Authors : J. Ikekpeazu Ebele , E. Neboh Emeka , C. Maduka Ignatius , U. Nnadede Peace and Ejezie Ebele
Abstract: Liver function test (AST, ALT, ALP, total and conjugated bilirubin) were assayed in serum samples of 180 apparently healthy women attending the family planning clinic in UNTH, who were on hormonal contraception. The test subjects were divided into three groups based on short, mid and long term use of the contraceptives while a group of 30 patients that have not started the use of contraceptives were used as control. The mean values in the activities of AST, ALT and ALP were significantly increased, while a significant decrease was observed in the mean values of total and conjugated bilirubin in the women on short term use (p<0.05) whereas, a non significant difference (p>0.05) was observed in the women in mid term and long term use. When comparison was done between the short term users and both the mid term and long term users, statistically significant changes were observed (p<0.05), but when mid term and long term users were compared, no significant change was observed (p>0.05). The result shows that only short term use of hormonal contraceptives appear to have an effect on liver function, suggesting a possible regression of effect following mid or long term use.
J. Ikekpeazu Ebele , E. Neboh Emeka , C. Maduka Ignatius , U. Nnadede Peace and Ejezie Ebele , 2009. Effects of Duration of Use of Hormonal Contraceptives on Liver Function. Research Journal of Medical Sciences, 3: 52-55.