Total # articles=30

# of articles

Case studies:

(number of women)

Sample size < 20

Sample size 20-50

Sample size 50-100

7

4

7

5

Referred to as UFE, not UAE

2

Symptomatic uterine fibroids as primary indication for UAE

23

Safety:

Safe

Risk of serious complications)

New procedure /research limited (potential for complications)

Not safe (serious complications)

4

10

7

5

Acknowledge possible complications

27

Risk of post-embolization pain

Risk of post-embolization syndrome

Risk of non-target embolization

Risk of amenorrhea /ovarian failure

Risk of post-embolization infection

Risk of radiation-induced injury

Risk of sexual dysfunction

Risk of vaginal expulsion of fibroid

Risk of death

18

9

15

18

10

9

2

4

9

Report UAE-induced amenorrhea

Report women > 45 at risk for UAE-induced amenhorrea /ovarian failure

10

6

Report as fertility sparing

Report risk of loss of fertility

Women desiring future fertility excluded from study

5

12

8

Submucous fibroids:

High risk of post-UAE infection

Contraindication for UAE

Viable treatment (UAE)

2

1

1

Fibroid size related to post-UAE pain

Fibroid size not related to post-UAE pain

1

2

Large particles should be used

Small particles should be used

Particle size may influence safety

Particle size may influence post-UAE pain

2

2

1

3

Materials used to occlude uterine arteries:

PVA particles

PVA & Gelfoam (gelatin pledgets)

Other materials

16

6

1

PVA particle size:

150-300 microns

150-500 microns

250-590 microns

300-500 microns

300-600 microns

350-500 microns

355-700 microns

500-710 microns

3

1

1

1

2

8

1

3

Pain management regimen Narcotic analgesics

Post-UAE:

Re-hospitalization

Myomectomy performed

Hysterectomy performed

13

4

8