Serum Prolactin as a Diagnostic Marker of Fibroid

Abstract

Introduction: Uterine fibroids are benign tumors originating from the smooth muscle of the myometrium of the uterus. They are the most common tumor affecting the reproductive organs and are found in up to 25% of women. Prolactin was initially identified as a pituitary gland hormone, but several studies have demonstrated that prolactin is not only produced by the pituitary gland, but it is also produced by uterine tissues, including endometrium, myometrium and uterine fibroids. It had been found that is a relation between fibroid and ectopic production of prolactin. Objective The aim of the study was to assess the change in serum prolactin level in women with uterine myomas. Study design This was a pilot descriptive case-control study. Participants The study enrolled 88 participants, 44 women with fibroids and 44 normal matched women as a control group. Setting It was conducted at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital from January 2015 till August 2015. Results The results of the current study showed that women with fibroids were age matched to controls . Either groups (cases and controls) (70-80 %) had only 2or less deliveries. Most women (70.5%) with fibroids presented with excessive menstrual blood loss (menorrhagia). Most women (77.2%) had 1-3 fibroids. Almost 59.1% of women had an abdominal hysterectomy and 40.9% had an abdominal myomectomy. Women with fibroids had a significantly higher level of preoperative serum prolactin than healthy control. Most ofwomen with fibroids after removal of fibroids had a higher level of serum prolactin than healthy control. Women with fibroids after removal of fibroids had a significantly lower level of serum prolactin than preoperatively.Preoperative serum prolactin was significantly correlated with the numberand size of fibroids. Post-operative serum prolactin was significantly correlated with the pre-operative level of prolactin.