Title: Oral contraceptives and the hemostatic system.

POPLINE Document Number: 049100

Author(s):

Farag AM
Bottoms SF
Mammen EF
Hosni MA
Ali AA
Moghissi KS

Source citation:

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, 1988 Apr;71(4):584-8.

Abstract:

The effect of oral contraceptives (OCs) on the hemostatic system was compared in 131 OC users and 30 controls. The estrogen doses ranged between 30-50 mcg of ethinyl estradiol or mestranol. Assays reflecting clotting (fibrinopeptide A), platelet activation (platelet factor 4 and beta thromboglobulin), and vascular enthelial damage (fibronectin) were within normal limits and did not differ between cases and controls. On the other hand, plasminogen, prekallikrein, and protein C hemostatic parameters (protective against clotting) were above the normal range in OC users (120% higher) and significantly higher than in matched controls. Further analysis indicated that antithrombin levels were significantly lower in women with a family history of thromboembolism, while fibrinogen and fibronectin levels were significantly higher in obese OC users; however, there were no manifestations of activated hemostasis in either group. Overall, these findings provide no evidence for the claim that OC use is associated with hypercoagulability. However, it is recommended that a family history of thromboembolism should be included among the questions routinely asked before OC use is initiated. It is hoped that future research will improve the ability to detect the small number of OC users who will suffer thromboembolism.

Keywords:

Comparative Studies
Oral Contraceptives, Contraindications
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Contraception
Family Planning
Blood Coagulation Effects
Platelet Aggregation
Hematological Effects
Diseases
Thromboembolism
Cerebrovascular Effects
Vascular Diseases
Cardiovascular Effects
Prevention and Control
Contraceptive Methods
Contraindications
Studies
Research Methodology
Contraceptive Safety
Safety
Public Health
Health
Contraceptive Agents
Hemic System
Physiology
Biology
Embolism
Treatment