Stroke Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Stroke, including details on treatment, recovery, rehabilitation, signs, symptoms.

Association between the current use of low-dose oral contraceptives and cardiovascular arterial disease: a meta-analysis.

Baillargeon JP, McClish DK, Essah PA, Nestler JE

Department of Internal Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Endocrine Division, 3001 12th North Avenue, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada. jp.baillargeon@usherbrooke.ca

CONTEXT: The long-term cardiovascular safety of widely used oral contraceptives (OCs) is still debated, and no meta-analysis assesses the modern use of OCs and the associated cardiovascular risks. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with current use of low-dose combined OCs. DATA SOURCES: All studies published between January 1980 and October 2002 were searched using MEDLINE, BIOSIS, and Scientific Citations. STUDY SELECTION: Original studies were selected independently by two investigators (J.P.B., P.A.E.) based on inclusion criteria: low-dose combined OC (<50 mug of ethinyl-estradiol); more than 10 cases in low-dose users; clear definition of cases; concurrent controls; and control for age. A third investigator (J.E.N.) adjudicated disagreements. From 2715 identified articles, 14 independent studies were included. DATA EXTRACTION: All data were abstracted by one investigator (J.P.B.) in a systematic manner. Classification of OCs and types of exposure were directly abstracted from studies. Current use was defined as use at the time of the event or within 3 months. Only peer-reviewed studies with definition of events as definite or possible, based on prespecified criteria, were included. DATA SYNTHESIS: The summary risk estimates associated with current use of low-dose OCs were 1.84 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.38, 2.44] for myocardial infarctions and 2.12 (95% CI = 1.56, 2.86) for ischemic strokes. The overall summary odds ratio for both outcomes was 2.01 (95% CI = 1.63, 2.48). Second generation OCs were associated with a significant increased risk of both myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke events [1.85 (95% CI = 1.03,3.32) and 2.54 (95% CI = 1.96,3.28), respectively]; and third-generation OCs, for ischemic stroke outcome only [2.03 (95% CI = 1.15,3.57)]. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a rigorous meta-analysis of the literature suggests that current use of low-dose OCs significantly increases the risk of both cardiac and vascular arterial events, including a significant risk of vascular arterial complications with third generation OCs.

Published 8 July 2005 in J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 90(7): 3863-70.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Stroke Research Today. All Rights Reserved.