Is two-dimensional ultrasound necessary six weeks after insertion of the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) contraceptive?

ISRCTN ISRCTN11725991
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11725991
Secondary identifying numbers 15.025
Submission date
29/07/2021
Registration date
07/09/2021
Last edited
07/11/2023
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Urological and Genital Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
The correct position of the contraceptive levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) can be confirmed by two-dimensional ultrasound (2DUS). However, best the timing of a routine 2DUS to confirm the correct position is subject to discussion. The main aim of this study was to assess how often the LNG-IUS is found to be incorrectly positioned on 2DUS during routine investigation at six weeks after insertion in the gynecological outpatient department. Additionally, the study will investigate the relation between malposition of the LNG-IUS and clinical symptoms like unacceptable bleeding patterns and pelvic pain.

Who can participate?
Women seeking a 52mg LNG-IUS (Mirena®), over 18 years of age, for contraception or treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding.

What does the study involve?
2DUS was performed to check the position of the IUD immediately after insertion and six weeks later. Women were excluded if they did not attend the appointment for 2DUS six weeks after insertion. Women were asked to complete questionnaires six weeks after insertion and were asked about bleeding pattern and pelvic pain.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
No additional benefits or risks to participants are anticipated.

Where is the study run from?
Máxima Medical Centre (Netherlands)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
May 2015 to December 2018

Who is funding the study?
Investigator initiated and funded

Who is the main contact?
Patty van der Heijden, pattyvanderheijden@gmail.com

Contact information

Miss Patty van der Heijden
Scientific

Elkerliek Hospital
Wesselmanlaan 25
Helmond
5707HA
Netherlands

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0002-5290-7646
Phone +31 615699305
Email pvanderheijden@elkerliek.nl

Study information

Study designSingle-centre observational study
Primary study designObservational
Secondary study designCohort study
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeDiagnostic
Participant information sheet 40230 PIS.doc
Scientific titleIs two-dimensional ultrasound (2DUS) necessary six weeks after insertion of 52-mg LNG-IUS?
Study objectivesIn this prospective cohort study we assessed the additional value of 2DUS six weeks after insertion. We described the frequency of malposition and the relationship between malposition of the LNG-IUS and clinical symptoms like bleeding pattern and/or pelvic pain.
Ethics approval(s)Approved 23/05/2015, Dagelijks Bestuur METC (Máxima Medisch Centrum, Locatie Veldhoven, Postbus 7777, 5500 MB Veldhoven; 3140-8888525; m.rutten@mmc.nl), ref: 15.025
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedDiagnostics of malposition and complaints in women with 52-mg LNG-IUS
InterventionImmediately after insertion of the LNG-IUS, the position of the LNG-IUS was assessed with the 2DUS by the resident, gynaecologist or physician assistant who performed the insertion. Six weeks after insertion a 2DUS was performed to evaluate the position of the LNG-IUS. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires 6 weeks after insertion. In the questionnaires women were asked about their bleeding pattern (presence of bleeding and/or spotting: ‘no bleeding’, ‘regular menstruation’, ‘sometimes a day of spotting (maximum of once a week)’, ‘heavy menstrual bleeding’, ‘several days a week bleeding days’, ‘several days a week spotting days’, ‘continuously spotting’, ‘complete irregular cycle’). Women were asked to rate pelvic pain on a five-point Likert scale.
Intervention typeDrug
Pharmaceutical study type(s)
PhaseNot Applicable
Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s)levonorgestrel
Primary outcome measureIncidence of malposition on 2DUS during routine investigation six weeks after insertion
Secondary outcome measuresClinical symptoms at six weeks:
1. Unacceptable bleeding pattern measured using a questionnaire
2. Pelvic pain measured using a 5-point Likert scale
Overall study start date23/05/2015
Completion date31/12/2018

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
SexFemale
Target number of participants500
Total final enrolment500
Key inclusion criteria1. Women who visited our clinic for the insertion of a 52mg LNG-IUS (Mirena®) for contraception or treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding
2. Over 18 years of age
Key exclusion criteria1. Presence of intracavitary polyps or fibroids on 2DUS prior to insertion
2. Unprotected intercourse one month prior to insertion if insertion took place outside menstruation
3. Women were excluded for analyses if no ultrasound was performed six weeks after insertion
Date of first enrolment01/03/2015
Date of final enrolment31/12/2016

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Netherlands

Study participating centre

Máxima Medical Centre
de Run 4600
Veldhoven
5504DB
Netherlands

Sponsor information

Máxima Medisch Centrum
Hospital/treatment centre

de Run 4600
Veldhoven
5504DB
Netherlands

Phone +3140-8888525
Email m.rutten@mmc.nl
Website http://expats.mmc.nl/
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/02x6rcb77

Funders

Funder type

Other

investigator initiated and funded

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date01/10/2021
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareYes
IPD sharing plan summaryAvailable on request
Publication and dissemination planPlanned publication in a high-impact peer-reviewed journal.
IPD sharing planThe datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request. (pattyvanderheijden@gmail.com)

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Participant information sheet In Dutch 10/08/2021 No Yes
Protocol file In Dutch 10/08/2021 No No
Results article 04/10/2022 07/11/2023 Yes No

Additional files

40230 PIS.doc
In Dutch
40230 Protocol.docx
In Dutch

Editorial Notes

07/11/2023: Publication reference added.
12/08/2021: Trial's existence confirmed by Máxima Medisch Centrum.