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ElSayed NA, Aleppo G, Bannuru RR, Bruemmer D, Collins BS, Ekhlaspour L, Hilliard ME, Johnson EL, Khunti K, Lingvay I, Matfin G, McCoy RG, Perry ML, Pilla SJ, Polsky S, Prahalad P, Pratley RE, Segal AR, Seley JJ, Stanton RC, Gabbay RA. 15. Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2024. Diabetes Care 2024; 47:S282-S294. [PMID: 38078583 PMCID: PMC10725801 DOI: 10.2337/dc24-s015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, an interprofessional expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.
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ElSayed NA, Aleppo G, Aroda VR, Bannuru RR, Brown FM, Bruemmer D, Collins BS, Hilliard ME, Isaacs D, Johnson EL, Kahan S, Khunti K, Leon J, Lyons SK, Perry ML, Prahalad P, Pratley RE, Jeffrie Seley J, Stanton RC, Gabbay RA, on behalf of the American Diabetes Association. 15. Management of Diabetes in Pregnancy: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2023. Diabetes Care 2023; 46:S254-S266. [PMID: 36507645 PMCID: PMC9810465 DOI: 10.2337/dc23-s015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 100.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee, are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations and a full list of Professional Practice Committee members, please refer to Introduction and Methodology. Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.
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Merino PM, Codner E. Contraception for Adolescents and Young Women with Type 2 Diabetes-Specific Considerations. Curr Diab Rep 2022; 22:77-84. [PMID: 35150410 DOI: 10.1007/s11892-022-01448-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews how to address contraception in young women with type 2 diabetes (T2D). The presence of obesity and comorbidities associated with insulin resistance increases the risk of thromboembolic disease and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies have shown that adolescents with T2D are at high risk of unintended pregnancy with poor outcomes for the mother and offspring. Adolescents with T2D without severe obesity, micro- or macrovascular disease, or other cardiovascular risk factors can use any contraceptive method. However, only nonhormonal or progestin-only methods may be used when morbid obesity, severe hypertension, micro- or macrovascular disease, or multiple cardiovascular risk factors are present. The medical team must provide preconceptional counseling and contraception to reduce adolescent pregnancies in young women with T2D. Progestin-only or nonhormonal long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) should be recommended for women with T2D with compliance issues or adverse cardiovascular risk profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina M Merino
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 1234, 8360160, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ethel Codner
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santa Rosa 1234, 8360160, Santiago, Chile.
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Abstract
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.
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Abstract
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc21-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.
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Salinas A, Merino PM, Giraudo F, Codner E. Long-acting contraception in adolescents and young women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Pediatr Diabetes 2020; 21:1074-1082. [PMID: 32562346 DOI: 10.1111/pedi.13069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescent pregnancy is a major public health problem worldwide. Adolescents living with diabetes are not aware of the risks of unplanned pregnancy and the high rate of fetal and maternal complications when gestation occurs in women with significant hyperglycemia. These data highlight the significance of pregnancy prevention in young women with diabetes. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which include subdermal progestin implants and hormonal and nonhormonal intrauterine devices (IUDs), have been recommended by the American College of Obstetricians Gynecologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics as a first-line contraceptive option for adolescents and young women. This article reviews LARC options for adolescents and young women with type 1 (T1D) and type 2 (T2D) diabetes as well as the possible complications and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abril Salinas
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Chilean Institute of Reproductive Medicine ICMER, Santiago, Chile
| | - Paulina M Merino
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Franco Giraudo
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Juvenile Diabetes Foundation of Chile FDJ, Santiago, Chile
| | - Ethel Codner
