title: Effect of etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon) on portal blood flow and liver functions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study was conducted to evaluate changes in portal blood flow and liver functions among women using Implanon for 2 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty healthy Implanon users were enrolled in this longitudinal study and followed up for 24 months. Portal blood flow, assessed by color Doppler; prothrombin time and concentration; serum albumin; bilirubin; gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT); alanine aminotransferase (ALT); and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured before and 24 months after insertion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 24 months of Implanon insertion, there were no significant changes in portal blood flow, serum albumin, prothrombin time or concentration. However, there was a significant increase in serum levels of total and unconjugated bilirubin and GGT and a significant decrease in ALT and AST levels. All levels, however, remained within the normal range of values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Implanon use for 2 years does not seem to influence portal hemodynamics. Changes in serum levels of bilirubin, GGT, ALT and AST are unlikely to be of clinical significance.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assiut University, 71516 Assiut, Egypt. a_nasr02@lycos.com
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nasr
authors.forename: Hanan M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Nafeh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects*; D008102:Liver Circulation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel