Pseudotumor cerebri syndrome with different types of hormonal contraceptives in women of child-bearing age

Advances in contraception: vaginal contraceptive rings

The vaginal contraceptive ring is very effective and user dependent. In this article, we will discuss the different types of vaginal contraceptive rings, namely, the etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol (ENG/EE) ring (NuvaRing, Merck, Rahway, NJ, USA) and the segesterone acetate (SA)/EE (Annovera, Mayne Pharma, Raleigh, NC, USA) ring. The details of dosing and administration, indications, advantages, disadvantages, and cost-effectiveness are presented. This literature review was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar. The search terms included 'vaginal contraceptive ring', 'etonogestrel/ethinyl estradiol ring', and 'segesterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol ring'. The search was then sorted by year from 2000 until present, and the most recent articles were reviewed. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive reference on the two vaginal contraceptive rings widely used in the United States for clinicians to guide management. Both vaginal contraceptive rings are combination of hormonal contraceptives that suppress ovulation and create physiologic conditions unfavorable for pregnancy. The ENG/EE ring is designed to be replaced monthly, while the SA/EE ring is a single device used over the course of 1 year. Common side effects of both devices include headaches, nausea, vomiting, and vaginitis. Serious adverse reactions can occur with the vaginal contraceptive rings including venous thromboembolism, psychiatric events, and hypersensitivity. Both devices are contraindicated in patients at high risk for arterial or venous thrombotic events, patients with a history of breast cancer or other estrogen/progesterone cancers, and patients with severe liver disease. Overall, the vaginal contraceptive ring is well tolerated and liked by patients. Patients should be well counseled on known severe adverse reactions. The vaginal contraceptive ring is more expensive than other forms of contraception and this should be an important point of discussion with patients.

A national Swedish case-control study investigating incidence and factors associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

OBJECTIVE

To study the incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Sweden and to explore whether previously proposed risk factors are associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension by investigating the odds of exposure one year prior to diagnosis in patients compared to controls.

METHODS

Using Swedish health care registers and validated diagnostic algorithms, idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients diagnosed between 2000-2016 were compared with randomly selected matched controls, five from the general population and five with obesity.

RESULTS

We identified 902 idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients and 4510 matched individuals in each control group. Mean incidence among inhabitants ≥18 years of age was 0.71 per 100,000; rising from 0.53 in 2000-2005 to 0.95 in 2012-2016. There were increased odds for idiopathic intracranial hypertension patients compared to general population for exposure to: kidney failure (odds ratio =13.2 (4.1-42.0)), arterial hypertension (odds ratio =17.5 (10.5-29.3)), systemic lupus erythematosus (odds ratio =13.8 (4.3-44.7)), tetracyclines, sulphonamides, lithium, and corticosteroids. In obese controls, odds ratios were also significantly increased for these exposures. Hormonal contraceptive use and exposure to pregnancy did not appear to be associated factors for idiopathic intracranial hypertension development.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Sweden is lower relative to reports from other countries but is on the rise. This case-control study confirms several previously reported risk factors associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Optic Nerve Head Morphological Changes Over 12 Hours in Seated and Head-Down Tilt Postures

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in optic nerve head (ONH) morphology in seated and 6° head-down tilt (HDT) postures over a 12-hour period.

Methods

Thirty eyes of 30 healthy human subjects (15 females) were included. Composite radial and circular optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans centered on the ONH, intraocular pressure (IOP), and optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) were acquired every two hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for both seated (n = 30) and HDT (n = 10) sessions. Global minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), total retinal thickness (TRT), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and Bruch's membrane opening (BMO) height were quantified.

Results

BMO-MRW decreased an average of 9.55 ± 8.03 µm (P < 0.01) over 12 hours in a seated position (range, -26.64 to +3.36 µm), and thinning was greater in females (-13.56 vs. -5.55 µm, P = 0.004). Modest decreases in TRT from the BMO to 500 µm (P < 0.04) and RNFLT for the 2.7, 3.5, and 4.2 mm circular scans (P < 0.02) were also observed. BMO-MRW thinning was not related to changes in IOP or ONSD (P = 0.34). In HDT, IOP and ONSD increased, BMO height moved anteriorly, and BMO-MRW thinning did not occur (P > 0.1).

Conclusions

The neuroretinal rim thins throughout the day in healthy individuals, and this change cannot be explained by changes in IOP or ONSD during the same time period. A HDT posture blunts the neuroretinal rim thinning observed in a seated position, suggesting a role of the translaminar pressure difference.