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[Serious complications to a weight loss programme with HCG]
Line Thellesen1, Louise Jørgensen, Jakob von Halling Regeur
1Gynækologisk Afdeling, Hillerød Hospital, Dyrehavevej 29, 3400 Hillerød. line.thellesen@regionh.dk.
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 9, 2014
Summary
A woman using injectable human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for weight loss developed a dangerous blood clot and became pregnant. Further research is needed to confirm if hCG is a risk factor for venous thrombosis or reduces oral contraceptive effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is sometimes misused for weight loss.
- The safety and efficacy of non-prescribed hCG use are not well-established.
- Potential interactions between hCG and hormonal contraception are not fully understood.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old woman self-administered intramuscular hCG for weight loss.
- She presented with abdominal pain and was diagnosed with superior mesenteric vein thrombosis.
- The patient was found to be six weeks pregnant despite using oral contraceptives.
Findings:
- The patient received anticoagulant therapy and underwent a surgical abortion.
- The case highlights a potential association between hCG injection and venous thrombosis.
- A possible reduction in oral contraceptive efficacy by hCG was also observed.
Implications:
- This case suggests a potential risk of venous thromboembolism associated with illicit hCG use.
- Further investigation is warranted to determine if hCG is a risk factor for thrombosis.
- The potential for hCG to interfere with oral contraception requires further study.