Cost-effectiveness and quality of life associated with heavy menstrual bleeding among women using the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To review the literature for economic and health-related quality of life outcomes data associated with the use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding.

METHODS:

We searched the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases simultaneously using the Ovid interface to review the literature in a systematic manner for economic and health-related quality of life outcomes data associated with the use of the LNG-IUS in women with heavy menstrual bleeding. Articles were then selected for further review based on the relevance of their titles and/or abstracts. We identified 17 articles for inclusion in this review.

RESULTS:

Treating heavy menstrual bleeding with the LNG-IUS was found to be cost-effective in various countries and settings. Moreover, irrespective of the measuring instrument used, health-related quality-of-life outcomes were found to be improved to a degree similar to that achieved with endometrial ablation or hysterectomy. In some cases, the LNG-IUS appeared to be more effective and less costly than the surgical options.

CONCLUSION:

The LNG-IUS is a cost-effective treatment option for heavy menstrual bleeding when pharmacologic treatment is indicated.

• Authors: Paul D Blumenthal, Lindsey Dawson, Ritva Hurskainen
• Journal: International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (Int J Gynaecol Obstet) Vol. 112 Issue 3 Pg. 171-8 (Mar 2011) ISSN: 1879-3479 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21269626 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Contraceptive Agents, Female
• Levonorgestrel

Topics

• Contraceptive Agents, Female (therapeutic use)
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Female
• Humans
• Hysterectomy (economics)
• Intrauterine Devices, Medicated (adverse effects, economics)
• Levonorgestrel (adverse effects, economics, therapeutic use)
• Metrorrhagia (drug therapy, economics, surgery)
• Quality of Life
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Treatment Outcome