Application of ulipristal acetate in female patients with uterine fibroids

OBJECTIVES: Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age. Evidence suggest that ovarian steroid hormones, in particular, progesterone play a major role in promoting leiomyoma development and growth. For the last years there was an extensive research on selective progesterone receptor modulators and their use in therapy. Ulipristal acetate (UPA) is one of these modulators. The aim of this paper is to evaluate efficacy and safety of oral ulipristal acetate for the treatment in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. METHODS: The study group comprised five patients with uterine fibroids. All patients received 5 mg of ulipristal acetate per day for three months. RESULTS: The total volume of fibroids decreased by 33-68%. In all patients during the administration of UPA significant reduction of menstrual bleeding was observed. Increase of endometrial thickness without clinical significance was observed in two patients. No significant side-effects were observed during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: 1) The volume of fibroids decreased from 33 to 68%. 2) The UPA administration effectively controlled excessive bleeding. 3) Treatment with UPA may modify the scope of the surgery. 4) UPA is a well-tolerated drug.