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research, School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Tsakiridis I, Mamopoulos A, Athanasiadis A, Kourtis A, Dagklis T. Management of pregestational diabetes mellitus: a comparison of guidelines. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2020; 35:423-432. [PMID: 31992099 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2020.1719481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Pregestational diabetes is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to summarize and compare evidence-based recommendations on pregestational diabetes and to focus especially on issues related to the management of this entity.Materials and methods: A descriptive review of three recently published national guidelines on pregestational diabetes was conducted: the American Diabetes Association on "Diabetes in Pregnancy: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes - 2019," the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence on "Diabetes in pregnancy: management from preconception to the postnatal period" and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on "Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus." These guidelines were compared according to recommendations on management, during the preconception, antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum period.Results: There were many similar recommendations regarding the preconception counseling, the antepartum assessment by specialists, the glycemic control target levels, the pharmacologic treatment and the postpartum period among the three guidelines. On the other hand, the American Diabetes Association makes no recommendations regarding fetal monitoring and obstetric management during pregnancy and the intrapartum period, while there are several similarities between the other two guidelines.Conclusions: The adoption of an international consensus based on evidence - based guidelines will increase the awareness of the healthcare professionals on the management of pregestational diabetes, leading that way to more favorable perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Tsakiridis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Mamopoulos
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Apostolos Athanasiadis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Anargyros Kourtis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Themistoklis Dagklis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abstract
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) "Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes" includes the ADA's current clinical practice recommendations and is intended to provide the components of diabetes care, general treatment goals and guidelines, and tools to evaluate quality of care. Members of the ADA Professional Practice Committee, a multidisciplinary expert committee (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SPPC), are responsible for updating the Standards of Care annually, or more frequently as warranted. For a detailed description of ADA standards, statements, and reports, as well as the evidence-grading system for ADA's clinical practice recommendations, please refer to the Standards of Care Introduction (https://doi.org/10.2337/dc20-SINT). Readers who wish to comment on the Standards of Care are invited to do so at professional.diabetes.org/SOC.
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Identifying and addressing gaps in reproductive health education for adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206102. [PMID: 30399169 PMCID: PMC6219771 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Adolescent girls with diabetes are at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes due to age, risk-taking behavior, poor glycemic control, and lack of knowledge. Our aims were to assess attitudes and behaviors related to reproductive health education (RHE) among diabetes healthcare providers and adolescent girls with diabetes, and to pilot a brief clinic-based RHE intervention. Methods We surveyed 29 providers and 50 adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes about RHE experiences, attitudes, and behaviors. We piloted the RHE intervention with 9 adolescent-parent dyads. Results 50% of providers were very uncomfortable discussing pregnancy or contraception. Most (72%) did not proactively initiate RHE; common barriers included insufficient time and subject knowledge. Fewer than 10% recommended long-acting reversible contraceptives. A minority (10%) of adolescents had discussed pregnancy or contraception with a provider. RHE sessions lasted a median of 16 (range 13–24) minutes, and there were promising trends for changes in adolescents’ self-efficacy and intentions to use contraception and seek preconception counseling and in their knowledge of reproductive health. Conclusion Adolescent girls with diabetes rarely receive education on pregnancy and contraception due to provider discomfort, limited knowledge, and limited time. RHE using easily-accessible materials with an educator may help address this gap in care.
