Effect of depomedroxyprogesterone acetate on coagulation parameter: a pilot study.

Area of Science:

• Reproductive endocrinology
• Thrombosis and hemostasis

Background:

• Progestin-only contraceptives, including injectable depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), are widely used.
• Previous research indicated potential thrombotic risks associated with some hormonal contraceptives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of injectable DMPA on coagulation and inflammation markers.
• To assess whether DMPA influences thrombosis risk markers.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, nonrandomized substudy involving 14 healthy women of reproductive age.
• Participants received either intramuscular (IM) or subcutaneous (SC) DMPA every 3 months.
• Blood samples were analyzed at baseline, 6, and 12 months for D-Dimer, CRP, AT, factor VIIIc, aPTT, and aPTT + APC.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in D-Dimer concentration was observed at 6 and 12 months compared to baseline.
• A modest decrease in activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was noted.
• C-reactive protein (CRP), antithrombin (AT), factor VIIIc, and aPTT + APC levels remained largely unchanged.

Conclusions:

• The decline in D-dimer suggests a potentially beneficial effect on coagulation function with injectable DMPA.
• While a slight decrease in aPTT may indicate a prothrombotic tendency, DMPA did not show adverse effects on thrombosis risk markers seen with some oral contraceptives.