[Microcirculation and oral contraceptives]

Phlebologie. 1982 Apr-Jun;35(2):631-7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

A microvascular "condition" associated with the contraceptive Pill does exist; it explains in those "priviledged" women certain functional symptoms and minor venous incidence such as telangiectasia. We still have to prove the direct and particular relation. Documents and statistics are few and far between ; the reasons for this are the difficulty in obtaining them, the pharmaceutical form, and individual vascular response. A regional investigation was carried out over four years in a homogenous population shows only four cases of telangiectasia. Clinical and experimental facts enable us to discuss the pathogeny. Excessive permeability and capillaro-venular neogenesis are at its basis and, mutatis mutandis, we can compare gravid histangiopathy and functional histangiopathy of the Pill, there being no fibrinoid necrosis. We are able to observe under capillaroscopy the same phenomenon in the base of the nail, as in the ocular conjunctiva: this stems from excessive permeability and its effects of interstitial constriction on the microvessels when the lymphatic drainage is flooded. Corrective treatment is possible.

PIP: A microvascular condition associated with oral contraceptives (OCs) does exist; it explains those privileged women in whom there were certain functional symptoms and minor venous incidence such as telangiectasia. We must still prove the direct relationship. Documentation and statistics are scarce due to difficulty in obtaining pharmaceutical forms from them and individual vascular response. A regional investigation was carried out over a 4-year period in a homogenous population which showed only 4 cases of this disorder. Clinical and experimental facts enable us to discuss its pathogeny. Excessive permeability and capillaro-venular neogenesis are its basis, and mutatis mutandis. We are able to observe under capillaroscopy the same phenomenon in the base of the nail as well as in the ocular conjunctiva. This stems from excessive permeability and its effects on interstitial constriction on the microvessels when the lymphatic drainage is flooded. Corrective treatment is possible. (author's modified)

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Capillary Permeability / drug effects*
  • Contraceptives, Oral / adverse effects*
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • France
  • Humans
  • Lymphedema / chemically induced
  • Microcirculation / drug effects*
  • Rats
  • Telangiectasis / chemically induced

Substances

  • Contraceptives, Oral
  • Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal