Antinuclear Antibodies, Rheumatoid Factor and c‐Reactive Protein in Serum of Normal Women Using Oral Contraceptives

Some women who report to a hospital or arthritis clinic note exacerbation of rheumatic complaints and develop serologic abnormalities while taking oral contraceptives. The current study concerns the detection of antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor and C‐reactive protein in normal women using these drugs. Prospective study of 82 women before and during oral contraceptive use permitted the detection of 4 who developed antinuclear antibodies, 9 who developed rheumatoid factor and 30 who developed C‐reactive protein after less than 1 year of drug use. The prevalence of positive tests was greater in a group of 210 women who were using OC than that found in a group of 174 who had never used these drugs. None of these women developed rheumatic symptoms while using oral contraceptives.