title: Reduced menstrual blood loss by release of an antifibrinolytic agent from intrauterine contraceptive devices.
abstract: Lippes Loop and Multiload intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) were fitted with silicone rubber sleeves which either did not contain any compound (blank) or contained the antifibrinolytic agent, epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA. In vitro measurements showed that the antifibrinolytic agent was released from the sleeves for a period of 20 days. After insertion into women, the blank Lippes Loop IUDs and Multiload IUDs as well as copper-containing Multiload IUDs caused a significant increase in blood loss beginning with the first menstrual cycle after insertion. The enhanced blood loss was generally retained during subsequent menstrual cycles. By contrast, the menstrual blood loss induced by IUDs containing EACA sleeves was not significantly greater during the first menstrual cycle after insertion that the preinsertion levels. When no more EACA was released, menstrual blood loss increased to approximately the same level as that observed with the blank and copper IUDs. Thus, release of EACA from an IUD retains menstrual blood loss at approximately physiologic levels. These results encourage the development of IUDs that are capable of releasing antifirbrinolytic agents over a long period so that the antimenorrhagic effect is maintained.
mesh_terms: D015119:Aminocaproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000933:Antifibrinolytic Agents; D015119:Aminocaproic Acid