Oral Contraceptive Consumption Research Articles

Muscular Hypertrophic Effects of Oral Contraceptive Consumption in Women

Hormones have several actions in the body; among their effects on effector organs, they can control the volume of skeletal muscle. The excess of hormones, in this case exogenous ones, could be altering the effects of physical exercise on skeletal muscle hypertrophy, especially after the consumption of contraceptives. Thus, we have a general objective in this work to evaluate the effects of contraceptive consumption on hypertrophy in women. We sought an integrative literature review with studies within 2001-2021, using the PubMed and Scielo databases. Seven articles were selected for a complete and coherent reading for the development of this review. Given the studies analyzed in the present study, it was possible to observe that the effects of oral contraceptives may indeed influence muscle hypertrophy. However, it can assist in preserving soft tissues, avoiding the looseness of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). For individuals aiming to enhance lean muscle mass, particularly in high-performance contexts, it is advisable to consider alternative contraceptive methods that do not disrupt the natural hormonal system. In conclusion, the OC user group did not obtain significant gains in lean mass, but their levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), sex hormone agglobulinal ligand (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF1) decreased, with increasing levels of only cortisol. Thinking of high performance to increase lean muscle mass, another means of contraceptives that do not affect the physiological hormonal system should be used.

Acquired SERPINC1/antithrombin deficiency during oral contraceptive consumption: a case report

BackgroundSERPINC1 is a glycoprotein that regulates blood coagulation. SERPINC1 congenital or acquired deficiencies represent a significant risk factor for thromboembolic disease. SERPINC1 acquired defects are observed in very few cases and can occur in many clinical conditions such as treatment with l-asparaginase or oral contraceptive (particularly estrogen derivatives), but these conditions are not routinely investigated.Case presentationA 50-year-old Caucasian woman who took gestodene 75 µg/ethinylestradiol 20 µg as oral contraceptive, was sent to our thrombophilia clinic because, on thrombophilia testing, a reduction of SERPINC1 (74%) and a slight increase in circulating D-dimer and homocysteine were found. We investigated triggers of such SERPINC1 reduction, and identified gestodene 75 µg/ethinylestradiol 20 µg use as the most likely candidate. Two months after the discontinuation of the oral contraceptive, SERPINC1 value returned to normal (92%) and D-dimer and homocysteine were normalized.ConclusionEach patient has a different sensitivity to contraceptive use. Genetic (or epigenetic) regulation of anticoagulant proteins might account for a different rate of consumption of anticoagulant proteins as oral contraceptives and probably determine the susceptibility to thrombotic events.

Women consuming oral contraceptives containing cyproterone acetate and ethinylestradiol show a higher risk of thyroid cancer than nonusers.

This study explored whether the risk of thyroid cancer in Asian women is associated with consumption of oral contraceptives (Diane-35). We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. From the database, 9865 women aged 18 to 65 years who were prescribed Diane-35 between 2000 and 2012 were included in the Diane-35 group, and 39,460 women who were not prescribed Diane-35 were included in the comparison group and were frequency-matched by age and index year. Both groups were followed until 2013 to calculate the incidence of thyroid cancer. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazard model. The median (standard deviation) follow-up duration was 7.08 (3.63) and 7.04 (3.64) years in the Diane-35 and the comparison group, respectively. The incidence of thyroid cancer was 1.80-fold higher in the Diane-35 group than in the comparison group (2.72 vs 1.51 per 10,000 person-years). The cumulative incidence of thyroid cancer was significantly higher in the Diane-35 group than in the comparison group (log-rank test, P = .03). An elevated hazard ratio of thyroid cancer was observed in the Diane-35 group than in the comparison group (HR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.10-3.30). In subgroup analysis, patients aged 30 to 39 years showed a higher hazard ratio of developing thyroid cancer after consuming Diane-35 than those in the comparison group (HR: 5.58, 95% CI: 1.84-16.91). The study provides evidence that women aged 30 to 39 years consuming Diane-35 are at increased risk of thyroid cancer. Nevertheless, a larger population with a longer follow-up may be necessary to confirm causality.

Longitudinal Associations Between TPO Gene Variants and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody Seroconversion in a Population-Based Study: Tehran Thyroid Study

Introduction: Autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD) are usually accompanied by anti-thyroid antibodies which can serve as early predictive markers. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between thyroid peroxidase (TPO) gene variants and the presence of TPOAb and to evaluate the effect of environmental factors associated with seroconversion from TPOAb-negative to TPOAb-positive. Methods: Participants from phases 1 and 2 of the Tehran Thyroid Study in (n = 5327, ≥20 years) were evaluated in terms of TPOAb positivity, and its relationship with 53 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from within the TPO gene (cross-sectional approach). TPOAb-negative participants (n = 4815) were followed up for seroconversion for 5.5 years. The relationship between the TPO gene variants and the TPOAb seroconversion was evaluated (longitudinal approach). Results: There were 521 TPOAb-positive participants in the cross-sectional phase and 266 new TPOAb-positive cases observed during the follow-up period. After quality control (Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p < 1 × 10-5) and minor allele frequency < 0.05), 49 SNPs were qualified for association analyses. From this set fourteen SNPs were identified that were associated with TPOAb positivity. rs6605278, located in the 3'UTR TPO gene, was the most highly significantly associated of the variant and remained associated after adjustment for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, number of parity, and oral contraceptive consumption in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses (p < 0.05). Conclusions: TPOAb-positivity can be partially explained by variants in the TPO gene. New TPOAb-associated SNPs were observed in Iranians as an ethnically diverse population.

Evaluation of the association of endometriosis and mammographic breast density, a cross-sectional study

BackgroundEndometriosis is a common benign but painful gynecologic condition. Studies suggest that the risk of some types of malignancies such as breast cancer is higher in women with endometriosis. Mammographic breast density (MBD) is known as an important predictor for breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between endometriosis and MBD.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 370 women over 40 years of age. Laparoscopic surgery was carried out for the diagnosis of endometriosis. MBD was classified into four categories according to the ACR BI-RADS classification. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software to evaluate the potential association between variables.ResultsThe mean age of all participants was 47.2 ± 6.4 years, and most participants (76.8%) were premenopausal. Multivariate analysis of the potential predictors of MBD, including age, body mass index, oral contraceptive consumption, progesterone consumption, family history of breast cancer and endometriosis showed that age (P value = 0.002), history of progesterone consumption (P value = 0.004) and endometriosis (P value = 0.006) were independent factors for MBD.ConclusionThis study indicated that endometriosis had an inverse association with MBD. Age and history of progesterone use were also independent influential factors for MBD. This finding shows that the positive association between breast cancer and endometriosis is not mediated through MBD.

Post COVID-19 Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear in Twin Sisters After Re-starting Professional Futsal Exercises: A ‎Case Report

Awareness of the long-term COVID-19 complications is of significant importance in reducing its morbidity through the implementation of timely interventional programs. In this study, we report an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in athlete identical twin sisters almost 2 months after the COVID-19 infection. The patients had 15 years of professional futsal experience and showed no obvious risk factors for an ACL tear, such as familial history, abnormal menstruation, oral contraceptive consumption, reduced intercondylar notch, or increased tibial slope. However, they experienced a non-contact complete ACL tear within 1 month of re-participation in professional exercise after the COVID-19 infection. Both patients reported a sense of muscle weakness during the COVID-19 recovery period, and ligamentous laxity was obvious according to the clinical examination and the Beighton criteria. This report shows persistent muscle weakness after the COVID-19 infection that could increase the risk of ACL injury in female athletes and suggests taking a prophylactic rehabilitating program to prevent its catastrophic consequences.

Vitamin D deficiency associated with reproductive factors in northern Iranian women: The PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS).

One of the public health concerns is Vitamin D deficiency. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D inadequacy and to determine its reproductive factor correlates in northern Iranian women. This study, conducted on 5096 females aged 35-70 years. The study was based on data from PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS), a prospective, population-based cohort study in Guilan, Iran. History of reproductive and gynecologic factors, including age at menarche, age at first marriage, number of pregnancies or live births, age at first pregnancy, duration of breastfeeding, number of abortions, age and type of menopause status, use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, history of hysterectomy, tubectomy or oophorectomy and history of gestational diabetes and hypertension was collected. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D was measured. The mean 25(OH)-D concentration was 21.78ng/mL, and 53.5% of women had vitamin D inadequacy. The multivariate analyses revealed that younger age (36-45 years) [>66 years adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.1, 95% CI 1.7-2.7, 56-65 years aOR=1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.1 and 46-55 years aOR=1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.7], not consuming oral contraceptives [aOR=1.1, 95% CI 1.05-1.3] and pre-menopausal status [aOR=1.4, 95% CI 1.2-1.6] were significantly independently associated with vitamin D inadequacy. Vitamin D inadequacy is common in northern Iranian women. The reproductive factors that independently correlated with vitamin D statues are oral contraceptive consumption and menopausal statue.

Calcifying nested stromal-epithelial tumor (CNSET) of the liver

Calcifying nested stromal-epithelial tumor (CNSET) of the liver is an extremely rare primary tumor of non-hepatic and non-biliary origins which generally affects children and young adults, mainly women. We report a case of 28-year-old woman with a history of oral contraceptive consumption for 9 years, who underwent surgery for a large right hepatic mass that proved to be a CNSET, according to the pathology report. Postoperatively the patient had a slow recovery and after discharge the patient was sent to the oncology department where she underwent several treatment cycles with Imatinib. The case report documented all the clinical and histopathological features necessary for diagnosis of CNSET. CNSET of liver should always be considered and included in the differential diagnosis of hepatic tumors especially if the patient is a young woman with a long history of oral contraceptive consumption and an abdominal palpable mass.

Trends in the use of oral contraceptives among adolescents and young women in Spain.

BackgroundWe aimed to determine the prevalence of consumption of oral contraceptives (OCs) among adolescents and young women living in Spain and to identify the factors associated with this consumption.MethodsWe performed a cross-sectional study on the consumption of OCs by women aged 15–30 years residing in Spain. We used secondary individualized data from the 2006 (n = 2513) and 2012 (n = 1530) Spanish National Health Surveys. The dependent variable was the use of OCs in the previous 2 weeks. Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidity, lifestyle, and healthcare resource utilization.The prevalence of OC consumption was analysed by investigating the changes observed between 2006 and 2012. We used multivariate logistic regression to identify the independent factors associated with OC use in each year.ResultsIn 2006, 14.42 % of women reported using OCs; this percentage dropped to 10.21 % in 2012 (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed an association between OC use and visits to the gynaecologist (AOR, 5.60 [95 % CI, 2.93–10.73] in 2006; and AOR, 3.55 [95 % CI, 1.30–9.73] in 2012), Pap smear tests (AOR, 1.8 [95 % CI, 1.23–2.87] in 2006; and AOR, 2.42 [95 % CI, 1.30–4.51] in 2012), and smoking in 2006 (AOR, 1.42 [95 % CI, 1.04–1.93]).ConclusionsThere was a significant decrease in OC use from 2006 to 2012 among adolescents and young women living in Spain. In the present study, consumers of OCs were women who visited a gynaecologist more often and complied more with preventive measures such as Pap smear testing. Also, women who reported having used OCs were more likely to smoke than the rest of the study population, although the smoking habit is a risk factor for thrombotic events in women who take OCs.

Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis Development Among Females in North-West of Iran: A Case-Control Study

Background: Given the high prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in females of reproductive ages, it seems that hormonal factors might be important in RA pathogenesis. Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate the association between females’ reproductive factors occurring prior to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and the risk of RA development. Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 231 patients with RA and 238 controls among females aged 26 - 64 years old from the North-West of Iran. The adjusted risk of RA was assessed using multivariate logistic regression models. Results: Females ≥ 14 years old at menarche, were more likely to be at risk of RA (OR = 1.69; 95%CI: 1.08 - 2.64). Advanced maternal age at first delivery (OR = 1.91; 95%CI: 1.21 - 3.26) and having abortion (OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.23 - 2.99) significantly increased the risk of RA. Post-menopausal status increased the risk of developing RA (OR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.98 - 4.46). Longer duration of breast-feeding was determined as significant protective variable for RA (P < 0.05). Subjects with oral contraceptives (OCs) use (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.20 - 0.64), parity (OR = 0.20; 95%CI: 0.06 - 0.70) or large number of children tended to show rather more reduced risk of RA. Conclusions: The risk of RA increased with delayed menarche, advanced maternal age at first delivery and early age at menopause. However, longer duration of breast-feeding, parity, large number of children and consumption of OCs were found as protective independent variables against RA.

Oral contraceptive consumption and cerebral venous sinuses thrombosis

Introduction: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a rare cause of stroke and the clinical presentation is variable. One of the more common acquired risk factors of venous sinus thrombosis is oral contraceptive medications. While the prognosis for CVST is favorable, it is important to identify and treat early to prevent neurologic deficits. CVST accounts for 0.5% of strokes and most commonly presents with headaches and in many cases focal neurologic deficits. Diagnosis is confirmed with neuroimaging including CT angiography or MR angiography. Treatment consists of anticoagulation and in some cases, thrombolytic therapy is beneficial. The overall prognosis of CVST is favorable.The objective of the study is to describe the features of a series of patient with CVST due to consumption of OCPs, treated in the department of Neurosurgery, Bir hospital and OM hospital, and to discuss the risk factors associated with consumption of OCPs, its presentation, and outcome.Methods: This is a retrospective case series carried out in the department of Neurosurgery, Bir hospital and OM hospital during the year September 2012 to September 2014. Demographic features like age, presenting symptoms, clinical findings and outcome were analyzed. All cases received heparin or LMWH followed by Warfarin.Results: Nine patients were identified over a period of 2 years. The presenting symptoms included headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, focal neurological deficit, seizure and neck pain. Signs found included papilloedema, fever, slurring of speech and focal neurological signs.Conclusion: Dural sinus thrombosis is a rare and under-recognized cause of headache that should be considered in women with recent introduction of hormonal contraception. The absence of papilledema and a negative CT brain should not halt further workup. MRI/venogram is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis.Journal of Society of Surgeons of Nepal Vol.17(1) 2014: 2-5

Malformaciones de la vena cava inferior y tromboembolismo venoso.

Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 30 años con tromboembolismo pulmonar de riesgo alto por PESI, en quien se confirmó la presencia de una anomalía congénita de la vena cava inferior (VCI), dada por ausencia de su porción intrahepática y subsecuente drenaje por el sistema ácigos. Como factor de riesgo adicional coexistía el consumo de anticonceptivos orales. &#x0D; &#x0D; Las malformaciones congénitas de la VCI constituyen una entidad poco frecuente y la mayoría cursan de forma indolente identificándose como hallazgo incidental. Pueden considerarse como factor de riesgo para tromboembolismo venoso en especial en pacientes menores de 30 años con trombosis venosa profunda (TVP) de miembros inferiores con compromiso de las venas iliacas, cuando hay resistencia a anticoagulantes o TVP recurrente. No existe una recomendación clara respecto a la duración de la anticoagulación por lo que se debe individualizar cada caso teniendo en cuenta el perfil de riesgo de cada paciente.

Condom and oral contraceptive use and risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Australian women

ObjectiveTo assess the association between condom use and oral contraceptive consumption and the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Perth clinics. A total of 348 women responded to the structured questionnaire. Information sought included demographic and lifestyle characteristics such as the use of condom for contraception, consumption of oral contraceptive, and duration of oral contraceptive usage. Crude and adjusted odds ratio (OR) and associated 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression models and reported as estimates of the relative risk.ResultsThe prevalence of CIN was found to be 15.8%. The duration of oral contraceptive consumption among women with abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear result indicating CIN was significantly shorter than those without abnormal Pap smear result (mean±SD, 5.6±5.2 years vs. 8.2±7.6 years; p=0.002). Comparing to ≤3 years usage, prolonged consumption of oral contraceptive for ≥10 years reduced the risk of CIN (p=0.012). However, use of condom for contraception might not be associated with a reduced risk of CIN after accounting for the effects of confounding factors (adjusted OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.05 to 5.11; p=0.577).ConclusionUse of oral contraceptives, but not condoms, for contraception appeared to be inversely associated with CIN. Prolonged use of oral contraceptive demonstrated its benefits of reducing the risk of CIN.

The Risk of Hormone Anabolic Steroids and Oral Contraceptives Consumption in the Young

Introduction: The consumption of hormone anabolic steroids and oral contraceptives is a growing phenomenon difficult to quantify and accurately control due to partial recognition or hiding consumption and lack of knowledge of youth on this issue on the side effects as hypertension plays an important role with youth. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in ambulatory specialty in Clinical Hospital Oradea City, Bihor County, Internal Cabinet. It is a prospective longitudinal study conducted over a period of approximately three years. In this study a number of 321 young patients aged 18-35 years have been included who were diagnosed with hypertension: BP>140/90 mmHg confirmed in at least three repeated measurements in one week to exclude “white coat phenomenon”, which is very common especially with young women, or have a severe amount of BP ≥ 170/110 mmHg, at the first determination. Results and discussions: The consumption of oral contraceptives was 2.80% and that of anabolic steroids was present at 1.55% in young hypertensive in the study. Conclusions: The percentage of young hypertensive after consumption of anabolic steroids and ACO hormones (oral contraceptives), with young women can be completely canceled by avoiding consumption of information and youth programs on the subject, they run the risk of consuming them.

Relationships among Serum CA15-3 Tumor Marker, TNM Staging, and Estrogen and Progesterone Receptor Expression in Benign and Malignant Breast Lesions

Serum tumor marker CA15-3 is widely used in follow-up for assessment of breast cancer prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate levels among healthy females and patients, to assess differences with tumor stage and grade, and to determine the relationship with estrogen and progesterone receptor expression. One hundred and thirty six Jordanian females were enrolled in this study: Forty-five were healthy females; seventy-two were diagnosed with breast cancer and nineteen diagnosed with benign breast lesions. Elevated serum CA15-3 level was significantly observed among breast cancer patients (37.95±6.65) compared to both healthy (14.97±0.8) and benign females (12.30±1.55), but no significant association was detected between serum CA15-3 level and age of cancer onset, menarche age, menopause age, parity and BMI. Decreased CA15-3 level was significantly associated with hormone therapy and oral contraceptive consumption among breast cancer patients. Significantly elevated CA15-3 serum levels were found among grade II, III and stage II and III breast cancer females compared to normal healthy females. Elevated CA15-3 serum levels were also found among ER+/PR+ (54.242±7.89) and ER+/PR- (37.08±8.22) compared to healthy control females.

Increased Use of Oral Contraceptives in Spain: Related Factors and Time Trend, 2003–2006

We aimed to determine the prevalence of consumption of oral contraceptives (OCs) among women living in Spain and to identify the factors associated with this consumption. Descriptive cross-sectional epidemiologic study on consumption of OCs by women aged 16-50 years resident in Spain. As the dependent variable, we took the answer to the question, "In the last two weeks, have you taken the contraceptives pill?" Independent variables were sociodemographic, comorbidity, and healthcare resources. Using logistic multivariate regression models, we have analyzed the temporal evolution of OCs consumption between 2003 and 2006. We used secondary individualized data drawn from the 2003 (n=5,807) and 2006 (n=9,103) Spanish National Health Surveys. In 2003, the 4.99% of women reported having taken the contraceptive pill; this proportion increased to 9.44% in 2006 (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis highlighted the association between OCs use gynecologist visits (odds ratio [OR]=5.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.52-12.79 in 2003, and OR=5.09, 95% CI=2.87-9.02 in 2006); cervical smear test (OR=2.98 95% CI=1.83-4.85 in 2003 and OR=1.79 95% CI=1.28-2.50 in 2006); and risk variables such alcohol consumption or hypertension in the year 2006 (OR=1.53, 95% CI=1.05-2.22). We can conclude that there was a significant increase in OC use among women living in Spain from 2003 to 2006. The OC consumers in our study were young women who visited the gynecologist and took preventive measures such as smear testing, although they did have risk variables associated with OC, such as alcohol use and arterial hypertension.

Acute Myocardial Infarction Secondary to Suspected Paradoxical Emboli through Patent Foramen Ovale in a Young Woman.

