Norplant use by women with sickle cell disease.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the safety of Norplant contraceptive implant use by women with mild-moderate homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS).


METHODS
Prospective observation of women pre- and post-insertion of Norplant, with each woman serving as her own control.


METHODS
25 women 18-40 years of age who attended a hospital sickle cell clinic; post-insertion data were available for 23 women.


METHODS
Changes in hematologic parameters including PCV, MCV, reticulocytes, ISCs, HbF and bilirubin; changes in biochemical parameters including HDL cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphate, serum creatinine and serum albumin.


RESULTS
With a mean follow-up of 12.4 months (range 1-29 months), there were no clinically or statistically significant group or individual changes in the hematologic or biochemical parameters after Norplant insertion.


CONCLUSIONS
Norplant appears to be a safe and appropriate contraceptive for women with mild-moderate HbSS disease.
Ladipo
O A
OA
College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Falusi
A G
AG
Feldblum
P J
PJ
Osotimehin
B O
BO
Otolorin
E O
EO
Ojengbede
O A
OA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012805:Sickle Cell Trait
D004343:Drug Implants; D016912:Levonorgestrel