ISOLATED EFFECT OF PROGESTOGEN-ONLY CONTRACEPTIVES ON SOME COAGULATION PARAMETERS OF WOMEN ATTENDING FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA
*Egbunah M. O., Eze E. M., Ebirien-Agana B. S. and Jeremiah Z. A.
ABSTRACT
Progestogen-only contraceptives (POCs) contain different types and doses of progestogens and are widely used to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, these steroids may be associated with some adverse effects. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among a total of 250 reproductive aged women comprising150 injectable and implant progestogen-only users and100 non-users, attending the family planning clinic of Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital and Primary Health Centre, in Kaduna State of Nigeria. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of these contraceptives on some coagulation variables. 4.5mls of venous blood was collected from each participants using standard venipuncture technique into 0.5mls of 31.3g/L trisodium citrate solution for PT, APTT and Fibrinogen concentrations using reagent kits. All standard operating procedures were adhered to. The data obtained were analyzed using R 3.03 software. The mean±SD of PT (15.06±1.58s) and APTT (31.74±3.99s) for contraceptives users were significantly lower than the control (PT: 15.70±1.52s, APTT: 34.44±5.02s) (P<0.05) while mean±SD of fibrinogen were not significantly different between the groups (P>0.05). Contraceptive users were divided into implant and injectable groups. The implant group showed shortened APTT (29.97±3.02s) and increased fibrinogen (243.62±53.21mg/dl) compared to 32.46±4.13s and 199.08±75.02mg/dl respectively for the injectable group (p<0.05). These values were confirmed with the route of administration. A mild, positive association exist between APTT and duration of implant use (p<0.05). Fibrinogen increased with BMI increase as 201.13±54.35mg/dl, 205.27±72.26mg/dl, 235.11±66.96mg/dl and 276.05±70.59mg/dl were observed for underweight, normal weight, over weight and obese respectively (p<0.05). BMI correlated moderately and positively with fibrinogen, all favouring a state of hypercoagulability. Monitoring of POC users for coagulation parameters and regular weight checks at each visit is recommended.
Keywords: Progesterone, contraceptives, coagulation, women, Kaduna, Nigeria.
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