risk of venus thromboembolism among sudanese women using contraceptives

ABSTRACT

Contraceptives are known family planning tool and their side effects are well understood except on the coagulation system reactions. The study intended to identify the effect of the use of contraceptives on coagulation reactions in order to find out the risk of Venus Thromboembolism [VTE] among those who use these tools. A descriptive cross-sectional study designed and conducted between April 2008 and January 2009 in Al Taif, Abo-Hamama and Al maygoma family planning centers. Sixty venous blood samples from healthy non-pregnant women using contraceptives and 30 venous blood samples were collected from healthy women without contraception as control group. Citrated blood samples were then subjected for measurement of PT, APTT, TT and Fibrinogen concentration, using the conventional manual methods. The results of the study showed a shortening of PT [T12.9/C15.4] and TT [T14.4/C16.3] accompanied by an increase of Fibrinogen concentration [T3.8/C3.1] in females using contraceptives compared to control group. Also, age of tested women was significantly associated with the lowered TT as well as elevated Fibrinogen. Body weight was significantly correlated to the increased Fibrinogen; while, the injection method significantly shortened PT [Tab15.2/Inj13] and TT [Tab13.7/Inj12.2] more than tablet method. It was concluded that the use of contraceptives is significantly affect the coagulation system specially the Extrinsic pathway, increases the risk of VTE; thus, could lead to serious complications. The study recommended the use of tablets method and for separated short intervals as well as females using contraceptives should be subjected for regular and continuous coagulation screen