Specificity of the lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme index as a preoperative screen for uterine sarcoma before myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability of the Uterine mass Magna Graecia (UMG) risk index (elevation defined by a lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme index >29) in women undergoing surgery for benign fibroids and to determine whether other factors were associated with an elevated index. An elevated UMG index has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of uterine sarcoma in Italian women. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University fibroid center. PATIENTS: All women presenting from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2019, with fibroids who had lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes collected and surgery performed. INTERVENTIONS: Calculation of UMG index. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Applicability of UMG index. RESULTS: Of 272 patients initially identified, 179 met inclusion criteria, 163 with UMG index ≤29 and 16 with UMG index >29. There were no cases of uterine sarcoma. Race, age, and presence of endometriosis, adenomyosis, or degenerating fibroids were not predictors of elevated UMG index. Body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with elevated UMG index. Specificity of UMG index to exclude uterine sarcoma was 91.1% (163/179) and higher in non-obese (BMI<30; 95.1%) than obese women (85.5%). CONCLUSION: A previously reported UMG index cutoff of 29 had a specificity of 91.1% (higher with normal BMI and lower when obese) in our patient population. Although lower than previously reported, the index could be a useful initial method of preoperative screening of women with symptomatic fibroids. Higher BMI appears to be associated with elevated UMG indices, increasing the false-positive rate in obese women.

Adolescent Endometriosis.

IMPORTANCE: Endometriosis is a major health concern in the adolescent population and significantly impacts daily physical and psychosocial functioning. Endometriosis can have differing presentations in this population, and the diagnosis often involves long delays and multiple visits to specialists. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to discuss adolescent endometriosis, factors specific to this population, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based surgical and medical management. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Computerized searches on the topic of endometriosis and adolescent endometriosis were completed. References from identified sources were then searched manually to allow for a thorough review. Data from relevant sources were synthesized to create the review. RESULTS: The literature supports endometriosis as a frequent cause of secondary dysmenorrhea. The characteristics of adolescents with endometriosis are shown to differ from those of adults. Initial medical therapy includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and combined hormonal contraceptives, but laparoscopy does have a role in the adolescent population, particularly those who have inadequate response to these treatments. Adolescent endometriosis may have a different appearance and be of all stages. Medical therapies are similar to that of the adult population; however, the benefits of medical and surgical management must be tailored to the adolescent patient. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Adolescent endometriosis is likely a more prevalent cause of dysmenorrhea than currently appreciated. A high index of suspicion combined with recognition of risk factors and history-based markers of endometriosis may help identify adolescent endometriosis earlier and avoid delays in diagnosis. Expert opinion supports earlier laparoscopic evaluation in patients with symptoms unresponsive to oral medications, those who have failed initial medical therapy, or those who have evidence of deeply invasive disease, such as an endometrioma. Surgeons should be familiar with the unique appearance of lesions in the adolescent and understand the evidence as it relates to surgical therapy. Postoperative medical management is generally advocated by many, although the efficacy remains unclear at present.