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  • Title: Coagulation and anticoagulation effects of contraceptive steroids.
    Author: Samsioe G.
    Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol; 1994 May; 170(5 Pt 2):1523-7. PubMed ID: 8178901.
    Abstract:
    Epidemiologic data support the notion that first-generation high-dose oral contraceptives (containing > 80 micrograms of estrogen) increased the incidence of thromboembolic events. The quantitative interpretation of these data is difficult because results were often confounded by life-style factors and inadequate diagnostic procedures. With the introduction of modern low-dose combination oral contraceptives, the incidence of thromboembolic events decreased markedly. Although all combined oral contraceptives induce statistically significant changes in hemostatic factors, these changes are generally within normal ranges, and their clinical significance is questionable. Overall, increased activity in hemostatic mechanisms appears to remain in balance. Progestin-only formulations seem to affect hemostatic parameters to a much lesser degree, and their use has not led to an increased risk of thrombosis. Interindividual variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of contraceptive steroids are great and could tentatively explain why certain persons may be at an increased risk of thrombosis. Although most studies have looked at steady-state conditions during contraceptive steroid intake, it would seem prudent to investigate further the hemostatic system during a non-steady-state condition, such as that occurring during the first few days of the pill-free interval. The first generation high-dose ( 80 mcg estrogen) oral contraceptives (OCs) were associated with an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). So manufacturers removed the high-dose OCs and first replaced them with OCs with 50 mcg estrogen, resulting in a lower incidence of thromboembolic events (40 vs. 20/100,000 users). When they introduced an even lower dose OC (30 mcg estrogen), the incidence fell further (about 8/100,000 users). Yet, women using the lowest-dose OCs still have DVT more often than do control women. Life-style, age, and smoking may be confounding factors, however. It is not clear whether loss of endogenous ovarian steroid production or the effects of the orally administered contraceptive steroids cause significant changes in hemostatic factors (antithrombin III, protein S, protein C, plasminogen, tissue-type plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, histidine-rich glycoprotein, and VII, VIII, X, XII coagulation factors) during OC use. These changes tend to be within normal ranges. There is some doubt that these changes have any clinical significance. In nonsmokers, increased activity of anticoagulant factors and fibrinolytic factors counteract the effects on coagulation factors. Progestin-only OCs appear to affect hemostasis but have not increased the risk of thrombosis. There are considerable differences between people in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of contraceptive steroids. These differences may account for the increased risk of thromboembolic events in some people. Further research should identify methods of individualizing the dose of contraceptive steroids for a single patient. It should also explore the close interrelationship between hemostasis and lipid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and hypertension in the development of cardiovascular disease in OC users. Providers should discourage women with a past history of DVT from using hormonal contraception.
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