The haemostatic mechanism in oral contraception.

Abstract

Thrombocyte function vascular function and the fibrinolytic system in patients during cyclical treatment with Delpregnin were investigated. These parameters and the coagulation status in pregnant and normal women were compared with those observed in Delpregnin-treated women. 3 groups of women of identical age were studied: 1) 10 normal women treated cyclically with Delpregnin for periods ranging from 15 to 17 months 2) 10 normal pregnant women in their 5th and 7th month of pregnancy and 3) a control group comprising 10 normal nulliparae. Treatment with Delpregnin produced no changes in the hemostatic function. Factors 2 n were found to be significantly increased in the Delpregnin-treated and the pregnant groups as compared with the controls. No significant differences in Factors 5 8 and 9 were found among the 3 groups but the thromboplastin formation was found to be slightly accelerated in the Delpregnin group and in the pregnant women. By fibrinolytic determinations it was found that plasminogen was increased significantly in the Delpregnin-treated group and in the pregnant women the fibrinolytic activity was reduced in the pregnant group and unchanged or slightly increased in the Delpregnin-treated group as compared with the controls. Urokinase inhibitor was significantly increased in the pregnant group but unchanged as compared with the controls in the Delpregnin-treated group. No significant differences were found with respect to fibrinogen plasmin inhibitor and antithrombin. It is concluded that it is not possible at present to assess the risk of thromboembolic complications during oral contraception on the basis of the laboratory parameters available.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)