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  • Title: [Were the severe adverse effects on several organs and the marked blood pressure increase caused by oral contraceptives?].
    Author: Bergbrant A, Mattsson LA, Kutti J.
    Journal: Lakartidningen; 1991 Feb 20; 88(8):621-2. PubMed ID: 1825862.
    Abstract:
    A 22-year old unmarried healthy woman was admitted to the Swedish department with low fever, tiredness, SR 75 mm, positive uricult, but no urinary tract symptoms. Urinary tract infection was suspected and treatment was started with norfloxacin. Nevertheless, the urine culture proved to be negative. A few weeks later she had increasing trouble with stiff knee and shoulder joints and the left foot became swollen. The subfebrile status continued, and tonsillitis was suspected and diagnosed. V-penicillin and cefaklor treatment was applied. She was transferred to the infectious diseases ware, where fever was confirmed with leukocytosis (19 x 1 billion/1), C-reactive protein at 66 (normal value 10) mcg/ml, pronounced blood pressure increase (160/130 mm Hg), anemic signs, and pathological liver status with increased transaminases (ASAT 6.3-10.4 and ALAT 8.,8-16 ukat/1). ALP increased slightly to 6 ukat/1. The symptoms of weight loss indisposition, and muscles and joints aches, especially in foot ache continued. Collagen disease was suspected, and she was transferred to the internal medicine department. She regularly had tachycardia and high blood pressure. She had to use crutches for mobility because of the pain. S-albumin was 32 (normal 36- 50) g/l and S-hepatoglobin was 2.7 (normal value .4-1.8) g.l. Various others tests were normal. Ulnaris neuropathy was suspected on the left hand. Intensive blood pressure reducing combination treatment was started with 200 mg x 1 of metoprolol, 10 mg x 2 nifedipin, and 20 mg x 1 enalapril. The Desolett oral contraceptive (containing 30 mcg of ethinyl estradiol and 150 mcg of desogestrel) she had been taking for a few months were discontinued. Quick improvement of clinical and laboratory parameters followed. SR and leukocytosis became normal. The values of ALP, ASAT, and ALAT became normal some days later. She was discharged shortly thereafter, and blood pressure medication was gradually discontinued. In the 1940s there were reports about the hepatotoxic effects of synthetic estrogens followed by carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism alterations. Jaundice has also been reported, and the Swedes have an ethnic susceptibility to it. The global incidence rate is 1/10.000 vs. 1/100 and 1/4000 in Sweden induced by high-dose OCs containing more than 50 mcg ethinyl estradiol, but with low-dose OCs this rate is much lower. Both estrogens and gestagens can increase blood pressure. A 1969 study reported that 22 young women developed arthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia after taking pills for 3- 12 months. Rheumatic symptoms were also recorded with pill use. Thus, it is very likely that OCs were responsible for the patient's symptoms, especially since her status rapidly improved after discontinuing them.
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