Biomaterial Database

Effect of subdermal levonorgestrel contraceptive implants, Norplant, on liver functions. 1984

M M Shaaban, and S I Elwan, and M M el-Sharkawy, and A S Farghaly

Forty-seven normal health women were studied longitudinally for changes in liver functions during the use of the levonorgestrel contraceptive implant system, NORPLANT. Samples were collected before insertion of the implants and after one, three and six months of use. The enzymes studied were the transaminases (SGOT and SGPT), alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyl transferase. Serum bilirubin and bile acid levels were also measured. The protein synthetic function of the liver was tested by estimation of total proteins, albumin, transferrin, hemopexin, ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. The three main immunoglobulins, G, M and A, were also measured. There were no significant changes in the liver enzymes after NORPLANT use. Serum bilirubin and bile acid concentrations showed rises in the first month of use which ameliorated in subsequent months. Serum albumin was transiently increased during the first and third months. Ceruloplasmin decreased significantly at the sixth month. The concentrations of total serum proteins and the other individual proteins showed no significant change. The results point to safety of NORPLANT implant use, as regards hepatic functions.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008099	Liver	A large lobed glandular organ in the abdomen of vertebrates that is responsible for detoxification, metabolism, synthesis and storage of various substances.	Livers
D008111	Liver Function Tests	Blood tests that are used to evaluate how well a patient's liver is working and also to help diagnose liver conditions.	Function Test, Liver,Function Tests, Liver,Liver Function Test,Test, Liver Function,Tests, Liver Function
D009644	Norgestrel	A synthetic progestational agent with actions similar to those of PROGESTERONE. This racemic or (+-)-form has about half the potency of the levo form (LEVONORGESTREL). Norgestrel is used as a contraceptive, ovulation inhibitor, and for the control of menstrual disorders and endometriosis.	18,19-Dinorpregn-4-en-20-yn-3-one, 13-ethyl-17-hydroxy-, (17alpha)-(+-)-,DL-Norgestrel,Neogest,Ovrette,Postinor,Wy-3707,DL Norgestrel,Wy 3707,Wy3707
D002570	Ceruloplasmin	A multi-copper blood FERROXIDASE involved in iron and copper homeostasis and inflammation.	Caeruloplasmin,Ferroxidase,Ceruloplasmin Ferroxidase,Ceruloplasmin Oxidase,Ferroxidase I,alpha(2)-Ceruloplasmin,Ferroxidase, Ceruloplasmin,Oxidase, Ceruloplasmin
D003277	Contraceptives, Oral, Combined	Fixed drug combinations administered orally for contraceptive purposes.	Combined Oral Contraceptive,Contraceptive Agents, Female, Combined,Oral Contraceptives, Combined,Combined Oral Contraceptives,Contraceptive, Combined Oral,Contraceptives, Combined Oral,Oral Contraceptive, Combined
D004343	Drug Implants	Small containers or pellets of a solid drug implanted in the body to achieve sustained release of the drug.	Drug Implant,Drug Pellet,Pellets, Drug,Drug Pellets,Implant, Drug,Implants, Drug,Pellet, Drug
D005260	Female		Females
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328	Adult	A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available.	Adults
D001647	Bile Acids and Salts	Steroid acids and salts. The primary bile acids are derived from cholesterol in the liver and usually conjugated with glycine or taurine. The secondary bile acids are further modified by bacteria in the intestine. They play an important role in the digestion and absorption of fat. They have also been used pharmacologically, especially in the treatment of gallstones.	Bile Acid,Bile Salt,Bile Salts,Bile Acids,Acid, Bile,Acids, Bile,Salt, Bile,Salts, Bile