Key result
Among 1,008 female patients treated for vascular thrombosis, 9.9% were taking combined oral contraceptives, with most events occurring in the first year of use and frequently associated with obesity.
Why the study?
Combined oral contraceptives are frequently prescribed for various indications, but carry a major risk of vascular thrombosis.
Observational (n=1,008)
No
In Saudi women taking combined oral contraceptives, vascular thrombosis most commonly occurs within the first year of use, with obesity and age over 35 being prominent risk factors.
COC use warrants thrombosis caution in prescribing; leaves open need for prospective confirmation in diverse populations.
Background Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are frequently prescribed for contraception, to regulate ovulation and treat endometriosis, and to control menopausal symptoms. A major risk of hormonal contraceptives is vascular thrombosis. Methods A retrospective chart review of female patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or other sites of thrombosis or emboli seen in the thrombosis clinic of the department of internal medicine at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia between March 2010 and February 2015 was performed to identify and characterize which women were taking COCs. Results Of 1,008 patients treated for DVT, PE, or other sites of thrombosis or emboli, 100 (9.9%) were taking COCs. Venous (98%) and arterial (2%) thromboses were seen. Overall, 62% of the patients experienced a DVT and 26% pulmonary emboli, and 20% of the patients experienced unusual sites of thrombosis. Furthermore, 53% were obese or morbidly obese. The incidence of venous thrombosis was the highest during the first year of COC use (73%). Of the patients, 8% had thrombophilia. Conclusion This study characterizes Saudi women with thrombotic events taking COCs and identifies risk factors, including unusual sites of thrombosis. Most patients experienced the vascular event during the first year of taking COCs. Age of 40-50 years, obesity, and thrombophilia were the commonly observed risk factors.
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AlSheef et al. (2022) conducted an observational in Vascular thrombosis (DVT, PE, or other sites) (n=1,008). Combined oral contraceptives was evaluated on Prevalence of combined oral contraceptive use among female patients with vascular thrombosis. Among 1,008 female patients treated for vascular thrombosis, 9.9% were taking combined oral contraceptives, with most events occurring in the first year of use and frequently associated with obesity.
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