Effect of a low-dose oral contraceptive on venous endothelial function in healthy young women: preliminary results.
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.
Giribela
Cassiana Rosa Galvão
CR
Hipertension Unit, Heart Institute, Medical School, São Paulo University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Rubira
Marcelo Custódio
MC
Melo
Nilson Roberto de
NR
Plentz
Rodrigo Della Méa
RD
Angelis
Katia de
Kd
Moreno
Heitor
H
Consolim-Colombo
Fernanda Marciano
FM
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*
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined