No effect of Implanon® on inflammatory cardiovascular parameters

Abstract

Objective. Recently, we found decreased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) during use of the low-dosed contraceptive implant Implanon®. To further elucidate, whether this finding might be a sign for a lower inflammatory reaction and is associated with changes in levels of other cytokines, we investigated the effect of this implant on interleukin-6 (IL-6) and adiponectin. Plasma lipids and sex hormone levels have been shown to interact with the investigated parameters in vivo and in vitro. Therefore these parameters were measured as well.

Design. Prospective case–control study.

Setting. Family-planning centre, University hospital.

Subjects. Thirty-six non-smoking women with regular cycles.

Interventions. Blood samples for the measurements were taken in the early follicular phase of the cycle in both groups. A second sample was taken 12 weeks after Implanon insertion or in the controls during the early follicular phase of cycle 4.

Results. Implanon did not cause significant changes in IL-6, adiponectin or lipoprotein (Lp)(a). At baseline, there was a significant positive correlation between IL-6 and CRP and a negative correlation between adiponectin and CRP.

Conclusion. We did not observe a negative impact of Implanon on risk markers for atherosclerotic disease such as IL-6, adiponectin, and Lp(a). These data are reassuring for clinicians who prescribe progestagen-only preparations as first choice contraceptives in females with cardiovascular risk factors.

Keywords:

• Contraception
• cardiovascular risk
• inflammatory markers
• Implanon®
• hormonal contraception
• progestagens
• desogestrel
• adiponectin
• IL-6

Acknowledgement

The authors had collaborations with Essex AG and Bayer AG as a speaker and advisor.

Declaration of interest:

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.