A 40-year-old woman presented with an extensive anterior myocardial infarction. After initial thrombolytic therapy, coronary angiography was performed a few days later revealing normal coronaries with severe left ventricular dysfunction secondary to anterior wall akinesia. Echocardiography showed severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction and a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The patient had a history of long-term oral contraceptive consumption. A paradoxical embolus into the left coronary artery via a large PFO was suspected and was successfully treated with PFO closure.

Tiroiditis posparto: incidencia y estudio de los posibles factores asociados en las embarazadas de una zona de salud

Background and objective Our objective was to evaluate the presence of postpartum thyroiditis (PPT) in a group of pregnant euthyroid women. Material and method This study was prospective and descriptive in nature and was carried out over the course of three years in an urban Health District in Toledo, Spain. Information recorded included height and weight, tobacco use, previous consumption of oral contraceptives, and numbers of pregnancies and abortions prior to the current gestation. Levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), free Thyroxin (FT4) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb) were determined during the first trimester and 3 and 6 months postpartum. A urine sample was collected for determination of iodine levels. Thyroid ultrasonography was performed on all pregnant subjects concurrently with analytical sample collection at 3 months of pregnancy and 3 months postpartum. Results The sample contained 157 pregnant women, of whom 25 (15.9%) developed PPT. Of these, 44.0% were positive for TPO antibodies in the first trimester, compared to 4.5% of the subjects who did not develop PPT ( P<.001). At the end of the first year, 5 (20%) were still afflicted with hypothyroidism. The complete study group of pregnant women displayed a median urinary iodine level of 135 μg/L. A minor BMI was found in the PPT subjects when compared with the rest of the study group (21.7 vs 24.5; P=.000). A greater frequency of PPT was found in Rh-negative women (33.3 vs 12.2%; P=.015). Conclusions The incidence of PPT exceeded that previously reported. We have only found a significant correlation between PPT and BMI and Rh factor. Based on the high incidence rate detected in our Health District, an active search for cases of PPT might be justified.

Oral Contraceptive Consumption And Cerebral Venous Thrombosis In Mashhad, Iran

Background: Causes of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis (CVT) varies around the world. Oral Contraceptive (OCP) are among the most frequent causes of CVT.Methods: Consecutive patients admitted with CVT in Ghaem hospital, Mashhad during 2005-2008 were prospectively investigated. Diagnosis of CVT was made by corresponding results of MRI, and MRV or conventional angiography. All of the patients had a complete medical history, physical examination and underwent a standard battery of diagnostic investigations by stroke neurologists. Results: 62 patients (51 females, 11 males) with mean age 32.3 ranged 18-62 years were admitted with CVT. OCP consumption was found as risk factor in 56.8% of females with CVT. This group of females have been used LD and HD types of OCP in 97% and 3% respectively. 41% of females with CVT; (21/51) have been on short term OCP consumption. In this later group of females, Ramadan and Hadj religious months were the reason of using short term OCP in 86% and 5% respectively.Conclusion:Short term OCP consumption is the most common cause of CVT in Iranian women. Programs for public awarness should be conducted for reducing use of OCP in short term periods during Ramadan and Hadj months.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis--clinical features, predisposing and prognostic factors.

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a disease with potentially serious consequences and usually affecting young to middle aged people. This study was designed to investigate the clinical features, and predisposing and prognostic factors of CVST in a prospective series of 61 patients. This prospective study comprised 61 consecutive patients with confirmed diagnosis of CVST who were hospitalized in Namazi Hospital in Shiraz, south of Iran, between January 2000 and August 2003. The diagnosis was confirmed using conventional MRI or cerebral angiography. The male to female ratio was 1/3.1. The mean age of patients was 35.6 +/- 12.1 years. Headache was seen in 91.8% of the patients. The most frequent risk factor was oral contraceptive consumption (62.2%). Elevation of ESR and CRP titer were seen in 37.7%, and 36.1% of patients, respectively. Involvement of superior sagittal sinus and lateral sinus was 80.3% and 41%, respectively. The final diagnosis was neurobechet in 5 ppatients (8.2%). The fatality rate was 14.7% and an altered consciousness was associated with poor prognosis. CVST presents with a wide spectrum of symptoms and signs. Headache was the most frequent symptom. Women who used OCP were especially at risk. Because of moderate to high mortality rate, patients at increased risk of death, specially comatose patients, should be closely monitored.