Analysis of weight, packed cell volume changes and menstrual pattern in Norplant implant acceptors in Ilorin, Nigeria.
BACKGROUND
Norplant is the registered trade mark of the population council for contraceptive subdermal implants. Norplant implant contraceptive consists of six capsules containing progestin levonorgestrel. Each capsule is 3.4cm long and 2.4mm in diameter and contains 36mg of levonorgestrel crystals packed into a silastic capsule.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Norplant implant use on weight, packed cell volume and describe the menstrual pattern observed during the period of use.


METHODS
This was a prospective study that involved 59 clients who had complete records at one year out of 71 informed volunteers recruited from the family planning unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Ilorin from 1st March, 2002 to 31st December, 2003. Data on their weights packed cell volume and menstrual events were analysed at 3, 6, and 12 months of study.


RESULTS
The mean age(years) and parity of new Norplant implant acceptors during the period of study were 36. 15.6 and 3.9 1.5 respectively. The mean weight (kg) at pre-insertions was 66.5 [10.7] and 67.8 [10.7] and 68.9 [10.5] at 3, 6 and 12 months of Norplant implant use. The analysis of variance did not show statistical significant difference (P < 0.551) in the mean weight measured at pre-insertion 66.5 compared to the weight at 3, 6 and 12 months of Norplant use. The mean packed cell volume estimation (%) at pre insertion was 36.6 3.7 and had a statistical significant (p 0.003) rise to mean values of 37.3 3.4, 38.2 3.4 and 38.8 2.4 at 3, 6 and 12 months of Norplant use. The mean packed cell volume estimation (%) at pre insertion was 36.6 3.7 and had a statistical significant (P 0.003) rise to mean values of 37.3 [3.4], 38.2 [3.4] and 38.8[ 2.4] at 3,6 and 12 months of Norplant use respectively. Amenorrhea was the commonest observed menstrual change during the period of study. All acceptors were recruited with normal menstrual flow and at the end of the twelve months study period only 3 (5.1%) were still experiencing normal menstrual flow and 40 (67.8%) were amenorrheic.


CONCLUSIONS
Norplant Implant use was beneficial in maintaining weight and improving the packed cell volume ofusers. The menstrual change observed was tolerable.
Balogun
O R
OR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ilorin, Nigeria. ybaloguno7@yahoo.com
D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects*; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects*; D009549:Nigeria; D011446:Prospective Studies
D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D016912:Levonorgestrel