RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety of contraceptive methods use among women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the two databases MEDLINE and SCOPUS, in order to identify articles concerning the safety of contraceptive methods use among women with SLE, through May 2016. Information on study characteristics, objectives, population, contraception and outcomes were extracted. RESULTS: A total of 907 articles were identified and 21 were selected for the systematic review. Two randomised controlled trials found no worsening of disease activity with the use of combined oral contraceptive in women with stable or inactive SLE. Disease activity was not exacerbated with the use of progestogens-only contraceptive. There was an increased risk of thrombosis with the use of combined contraceptive, particularly in women with positive antiphospholipid antibodies and this must lead to a restriction of use in these patients. CONCLUSION: Use of oral combined hormonal contraceptives should be limited to patients with non-severe and stable disease, without thrombosis risk factors.
