The relation between short-term oral contraceptive consumption and cerebrovascular, cardiovascular disorders in Iranian women attending Hajj.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the spectrum of probable vascular complications due to short-term oral contraceptives OC consumption.


METHODS
In this cohort study, selected Iranian female pilgrims from Razavi-Khorasan, Iran province <50 years old, attending Hajj in 2005 were evaluated. We reviewed their physical examinations, vascular risk factors and OC consumption before Hajj. Pilgrims were followed-up in terms of developing possible vascular complications during Hajj and the following year.


RESULTS
This study included 896 individuals and completed follow-up was performed for 642. The results showed that 782 (87.3%) of pilgrims used OC. One person developed cerebral vein thrombosis, one myocardial infarction, and one deep vein thrombosis. Eighteen patients (2.8%) experienced transient hypertension. Ten patients (1.5%) had migraine exacerbations. The relationship between developed definite vascular complications and OC consumption was not statistically significant in this study p=0.365.


CONCLUSIONS
Although vascular complications of long-term OC consumption have been analyzed and proved in several studies, few studies have determined short-term OC consumption effects on the vascular system. It seems that even short-term usage of OC may result in vascular complications, thus further studies with more samples is recommended to determine its safety and complications.
Azarpazhooh
Mohmoud R
MR
Department of Neurology, Ghaem Medical Center, Mashhad University of Medical Science, Mashhad, Iran. r_azarpazhooh@yahoo.com
Rafi
Shahram
S
Etemadi
Mohammad M
MM
Khadem
Nayereh
N
Fazlinejad
Afsoon
A
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D007514:Islam; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral