[3rd generation progestagen and thromboembolic disease. How do we decode the information?].
In 1995-1996, four studies published in different medical papers showed an increased risk of veinous thromboembolism among women using third-generation contraceptives compared with those using second-generation pills. These papers had an important mediatic impact. Nevertheless, rereading of the scientific information showed important bias in these studies (methodology, prescription, diagnosis). More recently, two studies published in the British Medical Journal analysing the venous thromboembolism (VTE) relative risk with the third generation contraceptives and using the same database (General Practitioner Research Database) found contradictory results, introducing some confusion. The use of a third-generation progestagen does seem to have led to an unexpected and yet unexplained return of a higher risk of venous thromboembolism but the risk has certainly been overestimated in the first studies.
Quereux
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Service de gynécologie obstétrique, Hôpital Maison Blanche, 45, rue Cognacq-Jay, 51092 Reims, France. cquereux@chu-reims.fr
Graesslin
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O
Madelenat
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P
D015982:Bias; D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011372:Progestins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013923:Thromboembolism / Q000139:chemically induced*
D003278:Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal; D011372:Progestins