Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0020538 (hypertension)
 170,190 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Oral contraceptives (OCs, long-acting progestins (LAPs), and IUDS are reviewed in terms of new information on safety and efficacy. OC formulations are described and their mechanism of action and efficacy indicated. Reports are provided for thromboembolism, hemorrhagic and thrombotic stroke, ischemic heart diseases, alterations in lipid and hypoprotein and carbohydrate metabolism, hypertension, coagulation changes, breast and cervical cancers, and such minor side effects as menstrual irregularities, nausea, headaches, weight gain, premenstrual syndrome effects, and mood and libido changes. Noncontraceptive health benefits and clinical considerations are discussed. Norplant, as the only long acting progestin available in the US is described in terms of its formulations, mechanism of action, sequelae and metabolic effects, menstrual irregularities, metabolic effects, nuisance side effects, candidates for insertion, method of insertion and removal, and continuation rates. 2 IUD types are identified as the only ones available in the US, Progestasert T and T-Cu-380A (Paragard). Mechanism of action, efficacy, candidates, major sequelae such as salpingitis, infertility, and uterine perforation, minor sequelae such as metrorrhagia and dysmenorrhea, and other considerations are indicated. OCs in the US contain an average of 35 mg of ethinyl estradiol and assorted progestins e.g.s, ethynodiol diacetate, norethindrone acetate, nortestosterone derivatives with a complex mechanism of action. The failure rate for use effectiveness is 6 pregnancies/100 woman years. Modern formulations have combined rates of no more than 50 to 100 adverse events/100,000 users. Some of the effects are indicated as follows: Thromboembolism accounts for 60% of adverse effects and appears to be declining along with hemorrhagic and thrombotic stroke, however, modern use studies are only partially available. Myocardial infarction related to OC use may be embolic, and has a low risk at 7/100,000 users. Low-dose contraceptives substantially reduce the associated risks. Those with risk factors need close monitoring. Norplant is useful for those not wanting to take a daily regimen and is commonly accompanied by menstrual irregularity and sometimes headaches. Continuation is 80% after the 1st year and 40% after 5 years. Candidates for IUDs are parous women in monogamous relationships, who are not at risk for salpingitis, which is related to IUD use, or sexually transmitted diseases. Continuation is 70% after 1 year compared with 50% of OC users.
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PMID:Modern trends in contraception. 212 11

In China, family planning specialists recruited 764 women, 22-40 years old, from 4 hospitals in Shanghai for a study to compare the effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) and hormonal contraceptive implants (Norplant) on blood pressure changes with those not using hormonal contraception. They followed the women for 48 weeks. The experimental groups comprised 238 women using the OC (Chinese Pill No. 1 containing 35 mcg ethinyl estradiol + 600 mcg norethisterone) and 267 using Norplant (216 mg levonorgestrel released over 5 years). The control group included 259 women accepting a stainless steel ring IUD. No woman in any group discontinued contraceptive use due to hypertension. OC users had higher increases in diastolic blood pressure than IUD users. The increases were 1.8 mm Hg at 12 weeks, 2.1 mm Hg at 24 weeks, 2.3 mm Hg at 36 weeks, and 1.9 mm Hg at 48 weeks (p .05 for all but 36 weeks; p .01 for 36 weeks). At the end of 48 weeks, when the researchers adjusted for confounding variables, the diastolic blood pressure increased by about 1 mm Hg with OC use (p .05). This increase is clinically insignificant, however. OC users also had higher increases in systolic blood pressure than IUD users (1.3, 1.7, 1.5, and 1.3 mm Hg, respectively), but the increases were not significant. The Norplant implant did not change either diastolic or systolic blood pressure. Women's age, obesity, and family history of hypertension were associated with an increase in blood pressure. These variables did not have any interactive effects on blood pressure changes with hormonal contraceptive use, however. These findings show that low estrogen OC use slightly increases diastolic blood pressure and that Norplant implants have no effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
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PMID:Blood pressure changes and hormonal contraceptives. 795 12

Prescribing contraceptives to diabetic women requires cognizance of metabolic effects and the risks of type I or type II and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in prediabetic women. Studies have show that poor maternal glycemic control in the 1st trimester in diabetic women has resulted in a twofold to threefold increased risk for congenital malformations. A reduction from 6.6% to 1.1% in malformations could be realized by euglycemic control before conception and during the first 8 weeks of gestation. A low-estrogen preparation should be selected and blood pressure should be monitored regularly. Progestins adversely affect carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as they decrease glucose tolerance by increased insulin resistance, thus the selection of proper progestin dose/potency is important in prescribing OCs. The lowest-dose OCs may be prescribed under close medical supervision to women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) without serious vascular complications. Patients should be evaluated after the 1st cycle of OC use and every 3-4 months thereafter with monitoring of weight, blood pressure, postprandial glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Women with prior GDM should be evaluated annually utilizing a 2-hour, 75-g glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at the postpartum visit. For OCs, a low-dose estrogen ( 0.05 mg ethinyl estradiol) and a low-dose/potency progestin (or = 0.50 mg of norethindrone or or= 0.100 mg of levonorgestrel) should be selected. The safety of prescription of OCs to women with type II diabetes is unclear, but a supervised program similar to that of IDDM patients is recommended. Currently neither of the long-term contraceptives, depo-medroxy-progesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) injection or the levonorgestrel-containing implant, Norplant, are recommended as first-time methods for women with diabetes. On the other hand, the IUD is an effective, reversible method, particularly for older women with hypertension, provided antibiotic prophylaxis is undertaken at the time of insertion.
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PMID:Contraception in the diabetic woman. 822 75

Over the last couple of decades a reduction of estrogen by at least 80% in combined oral contraceptives (OCs) and much research have resulted in effective and safe contraception. We still do not know longterm effects of OCs however. OCs may protect against endometrial and ovarian cancer. A link between current OC use and liver cancer exists in areas where liver cancer is rare. An association between OC use and cervical cancer disappears when researchers control for sexual activity and barrier method use. Some research shows OC use increases the risk of breast cancer, while other research does not. There does appear to be an increased risk of breast cancer developing in women younger than 46 years of age and who have used OCs for at least 10 years. Women who have a preexisting cardiovascular condition and/or smoke should not use OCs. OC progestogens may impair glucose metabolism in healthy women, but just for 6 months. Women with diabetes mellitus can use OCs, but may need to increase insulin intake. OCs can cause hypertension in 4-5% of healthy women and worsen hypertension in about 9-16% of hypertensive women. Progestogen-only OCs have fewer systemic side effects than combined OCs, but often cause menstrual changes. Their long term effects are not yet known. Injectables containing a progestogen cause few, if any, adverse effects. The subdermal implant, Norplant, tends to cause menstrual disturbances, but is safe and effective. Progestogen - only vaginal rings are as effective as progestogen-only OCs, but menstrual irregularities are common. Failure rates for combined vaginal rings match those of combined OCs. Long-term effects of vaginal rings are not known. Postcoital contraception does not cause serious side effects, but may cause vomiting and menstrual irregularities. A levonorgestrel-releasing IUD is effective and reduces menstrual blood loss, sometimes resulting in amenorrhea. Hormonal injections in men are unlikely in the near future.
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PMID:Hormonal contraception. 829 64

This controlled cohort study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Norplant contraceptive implants in developing countries. Women initiating Norplant implants were index subjects and women initiating intrauterine devices (IUDs) or surgical sterilization were controls. Consenting participants at 32 clinics in eight developing countries were admitted and followed-up every 6 months for 5 years. Major and less serious health events during follow-up were recorded. Incidence rate ratios of health events adjusted for clinic were estimated for initial and current method use. This paper reports non-reproductive health events. The study involved 7,977 women initiating use of Norplant, 6,625 of IUD, and 1,419 of sterilization. Five years follow-up was completed for 94.6% of the women. The study accumulated 78,323 woman-years of observation. The initial method chosen accounted for 84.4% or more of observed woman-years in users of Norplant, IUD, or sterilization. Twenty-two of the recorded 34 deaths were due to accidents, suicide or homicide. Few deaths or major health events were due to cancer or acute cardiovascular diseases and were not associated with the contraceptive method used. The incidence rates of major health events were low and with two exceptions, there was no significant excess risk of serious morbidity for Norplant users compared with controls; among Norplant initiators gallbladder disease occurred at an incidence rate of 1.5 per 1,000 woman-years and was weakly associated with use of Norplant (rate ratio 1.52 [95% C.I. 1.02, 2.27]). For current Norplant users compared to controls, the rate ratio of a combined variable of hypertension and borderline hypertension was significantly elevated (1.81, [1.12, 2.92]). The occurrence of less serious health events was also low and several of them were significantly more often reported among Norplant users. Headache-migraine, weight gain, mood disturbances, pruritus, eczema, and acne had incidence rates among Norplant users of 11.5, 4.5, 2.8, 1.5, 1.4, and 0.9 per 1,000 woman-years, respectively, and were significantly higher than in controls. Respiratory health problems, nonspecific symptoms, and several ill-defined conditions were also significantly more often reported for Norplant users, but some of the excess incidence may be attributable to reporting and detection bias. The study confirms the safety with respect to serious disease of Norplant, IUDs, and sterilization.
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PMID:Post-marketing surveillance of Norplant((R)) contraceptive implants: II. Non-reproductive health(1). 1137 47

The experience of 6 million Norplant users has led to several more advanced implants. Implanon is a single-rod implant system containing a low androgenic progestin and requires 1 to 2 minutes for insertion and removal. Like other implants, Implanon prevents pregnancy by changing the character of the cervical mucus and interfering with luteal function. Unlike Norplant, though, Implanon is designed to prevent ovulation for the full duration of use. Implant contraception has several advantages over other types of contraception including high efficacy, minimal required maintenance, absence of estrogen, and rapid return of fertility after discontinuation. Implants can be a good choice for adolescents; women with hypertension, diabetes, anemia, endometriosis, or other medical problems; and women who are breast-feeding. Irregular bleeding is the most common adverse effect of implants and can be treated with several medication regimens. Preinsertion counseling, however, is the most important factor in ensuring satisfaction with implants. Unfortunately, no implant system is currently available in the United States since August 2000, but Implanon is expected to reach the U.S. market within the next 2 years.
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PMID:Implant contraception. 1172 76

The Indian government's plan to introduce the new long-acting contraceptive Norplant in the National Family Planning Program under pressure from the US government is opposed because Norplant has not been adequately tested. The government has reduced the funding for the national program for eradication of malaria and tuberculosis, but it is proposing to finance a Norplant based population project for the State of Uttar Pradesh. The powers that can turn a deaf ear to the possible hazards of Norplant. Implanted in the arm of a woman, the chemical is released into the bloodstream providing contraception for 5 years. Severe adverse reactions include depression, heart disease thromboembolism, high blood pressure, and ovarian cysts. Many such long-acting contraceptives are being developed including injectables, vaccines, nasal sprays, and vaginal rings with potential permanent impairment to fertility. One of the major objectives of the Family Planning Program is the improvement of the health status of women, but the introduction of Norplant would harm healthy young women. Therefore, the group Saheli and others in the campaign demand: 1) that plans for introduction of Norplant in the Family Planning Program be halted immediately; 2) that the introduction of any other long acting invasive contraceptive such as Net-En, vaginal ring, nasal spray, and anti-fertility vaccine be banned, both on the grounds of inadequacy of the health services and loss of user controls; 3) that information on the safety aspects of Norplant and the basis on which the Drugs Controller has granted his approval be made public; 4) that each and every one of the hundreds of women who still have the implant should be located, and the implant removed; and 5) that all hormonal contraceptive preparations be banned in the social marketing program as their use involves extensive monitoring.
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PMID:Norplant campaign in India. 1228 26