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Lang B, Josephy T, Micks E, McCoy E, Prager S. Use of the Levonorgestrel Intrauterine Device in Women With Type 2 Diabetes. Clin Diabetes 2018; 36:251-256. [PMID: 30078945 PMCID: PMC6053853 DOI: 10.2337/cd17-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
IN BRIEF Women with type 2 diabetes are less likely to receive prescriptions for contraceptives despite the fact that diabetes is associated with an increased risk of maternal and fetal complications. In the largest case series to date examining use of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) in women with type 2 diabetes, we demonstrate that the LNG-IUD is safe and effective and does not affect glycemic control in women with type 2 diabetes. In this study of 115 women under the age of 55 years with type 2 diabetes who had an LNG-IUD placed between 2007 and 2012, we found low rates of pregnancies, expulsions, and other complications in every age category and disease stratification. Thirty-nine patients had A1C data before and up to 2 years after placement, and there was no significant change in A1C (mean A1C decrease of 0.17, 95% CI -0.76 to 0.43). This study will enable evidence-based contraceptive counseling for women with type 2 diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Lang
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Tatiana Josephy
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Elizabeth Micks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Erin McCoy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Sarah Prager
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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Schwarz EB, Braughton MY, Riedel JC, Cohen S, Logan J, Howell M, Thiel de Bocanegra H. Postpartum care and contraception provided to women with gestational and preconception diabetes in California's Medicaid program. Contraception 2017; 96:432-438. [PMID: 28844877 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare rates of postpartum care and contraception provided to women with gestational or preconception diabetes mellitus to women with no known diabetes mellitus. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 199,860 women aged 15-44 years who were continuously enrolled in California's Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, from 43 days prior to 99 days after delivering in 2012. Claims for postpartum clinic visits and contraceptive supplies were compared for 11,494 mothers with preconception diabetes, 17,970 mothers with gestational diabetes, and 170,396 mothers without diabetes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to control for maternal age, race/ethnicity, primary language, residence in a primary care shortage area, state-funded healthcare program and Cesarean delivery, when examining the effects of diabetes on postpartum care and contraception. RESULTS Although postpartum clinic visits were more common with diabetes (55% preconception, 55% gestational, 48% no diabetes, p=<.0001), almost half did not receive any postpartum care within 99 days of delivery. Women with pregnancies complicated by diabetes were more likely to receive permanent contraception than women without diabetes (preconception diabetes, aOR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.31-1.47; gestational diabetes, aOR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.14-1.27). However, among women without permanent contraception, less than half received any reversible contraception within 99 days of delivery (44% preconception, 43% gestational, 43% no diabetes) and less effective, barrier contraceptives were more commonly provided to women with preconception diabetes than women without diabetes (aOR: 1.24, 95% CI:1.16-1.33). CONCLUSIONS Low-income Californian women with pregnancies complicated by diabetes do not consistently receive postpartum care or contraception that may prevent complication of future pregnancies. IMPLICATIONS Efforts are needed to improve rates of provision of postpartum care and high quality contraceptive services to low income women in California, particularly following pregnancies complicated by diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Y Braughton
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julie Cross Riedel
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susannah Cohen
- California Department of Health Care Services, Information Management Division, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Julia Logan
- California Department of Health Care Services, Office of the Medical Director, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Mike Howell
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Heike Thiel de Bocanegra
- University of California, San Francisco, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Robinson A, Nwolise C, Shawe J. Contraception for women with diabetes: challenges and solutions. Open Access J Contracept 2016; 7:11-18. [PMID: 29386933 PMCID: PMC5683149 DOI: 10.2147/oajc.s56348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM), the most common of metabolic disorders, is a global public health concern. Numbers are rising with 383 million adults currently diagnosed with DM and another 175 million as yet undiagnosed. The rise in cases includes increasing numbers of women of a reproductive age whose reproductive health and contraception need careful consideration. Unintended pregnancy with poor glycemic control at the time of conception increases the chance of adverse pregnancy outcomes including stillbirth, congenital abnormalities, and perinatal mortality. In order to minimize complications, safe and effective contraception is paramount for all women with DM. This is a challenge as women have been found to be reticent to ask for advice, appear to lack understanding of risks, and are less likely to be using contraception than women without DM. The World Health Organization has developed Medical Eligibility Criteria to guide contraceptive choice. Women with DM without complications can choose from the full range of contraceptive methods including