File(s) under permanent embargo
The effectiveness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in menorrhagia: a systematic review
journal contribution
posted on 2001-01-01, 00:00 authored by A Stewart, C Cummins, Lisa GoldLisa Gold, R Jordan, W PhillipsOBJECTIVE: To determine whether the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUS), licensed at present for contraceptive use, may reduce menstrual blood loss with few side effects. If effective, surgery could be avoided with consequent resource savings. METHODS: A systematic review addressing the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the LNG-IUS for menorrhagia was undertaken. RESULTS: Five controlled trials and five case series were found which measured menstrual blood loss. Nine studies recorded statistically significant average menstrual blood loss reductions with LNG-IUS (range 74%-97%). Another showed reduction in menstrual disturbance score. The LNG-IUS was more effective than tranexamic acid, but slightly less effective than endometrial resection at reducing menstrual blood loss. In one study, 64% of women cancelled surgery at six months, compared with 14% of control group women. In another, 82% were taken off surgical waiting lists at one year. No cost effectiveness studies were found. DISCUSSION: Small studies of moderate quality indicate the LNG-IUS is an effective treatment for menorrhagia. Costs may be less than for tranexamic acid in primary and secondary care. Although its use may reduce surgical waiting lists, cost effectiveness assessment requires longer follow up. CONCLUSION: Effectiveness and cost effectiveness relative to other treatments and the effect on surgical waiting lists can only be established in larger trials measuring patient-centred outcomes in women with menorrhagia.
History
Journal
British journal of obstetrics and gynaecologyVolume
108Issue
1Pagination
74 - 86Publisher
Blackwell ScienceLocation
Oxford, Eng.Publisher DOI
ISSN
1470-0328Language
engPublication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2001, RCOGUsage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC