[Impact of uterine fibroid embolization with danazol alginate microsphere on ovarian function and subsequent pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of danazol alginate microspheres used for uterine arterial embolization (UAE) on ovarian function and subsequent pregnancy using rabbit as a model. METHODS: A total of 32 female rabbits were divided into 3 groups: a control group, danazol alginate microspheres (DKMG) group and alginate microspheres (KMG) group. Basal serum estradiol (E(2)), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T) levels before UAE and 1 - 3 months after UAE were compared for all rabbits. In breeding field all rabbits mated after UAE. Estrus, and pregnancy rate were observed by veterinary. RESULTS: There were no significant changes from baseline FSH, LH, E(2), T levels measured at 1, 2 and 3 months after UAE (P > 0.05). The total pregnancy rate of DKMG or KMG group was 0 within 2 - 4 months after UAE. Compared to the control group (4/8), the difference was statistically significant (P 0.05); the total pregnancy rate was 42% (5/12), 50% (6/12) and 6/8 respectively within 8 - 10 months after UAE, there were also no significant differences between the three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is no obvious effect of danazol alginate microspheres used for uterine arterial embolization on ovarian function in rabbits. After UAE some animals are able to achieve pregnancies, while harmful effects are observed on short term pregnant rate.