Effect of Hormonal Contraceptives on Platelet Count and Indices

Abstract

Background: Contraceptive is used to prevent pregnancy by interfering with normal process of ovulation, fertilization, and implantation. The contraceptive was reported to has an effect on platelet count, indices and coagulation. Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the effect of hormonal contraceptives on platelet count and indices. Materials and methods: This was a case-control study, conducted to evaluate the platelet count, MPV, and PDW among 49 women using contraceptives (pill, mini pill, injectable and implant) and age matched 50 women not using contraceptive as a control group. The study was conducted at Al-Shahida Nada Center in Khartom state, in the period from January to March 2017. 2 ml of venous whole blood sample were collected into EDTA container and complete blood count was performed using automated hematology analyzer (Sysmex KX21N). Age of women were using contraceptive range from 15-45 years (Mean±SD33.2±5.3) and matched age of women not using contraceptives (Mean±SD32.9±8). Thirty seven (75.51%) of women were using contraceptive pill, Four (8.16%) using contraceptive mini pill, Six (12.24%) using injectable contraceptive, and Two (4.08%) using implant contraceptive. The duration of contraceptive use was range from 1-126 months. Results: The comparison of platelet count, MPV and PDW in women using contraceptives and those not using contraceptives showed that, mean platelet count was lower in women using contraceptives than those not using contraceptives but the difference was not statistically significant (Mean±SD:269.5±92.3 and 338.2±298.7 respectively, P.value = 0.10). MPV was significantly higher in women using contraceptives than those not using contraceptives (Mean±SD:11.6±2.7vs9.3±1.6, P.value =0.00) while PDW was significantly lower in women using contraceptive than those not using contraceptive (Mean±SD:12.6±2.5 vs14.5±2.0, P.value=0.00). MPV was found significantly higher in women using contraceptive pill compared to other types (P. value =0.0) and PDW was significantly higher in women using minipill and injectable contraceptives than other types. No statistically significant correlation was found between platelet count and indices and duration of contraceptive use. Conclusion: Hormonal contraceptives have no effect on platelet count while MPV was a significantly higher of women using contraceptives pill compared with other types of contraceptives