title: Bleeding profile in users of an etonogestrel sub-dermal implant: effects of anthropometric variables. An observational uncontrolled preliminary study in Italian population.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the menstrual profile in users of the etonogestrel (ENG)-releasing implant (Nexplanon®) and the possible correlation with anthropometric variables.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-two healthy women, desiring long-term contraception with the ENG implant were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Anthropometric variables were measured at baseline and after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Patients recorded daily the occurrence of any bleeding or spotting. The bleeding/spotting pattern was evaluated over consecutive 90-day intervals ("Reference Periods" - RPs). Patients who showed a favourable bleeding profile (amenorrhoea, infrequent, or normal bleeding) for 50% or more of the RPs were assigned to group A, while patients with a favourable bleeding profile for less than 50% of the RPs were assigned to group B.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty-eight women (79%) were assigned to group A; 18 (21%) to group B. Group B had a lower baseline body mass index (BMI) than group A (24.84 ± 4.95 kg/m(2) versus 20.75 ± 4.41 kg/m(2); p < 0.005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ENG sub-dermal implant is a well-tolerated contraceptive method, with a high proportion of women experiencing a favourable bleeding profile. The lower basal BMI in Group B in comparison with Group A may account for the higher percentage of irregular bleeding.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Naples Federico II , Naples , Italy .
authors.forename: Costantino
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Di Carlo
authors.forename: Maurizio
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guida
authors.forename: Nicoletta
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: De Rosa
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sansone
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Gargano
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cagnacci
authors.forename: Carmine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Nappi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000568:Amenorrhea / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008598:Menstruation / Q000187:drug effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D003271:Contraceptive Agents, Female; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; C044815:etonogestrel; D017135:Desogestrel
keywords: Body mass index; Implanon; Nexplanon; etonogestrel; menstrual bleeding patterns; progestin-only contraception