Introduction to Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
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Questions and Answers

What characterizes abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)?

  • Menstrual cycle length of 30 days or less
  • Bleeding that is always painful
  • Bleeding that occurs only during pregnancy
  • Abnormal variations in menstrual cycle characteristics (correct)

Which condition qualifies as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)?

  • Blood loss of less than 5 ml
  • Menstrual flow exceeding 80 ml per cycle (correct)
  • Bleeding lasting more than 10 days
  • Menstrual cycle occurring less than 24 days apart

What is the main difference between acute AUB and chronic AUB?

  • Acute AUB requires immediate intervention (correct)
  • Chronic AUB is always caused by structural issues
  • Chronic AUB occurs within the past month
  • Acute AUB does not involve excessive blood loss

Which term best describes the absence of menstrual cycles for more than 90 days?

<p>Amenorrhea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a structural cause of abnormal uterine bleeding according to the PALM-COEIN classification?

<p>Polyp (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a commonly assessed method to estimate blood loss in cases of AUB?

<p>Pictorial blood assessment chart (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which age group is most likely to experience AUB due to precocious puberty?

<p>Childhood (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)?

<p>AUB without identified underlying pathology (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of endometrial ablation?

<p>To permanently remove and destroy the uterine lining (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a 14-year-old girl with heavy menstrual bleeding, which condition is most likely indicated if she has no history of serious illness and a negative pregnancy test?

<p>Defective von Willebrand factor (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indication for a hysterectomy in a patient with abnormal uterine bleeding?

<p>Failed previous treatment methods (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For a 14-year-old girl experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding with clots, what is the most appropriate next step in management?

<p>Tranexamic acid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in adolescents?

<p>Hormonal imbalance (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In cases of heavy menstrual bleeding not related to inherited bleeding disorders, what condition should be considered?

<p>Uterine fibroid (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of uterine artery embolization in managing heavy menstrual bleeding?

<p>To shrink fibroids or AV malformations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition is least likely to be a cause of heavy menstrual bleeding in a 14-year-old?

<p>Hormonal contraceptive use (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)?

<p>Recent weight loss (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main diagnostic goal when assessing for abnormal uterine bleeding?

<p>Rule out pregnancy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is associated with hereditary coagulopathy that can cause AUB?

<p>Von Willebrand disease (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory test is essential for excluding pregnancy in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding?

<p>B-HCG (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Among the following, which factor is NOT a structural cause of abnormal uterine bleeding?

<p>Dysmenorrhea (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is typically the first step in the work-up of a patient presenting with AUB?

<p>Take a detailed medication history (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique is considered the primary diagnostic modality for identifying structural lesions in AUB cases?

<p>Transvaginal ultrasound (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding, which test is performed to screen for cervical infections?

<p>Wet preparation for gonorrhea and chlamydia (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary indication for endometrial sampling in women younger than 45?

<p>Failed initial medical management (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which procedure is most appropriate for diagnosing intracavitary lesions?

<p>Hysteroscopy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is specifically indicated for hemodynamically stable patients experiencing acute AUB?

<p>Conjugated equine estrogen IV (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the first-line treatment for chronic AUB aimed at significantly reducing blood loss?

<p>Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following should not be performed in cases of advanced uterine or cervical cancer?

<p>Hysteroscopy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of NSAIDs in managing chronic AUB?

<p>To affect the cyclooxygenase pathway (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a benefit of using hormonal treatment for chronic AUB?

<p>Elimination of hormonal therapy side effects (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In managing acute hemorrhage in unstable patients, what is the initial intravenous fluid typically administered?

<p>Crystalloids such as normal saline (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)

Variations in menstrual cycle characteristics that deviate from the norm.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

Menstrual bleeding exceeding 80ml per cycle.

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB)

Abnormal bleeding without a clear underlying medical cause.

Postmenopausal bleeding

Bleeding after menopause.

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PALM-COEIN

Classification system for causes of Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB).

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Polymenorrhoea

Menstrual cycles that occur more frequently than every 24 days.

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Oligomenorrhoea

Menstrual cycles that occur less frequently than every 38 days.

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Amenorrhea

Absence of menstrual cycles for more than 90 days (or 3 months for regular cycles, and more than 6 months for irregular periods).

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What is the 1st step in AUB workup?

Ensure pregnancy is ruled out.

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Why is history important in AUB?

It helps identify potential causes like infections, bleeding disorders, and contraceptive use.

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What does a pelvic exam look for in AUB?

Uterine size, masses in the ovaries or uterus, and polyps to differentiate from lower tract causes of bleeding.

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What is a key imaging test used for AUB?

Transvaginal ultrasound helps detect lesions in the uterus and ovaries, as well as endometrial disease.

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What are some endocrine tests done for AUB?

Thyroid function, prolactin levels, FSH, estradiol, and androgen levels are assessed.

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What is saline infusion sonography?

It's a specialized ultrasound technique that helps visualize endometrial cavity lesions, but it's not suitable for pregnancy or active pelvic infections.

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Nonstructural causes of AUB

These are causes of abnormal uterine bleeding that are not related to physical changes in the uterus.

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What is the goal of AUB diagnosis?

To rule out pregnancy and cancer, and identify the underlying cause of the bleeding.

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TVUSS for Endometrial Thickness

Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUSS) is used to measure the thickness of the endometrial lining. An increased thickness (> 4mm) can indicate potential issues like polyps, fibroids, or cancer.

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Endometrial Sampling Indications

Endometrial sampling is recommended for women under 45 with AUB (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding) after initial medical treatment fails, or for those with pre-disposing factors such as unopposed estrogen exposure, diabetes, tamoxifen use, or genetic predisposition to uterine cancer.

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Endometrial Sampling for Women >45

Endometrial sampling is advised for all women over 45 with AUB, as the risk of endometrial cancer increases with age.

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Hysteroscopy's Role

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows direct visualization inside the uterine cavity. It helps diagnose issues like polyps and fibroids that may be missed by ultrasound or endometrial sampling.

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Acute Hemorrhage Management

Managing acute AUB (Abnormal Uterine Bleeding) in unstable patients involves fluid resuscitation, blood transfusion, and potentially dilation and curettage (D&C) to arrest bleeding if medical treatment fails.

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Medical Treatment for Stable AUB

Stable AUB management includes medications like conjugated equine estrogen, combined oral contraceptives, high-dose progesterone, and tranexamic acid.

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Chronic AUB: Non-Hormonal Treatment

Chronic AUB management includes non-hormonal treatments such as NSAIDs like mefenamic acid, which affects the cyclooxygenase pathway, and antifibrinolytics like tranexamic acid.

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Chronic AUB: Hormonal Treatment

Hormonal treatment for chronic AUB includes options like Levonorgestrel IUS (first-line), COCs, DMPA, GnRH agonists, and other therapies to regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce bleeding.

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Endometrial ablation

A procedure that removes and destroys the uterine lining, permanently eliminating menstruation. It's used when medical treatments haven't worked and the patient doesn't want to preserve fertility.

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Uterine Artery Embolization

A treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) caused by fibroids or abnormal blood vessel connections. It involves blocking blood flow to the uterus to shrink fibroids.

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Hysterectomy

Surgical removal of the uterus, used as a last resort for severe AUB when other treatments fail and fertility is not desired.

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What's the most likely cause of irregular heavy bleeding in a 14-year-old with no underlying health issues?

The most likely cause is dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), which is common in adolescents due to hormonal fluctuations.

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Tranexamic acid

A medication that helps control heavy menstrual bleeding by reducing the breakdown of blood clots.

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What are the key factors that inform treatment decisions for AUB?

Treatment decisions are based on: the patient's age, desire to preserve fertility, the severity of bleeding, and the underlying cause.

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What is the main goal of the AUB workup?

The goal is to identify the cause of the bleeding by ruling out pregnancy, cancer, and other serious conditions. It might involve finding underlying causes like fibroids, polyps, or hormonal imbalances.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB)

  • AUB is defined as abnormal variations in the menstrual cycle.
  • Usual cycle length is 28 days.
  • Usual bleeding duration is 5 days.
  • Usual blood loss is 80ml maximum, 5ml minimum.
  • Menstrual flow usually occurs regularly (7-9 days).
  • AUB prevalence is 10-30% in the US.

AUB Terminologies

  • Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia): Excessive menstrual flow (>80ml per cycle).
  • Prolonged Bleeding: Lasting longer than 8 days.
  • Hypomenorrhea: Bleeding amount less than 5ml.
  • Oligomenorrhea: Irregular periods with a cycle longer than 38 days.
  • Polymenorrhoea: Irregular periods with a cycle shorter than 24 days.
  • Amenorrhea: Absence of menstrual cycle for >90 days (regular cycle) or >6 months (irregular cycle).
  • Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB): AUB without identifiable underlying pathology.
  • Postmenopausal Bleeding: Bleeding after menopause.
  • Intermenstrual Bleeding (Metrorrhagia): Bleeding between periods.

Types of AUB

  • Acute AUB: Sufficiently heavy bleeding requiring immediate intervention to prevent ongoing blood loss.
  • Chronic AUB: Abnormal bleeding present for the past 6 months.

Blood Loss Estimation

  • Method 1: Hemoglobin/Hematocrit level.
  • Method 2: Number of pads/tampons per day.
  • Method 3: Pictorial blood assessment chart (scoring system for pads/tampons and clots).
  • A score greater than 100 correlates to >80ml blood loss, considered heavy.

Causes of AUB by Age Group

  • Childhood: Abnormal bleeding, precocious puberty.
  • Adolescence: Ovulation immaturity (HPO axis), coagulation defects.
  • After Adolescence: Pregnancy complications, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
  • Perimenopause: HPO axis dysfunction, endometrial hyperplasia.
  • Post Menopause: Endometrial hyperplasia, malignancies, atrophy.

PALM-COEIN Classification

  • Structural (PALM):

    • P: Polyp; endometrial or cervical.
    • A: Adenomyosis.
    • L: Leiomyoma.
    • M: Malignancy (endometrial or cervical), endometrial hyperplasia.
  • Non-structural (COEIN):

    • C: Coagulation disorders (e.g., von Willebrand Disease).
    • O: Ovulatory dysfunction.
    • E: Endometrial dysfunction, endometritis.
    • I: Iatrogenic (e.g., contraceptives, anticoagulants).
    • N: Non-classified (e.g., infection, AV malformation, isthmocele).

Pregnancy Complications as Causes of AUB

  • Miscarriage.
  • Ectopic pregnancy.
  • Gestational trophoblastic diseases.
  • Endometritis & cervicitis.

Non-structural causes

  • Coagulopathy: Hereditary disorders (von Willebrand disease) and liver failure.
  • Ovulatory Disorders: - Obesity. - Hypothyroidism. - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), Cushing syndrome. - Hyperprolactinemia. - HPO axis immaturity or dysfunction

Diagnostic Goals

  • Rule out pregnancy.
  • Rule out cancer.
  • Determine underlying cause.

Work-up of the Patient

  • History: Menstrual history (menarche, amount, last menstrual period [LMP]), dysmenorrhea, contraceptive history, medications, family history of bleeding disorders, AUB or malignancies.
  • Examination: General (pallor, BMI, vital signs), signs of liver failure, abdominal exam (masses), gynecological exam (uterine enlargement, adnexal masses, polyps).
  • Investigations:
    • Blood tests: B-HCG (pregnancy), CBC (anemia, platelets, infection), endocrine tests (thyroid, prolactin, FSH, estrogen, androgen), coagulation tests (PT, PTT).
    • Cervical tests: Screening for infections (gonorrhea, chlamydia).
    • Cytology (Pap smear): For cervical cancer suspicion.
    • Imaging: Transvaginal ultrasound (primary modality for structural lesions), saline infusion sonography (for endometrial cavity lesions), endometrial sampling.
    • Hysteroscopy

Management of Acute Hemorrhage

  • Hemodynamically unstable patients: Fluid resuscitation (normal saline, lactated Ringer), blood transfusion (PRBCs, platelets, plasma).
  • Hemodynamically stable patients: Medical treatment, D&C (dilatation and curettage).

Medical Treatment for Acute AUB

  • Conjugated equine estrogen IV.
  • Combined oral contraceptives (COC).
  • High-dose medroxy progesterone acetate or norethisterone.
  • Tranexamic acid.

Management of Chronic AUB

  • Non-hormonal: NSAIDs (e.g., mefenamic acid), tranexamic acid.
  • Hormonal: Levonorgestrel IUS, COC, DMPA, GnRH agonist, androgens.

Uterine Procedures

  • Endometrial ablation: For patients who do not want to preserve fertility.
  • Uterine artery embolization (UAE): For heavy bleeding from fibroids or AV malformations.
  • Hysterectomy: Definitive treatment if other methods fail and fertility is not desired.

Case Scenarios

  • Case 1: 14-year-old girl with irregular, heavy menses. Most likely cause is immaturity of the HPO axis.
  • Case 2: 14-year-old girl with heavy, prolonged bleeding. Most likely next step in management is to administer tranexamic acid.

Summary

  • AUB has structural and non-structural causes.
  • Age group influences causes.
  • Management depends on hemodynamic status, desire for fertility, and underlying cause.

References

  • William's Gynecology 4th Edition Textbook.
  • Amboss Website.
  • Lecturio platform.

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Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts and terminologies related to Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB). Explore definitions, prevalence, and types of abnormal bleeding patterns to enhance your understanding of menstrual health. Test your knowledge on conditions such as menorrhagia, oligomenorrhea, and more.

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