The US Food and Drug Administration approved the contraceptive implant Norplant in December 1990. Many US physicians and nurse practitioners have received training in inserting the implant, but few health educators know enough about Norplant and potential users to provide adequate education and counseling. The 6-capsule system steadily releases 50-80 mg levonorgestrel into the bloodstream for five years for a contraceptive effectiveness rate greater than 99%. Levonorgestrel keeps the pituitary gland from releasing two hormones needed for ovulation, thickens the cervical mucus, and suppresses endometrial development. Irregular bleeding is the most common side effect. Contraindications for Norplant include liver tumors, active liver disease, breast cancer, active thrombophlebitis, unexplained uterine bleeding, pregnancy, blood clots in the eyes or lungs, diabetes, hypertension, and cigarette smoking. Advantages are its 5-year effectiveness period, that it is easy and convenient to use, does not require compliance, and is reversible. Disadvantages are that it offers no protection against sexually transmitted diseases, especially HIV/AIDS; it requires a surgical procedure; and its cost ($500-$750/patient). Few studies present a profile of US women using Norplant. Potential users are adolescents, vulnerable women, low income women with children, and women who do not want to become pregnant for a long time but do not consider the pill or sterilization viable options. Extensive research indicates that Norplant is safe in the short and intermediate term. More research is needed to identify the demographic profile of a typical user, why she chooses Norplant, how well she understands it, or whether she was well informed about it; to learn about satisfaction with Norplant; and to find out who discontinues Norplant before the end of 5 years. This information would help health educators in their counseling and education strategies.
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PMID:Norplant: what health educators need to know. 1228 63

During 1988-1992, physicians used two study protocols to follow 612 women who had accepted the subdermal contraceptive implant Norplant at the Rabta Maternity Hospital of Tunisia. They used WHO criteria to select 375 women aged 18-40 (i.e., healthy women with no contraindications). The remaining 237 women and their infants underwent regular clinical and paraclinical examinations. 58 of these women had heart disease. 13 had diabetes mellitus. 11 women had hypertension. 22 women were breast feeding. The women's mean age was 30. They weighed on average 61 kg. Mean family size was three. 35% and 21% of the women used oral contraceptives or IUDs, respectively, before accepting Norplant. 57% experienced menstrual disturbances after accepting Norplant. 162 women (26.5%) asked for Norplant to be removed. Menstrual disturbances were the reason for removal among 37% of them. This rate was the same for both groups. 1.79% of the women conceived during Norplant use. None of these women had an ectopic pregnancy, however. None of the infants being breast fed had any problems with growth. Norplant appeared to have no adverse effects on lactation. Side effects occurred at the same rate in the healthy women as the women at risk. These findings show that women at risk tolerated Norplant well.
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PMID:[Norplant contraception at the Rabta Tunis maternity hospital]. 1229 Jan 76

The author describes a range of contraceptive methods, and their side effects, which may be acceptable for new parents. The methods are the oral contraceptive pill, Norplant, Depo-Provera, and intrauterine devices (IUD). Natural methods and permanent contraception are options described in insets. The author notes that differences in the effectiveness rates among available types of oral contraceptive pills are small enough not to merit consideration when deciding which kind of pill may be appropriate. Combination birth control pills are taken daily at the same time for 21 out of 28 days. Combination pills are not recommended for women with a history of hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases, thrombophlebitis, migraine headaches, diabetes, active gallbladder disease, or mononucleosis. Any hormonal method may be particularly risky for smokers over age 35. The mini-pill, containing a smaller amount of progesterone and no estrogen, is taken every day and is also on a 28-day cycle. Containing no estrogen, the mini-pill is often recommended for women who are nursing, who are over age 35, or who suffer from hypertension or migraines. Both adverse and positive side effects may be experienced from use. Norplant is the brand name of a contraceptive system which releases progesterone from under the skin of a woman's upper arm over the course of a five-year period. The system has a theoretical effectiveness rate of more than 99%, although the duration of effectiveness may be less than five years in overweight women. The most common side effect is irregular bleeding, and removal is often a longer and more difficult procedure than insertion. The most commonly used injectable hormonal contraceptive is Depo-Provera, a progesterone solution which works for up to three months. The majority of users experience some side effects. Finally, IUDs are highly effective and need to be replaced only every 1-10 years depending upon how they are made. Women typically experience discomfort during IUD insertion, and they should not be used by women under age 20 years, who have never had children, or who have ever had a pelvic infection.
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PMID:Birth control for new parents. 1229 Aug 91


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