25 years of quinacrine sterilization experience in Chile: review of 2,592 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To assess short-term side effects, long-term risks and efficacy of quinacrine sterilization (QS) in Chile.


METHODS
Review experience of 2,592 cases sterilized with 2 or 3 transcervical insertions of 252 mg quinacrine as pellets since 1977; review the Chilean pre-clinical experience and epidemiological studies on cervical, endometrial and other cancers.


RESULTS
Among 2,592 women who underwent QS, the total number of pregnancies was 119 (4.6%); 59 (49.5%) were carried to term with no birth defects related to QS. Nine cases were ectopic pregnancies. The ectopic pregnancy risk per 1,000 woman-years was 0.41, similar to that for surgical sterilization. The cumulative life-table pregnancy rates per 100 women at 10 years varied from 5.2 to 6.9. Mild and transient side effects were reported in 13.5% of quinacrine intrauterine insertions and pelvic inflammatory disease was diagnosed in 4 cases (0.15%). Long-term follow-up of quinacrine-sterilized patients shows no increased risk of cervical, endometrial or other cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
QS efficacy at 10 years is comparable to widely accepted tubal clip and single point bipolar electrocoagulation laparoscopic procedures. QS has a low risk of serious, immediate side effects. No long-term risks have been identified after 25 years of use.
Zipper
J
J
University of Chile, Sótero Del Río Hospital, Santiago, Chile.
Trujillo
V
V
D000328:Adult; D002677:Chile; D004343:Drug Implants; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011796:Quinacrine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects
D004343:Drug Implants; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents; D011796:Quinacrine