Resistance to activated protein C as a basis for venous thomboembolism associated with pregnancy and oral contraceptives

Article Abstract:

The inherited defect of activated protein C resistance is a risk factor for thrombosis during pregnancy. Thrombosis is the vascular obstruction of a vein, which can cause death. Activated protein C resistance appears to be a cause of thrombosis. Thirty-four women whose thrombosis occurred during pregnancy and 28 women whose thrombosis resulted from oral contraceptives were studied. The control group consisted of 57 healthy nonpregnant women and 18 women in various stages of pregnancy. Activated protein C resistance was found in 20 of the 34 women (59%) of the pregnancy group. Nine of 28 women (32%) of women in the oral contraceptive group showed this resistance. Activated protein C was substantially lower in the pregnancy control group than in the nonpregnant control group. It may be advisable to screen for activated protein C resistance during pregnancy and when prescribing oral contraceptives.

Physiological aspects, Genetic aspects, Pregnancy, Complications of, Pregnancy complications, Protein C

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Risk of venous thromboembolism with third-generation oral contraceptives: a review

Article Abstract:

Doctors need to be aware that third-generation oral contraceptives may cause venous thromboembolism in some women. Venous thromboembolism occurs when a blood clot forms in the legs and travels to other parts of the body. Third-generatin contraceptives contain one of three synthetic progesterone hormones: desogestrel, gestodene or norgestimate. Women who use these contraceptives have a two to three times greater risk of venous thromboembolism than women who use second-generation contraceptives. However, third-generation contraceptives do not increase blood levels of fats that are linked to heart disease.

Thrombosis, Deep vein, Deep vein thrombosis

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Oral contraceptives and venous thromboembolic disease: the findings from database studies in the United Kingdom and Germany

Article Abstract:

Studies of oral contraceptives done in the UK and Germany could not conclusively confirm that third-generation contraceptives increase the risk of venous thromboembolism. In this condition, a blood clot forms in a major vein and travels to other organs, where it can cause serious damage. The UK study found that the risk was higher among third-generation contraceptive users but the German study found the risk to be higher among second-generation contraceptive users. Second-generation pills contain levonorgestrel whereas third-generation pills contain desogestrel or gestodene.

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