Effect of etonogestrel subdermal contraceptive implant (Implanon) on liver function tests -- a randomized comparative study with Norplant implants.
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to assess the possible differences in effects of Implanon and Norplant implants on liver function over 2 years of use.


METHODS
This is a 2-year open randomized study of 80 implant (Implanon and Norplant) acceptors. Selected parameters of liver function were tested in the serum before implant insertion and at 6, 12 and 24 months after implant insertion.


RESULTS
In both the implant groups, the mean total and unconjugated bilirubin and the gamma-glutaryl transferase levels were significantly raised during implant use. For none of the subjects, at any sampling period, did the levels exceed the normal range in our population. There was no significant elevation of any other liver enzymes in either group.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears that there may be mild hepatocellular dysfunction associated with the use of both Implanon and Norplant, which is possibly of no clinical significance to the healthy acceptor.
Biswas
Arijit
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital, National University of Singapore, 119074, Singapore. obgab@nus.edu.sg
Biswas
Sinjini
S
Viegas
Osborne A C
OA
D000328:Adult; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004343:Drug Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D004343:Drug Implants; D045167:Progesterone Congeners; C044815:etonogestrel; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D017135:Desogestrel; D001663:Bilirubin