hormonal contraception as the advantages of use outweigh any risk. Women with diabetic complications may need specialist advice to assess the risk–benefit equation, particularly in respect of hormonal contraception. Women should be aware that there is no restriction to the use of oral and copper intrauterine emergency contraception methods. There is a need for an integrated approach to diabetes and reproductive health with improved communication between women with DM and their health care providers. Women need to be aware of advice and services and should make their own choice of contraception based on their needs and associated risk factors. Practitioners can offer nonjudgmental guidance working in partnership with women. This will enable discussion of risks and benefits of contraceptive methods and provision of advice dedicated to improving overall health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Robinson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Chidiebere Nwolise
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
| | - Jill Shawe
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Surrey, UK
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Kroelinger CD, Waddell LF, Goodman DA, Pliska E, Rudolph C, Ahmed E, Addison D. Working with State Health Departments on Emerging Issues in Maternal and Child Health: Immediate Postpartum Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2015; 24:693-701. [PMID: 26390378 PMCID: PMC4872698 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2015.5401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are highly effective in preventing unintended pregnancy. State health departments are in the process of implementing a systems change approach to better apply policies supporting the use of immediate postpartum LARC. METHODS Beginning in 2014, a group of national organizations, federal agencies, and six states have convened a LARC Learning Community to share strategies and best practices in immediate postpartum LARC policy development and implementation. Community activities consist of in-person meetings and a webinar series as forums to discuss systems change. RESULTS The Learning Community identified eight domains for discussion and development of resources: training, pay streams, stocking and supply, consent, outreach, stakeholder partnerships, service location, and data and surveillance. The community is currently developing resource materials and guidance for use by other state health departments. CONCLUSIONS To effectively implement policies on immediate postpartum LARC, states must engage a number of stakeholders in the process, raise awareness of the challenges to implementation, and communicate strategies across agencies during policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlan D. Kroelinger
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Lisa F. Waddell
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, Virginia
| | - David A. Goodman
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Ellen Pliska
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Claire Rudolph
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Einas Ahmed
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, Arlington, Virginia
| | - Donna Addison
- Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Shohel M, Rahman MM, Zaman A, Uddin MMN, Al-Amin MM, Reza HM. A systematic review of effectiveness and safety of different regimens of levonorgestrel oral tablets for emergency contraception. BMC Womens Health 2014; 14:54. [PMID: 24708837 PMCID: PMC3977662 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6874-14-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unintended pregnancy is a complex phenomenon which raise to take an emergency decision. Low contraceptive prevalence and high user failure rates are the leading causes of this unexpected situation. High user failure rates suggest the vital role of emergency contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy. Levonorgestrel - a commonly used progestin for emergency contraception. However, little is known about its pharmacokinetics and optimal dose for use. Hence, there is a need to conduct a systematic review of the available evidences. METHODS Randomized, double-blind trials were sought, evaluating healthy women with regular menstrual cycles, who requested emergency contraception within 72 h of unprotected coitus, to one of three regimens: 1.5 mg single dose levonorgestrel, two doses of 0.75 mg levonorgestrel given 12 h apart or two doses of 0.75 mg levonorgestrel given 24 h apart. The primary outcome was unintended pregnancy; other outcomes were side-effects and timing of next menstruation. RESULTS Every trial under consideration successfully established the contraceptive effectiveness of levonorgestrel for preventing unintended pregnancy. Moreover, a single dose of levonorgestrel 1.5 mg for emergency contraception supports its safety and efficacy profile. If two doses of levonorgestrel 0.75 mg are intended for administration, the second dose can positively be taken 12-24 h after the first dose without compromising its contraceptive efficacy. The main side effect was frequent menstrual irregularities. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS The review shows that, emergency contraceptive regimen of single-dose levonorgestrel is not inferior in efficacy to the two-dose regimen. All the regimens studied were very efficacious for emergency contraception and prevented a high proportion of pregnancies if taken within 72 h of unprotected coitus. Single levonorgestrel dose (1.5 mg) can substitute two 0.75 mg doses 12 or 24 h apart. With either regimen, the earlier the treatment is given, the more effective it seems to be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Shohel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | | | - Asif Zaman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Mamun Al-Amin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
| | - Hasan Mahmud Reza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
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