Ulipristal Acetate for Uterine Fibroids: A Systematic Review

Abstract

ObjectiveTo determine pregnancy and fetal outcomes following treatment with ulipristal acetate (UPA) for symptomatic uterine fibroids. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and case series. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Register from inception to February 2017. From January 2014 to July 2017, we carried out a multi-centre retrospective chart review. All human studies that reported at least one pregnancy following UPA treatment were included. The case series included patients who conceived during/following UPA treatment. Titles and abstracts were screened for eligibility by two independent reviewers, and full texts were evaluated for inclusion and study quality. Data from the systematic review and case series were synthesized and reported separately. ResultsSeven studies were included (six case reports, one retrospective series) and contributed 24 post-UPA pregnancies (19 live births, six spontaneous abortions [SA]). The case series contributed 47 post-UPA pregnancies (31 live births, 13 SA, 1 fetal death, 2 terminations, 1 ongoing). In total, 71 pregnancies were evaluated (44 underwent myomectomy post-UPA; 27 without interval surgery). Five pregnancies occurred during UPA use (10–36 days of exposure) and resulted in three live births, one SA, and one termination. Five women who did not undergo interval myomectomy experienced delivery complications related to their fibroid. ConclusionsThis is the first systematic review and largest reported case series evaluating pregnancy outcomes following UPA treatment for uterine fibroids. UPA alone, or in conjunction with surgery, can permit conception and favorable pregnancy outcomes.