Are Uterine Fibroids Pro-thrombotic?

This study will investigate whether the presence of uterine fibroids is independently associated with a laboratory defined pro-thrombotic phenotype. VTE is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. In addition, treating patients with UF and thrombosis represents a particular challenge as fibroids frequently cause menorrhagia, which is exacerbated by anticoagulation. It is therefore important to recognise and detect risk factors and prevent thrombosis wherever possible. If a pro-thrombotic phenotype is detected in patients with UF as their sole risk factor, then this could justify a new approach to the assessment and risk-management of a very large number of patients and could translate into a reduction in both morbidity and mortality for affected patients.

Inclusion Criteria:Group 1: 35 patients with ultrasound confirmed uterine fibroids. Group 1a: 35 patients with ultrasound confirmed uterine fibroids requiring myomectomy or hysterectomy.Group 2: 35 control patients with a normal pelvis on ultrasound Able to provide informed consentExclusion Criteria:• Personal history of thrombosisPregnantPost- partum (within 6 weeks)Surgery within 90 daysFamily history of thrombosis (first degree relative)Co-morbidities: cancer, liver impairment, renal impairment, uncontrolled hypertensionMedication: Oral contraception containing oestrogen, hormone replacement therapy with oral oestrogen, antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulationTranexamic Acid within last 48hrs, Zoladex within the last 33 daysSmokerIf anaemia (Hb <110 g/L) is demonstrated on the study sample taken