OUTCOME OF PREGNANCY WITH CLINICALLY VISIBLE/PALPABLE MYOMA AMONG WOMEN WHO UNDERGO CAESARIAN SECTION IN THREE TEACHING HOSPITALS, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY.

Introduction: Myoma is the most common pelvic tumor and an enormous healthcare concern in women. Complications occur in approximately 10-40% of pregnancies with myomatous uterus. This study is conducted to determine the prevalence and obstetric outcome of grossly visible and/or palpable myoma among women who gave birth by caesarean section.

Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in three teaching hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Data was collected using a pre-tested questioner.

Results: A total of 404 cases were included in the study. The prevalence of myoma was 15.3% (62/404). Only 9.7% (6/62) of the myoma cases were diagnosed preoperatively with ultrasound. The number of myoma per case ranged from 1-to-14 with mean number of 3 ±2.7. The mean diameter of largest single myoma per case was 5.2cm ± 3.4. The commonest location of myoma was subserous being the location in 58.1% (36/62). There was significant association between presence of myoma and age of the woman (P<0.05). The adjusted prevalence of myoma increases as women’s age increases, and gestational age and birth weight decreases. In addition, the prevalence of myoma was about two times higher in low (≤6) first and fifth minute APGAR score groups with adjusted prevalences of 22.2% (Vs 14.1% in ≥7 group) and 31.8% (Vs 14.4% in ≥7 group) respectively.

Conclusions: The prevalence of myoma during pregnancy in this study is higher than prior reports from similar setups. But, no statistically significant association was observed between the presence of myoma and maternal out come.