Uterine fibroids more less common amongst Caucasians compared to patients of African or Asian descent

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1. The prevalence of uterine fibroids was found to be greater among reproductive-age participants of Black/ African American or Asian-Chinese descent compared to white participants.

Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)

Uterine fibroids are associated with significant morbidity, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, subfertility, and early pregnancy loss. The prevalence of uterine fibroids based on patient demographics, including ethnicity and age, has not previously been well defined. Researchers collected data from the University of California San Francisco Ovarian Aging Study, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study, to collect data on 996 females between 25 and 45 years of age. The cohort consisted of 23.0% Asian-Chinese, 25.0% Black or African American, 23.8% Hispanic or Latina, and 28.2% White participants. All participants were assessed via transvaginal ultrasonography. Fibroids were present in 35.7% (95% CI, 29.8%-42.0%) of Black or African American, 21.8% (95% CI, 16.7%-27.8%) of Asian-Chinese, 12.7% (95% CI, 8.7%-17.6%) of Hispanic or Latina, and 10.7% (95% CI, 7.3%-14.9%) of White participants (p < .001). Black or African American (adjusted OR, 4.72 [95% CI, 2.72-8.18]; p < .001) and Asian-Chinese participants (adjusted OR, 3.35 [95% CI, 1.95-5.76]; p < .001) were more likely to have fibroids, compared to White participants. Older age was also associated with an increased prevalence of uterine fibroids, with the greatest prevalence found at 40-45 years (adjusted OR, 6.18 [95% CI, 3.46-11.05]; p < .001). This assessment of fibroid prevalence among different populations is important for facilitating appropriate clinical suspicion and testing for this issue. Limitations of this study include the exclusion of patients with a history of prior pelvic surgery, which may lead to the underestimation of true fibroid prevalence. As well, all participants in the Asian ethnic group were Chinese, which is not truly representative of the diversity in Asian populations. 

Click to read the study in JAMA Network Open

Image: PD

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