title: Effect of a low-dose oral contraceptive on venous endothelial function in healthy young women: preliminary results.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A possible increase in the incidence of venous thromboembolic events has been reported among users of third generation oral contraceptives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a low dose oral contraceptive (15 microg ethinyl estradiol/60 microg gestodene) on the venous endothelial function of healthy young women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective case control study using the dorsal hand vein technique. Venous endothelial function was evaluated at baseline and after 4 months in the oral contraceptive users group (11 women) and in a control group (9 women). After preconstriction of the vein with phenylephrine, dose-response curves for acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside were constructed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the contraceptive users group, a reduction occurred in the maximum venodilation response to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside after 4 months of oral contraceptive use, but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). No significant changes were detected in maximum venodilation responses to acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside at the 4-month time point in the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study found no significant impairment of endothelium-dependent or independent venodilation in healthy young women following oral contraceptive use. Further studies are necessary using the same methodology in a larger sample over a longer follow-up period.
authors.affiliation: Hipertension Unit, Heart Institute, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Cassiana Rosa Galvão
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Giribela
authors.forename: Marcelo Custódio
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Rubira
authors.forename: Nilson Roberto de
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Melo
authors.forename: Rodrigo Della Méa
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Plentz
authors.forename: Katia de
authors.initials: Kd
authors.lastname: Angelis
authors.forename: Heitor
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Moreno
authors.forename: Fernanda Marciano
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Consolim-Colombo
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects*; D020246:Venous Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined