Kresten Rubeck Petersen

Suprapubic Versus Transurethral Bladder Drainage after Colposuspension/Vaginal Repair

Abstract. Ninety‐two patients with preoperative sterile urine undergoing colposuspension or vaginal repair operation for stress urinary incontinence and/or genital descensus were randomized to either suprapubic or transurethral postoperative catheter drainage. The prevalence of significant bac‐teriuria on the fifth postoperative day was statistically significantly lower when using suprapubic catheter (20.8%) than with transurethral catheter drainage (45.5%). This applied especially to colposuspension. The rate of postoperatively impaired bladder emptying also tended to be reduced when using suprapubic catheter. At follow‐up after one year, postoperative bacteriuria was closely correlated to increased rates of both clinical cystitis and asymptomatic significant bacteriuria. Thus it is recommended to use suprapubic bladder drainage not only after colposuspension but also after vaginal repair in an effort to avoid an increased risk of urinary infections.

Effects of contraceptive steroids on cardiovascular risk factors in women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE We evaluated established cardiovascular risk factors within lipoprotein metabolism, hemostasis, and endothelial function in women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus who were using oral contraceptives. STUDY DESIGN Twenty-five women with uncomplicated insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, allocated to treatment with a monophasic combination of 30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol and 75 micrograms gestodene (treatment group, n = 12) or with nonhormonal contraception (control group, n = 13), were prospectively followed up for 12 months. Nonparametric methods were used for statistical evaluation. RESULTS No statistical differences in the biochemical risk markers were noted between the two groups at the start of the study. In the treatment group serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased, whereas the concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were unchanged. Within the coagulation system factor VII coagulant activity increased, while fibrinogen levels were unchanged. In the fibrinolytic system we found unchanged activities but decreased antigen concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor. The concentration of von Willebrand factor increased, but no change in albumin excretion rates were found. In the control group no changes in any of the variables were observed. CONCLUSION Intake of modern oral contraceptives does not deteriorate the cardiovascular risk profile in women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, but our study indicates a risk of disturbances of the endothelial integrity, which needs further investigation.

Hormonal contraception in women with IDDM. Influence on glycometabolic control and lipoprotein metabolism.

OBJECTIVE Safe and effective contraceptive methods are essential for women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), but opinions on the use of hormonal oral contraceptives by these women are conflicting. We evaluated the effects on glycometabolic control and lipoprotein metabolism in women with IDDM treated with an oral contraceptive not previously studied in a diabetic population. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A total of 22 women with IDDM received a monophasic combination of ethinyl estradiol and gestodene for 1 year; 20 women of comparable diabetic status using nonhormonal contraception were selected as control subjects. Evaluation was performed before and after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of hormonal intake using nonparametric statistical methods. RESULTS Except for a higher median age of the control group, the baseline values for all clinical and metabolic variables were similar in the two groups, and in neither of the groups were changes in blood pressure, body mass index, or glycemic control observed. In the oral contraceptive group, decreased serum levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increased levels of triglycerides and lipoprotein A were noted, whereas total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were unchanged. In the control group, a decrease of LDL cholesterol was observed. No effect of tobacco smoking on glycometabolic control or lipoprotein metabolism could be demonstrated during hormonal intake. CONCLUSIONS No evidence of impaired glycometabolic control or adverse changes in serum levels of lipoproteins known to be associated with atherosclerosis was observed in women with well-controlled IDDM during 1 year of oral contraception with ethinyl estradiol and gestodene.

Metabolic and fibrinolytic response to changed insulin sensitivity in users of oral contraceptives

The fundamental role of insulin resistance for metabolic changes linked to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes is increasingly recognized. Oral contraceptives (OC) may affect insulin sensitivity, and a detailed characterization hereof, as well as the secondary effects on related metabolic systems, are relevant in the evaluation of the risk of developing vascular disorders or diabetes in OC users. We studied insulin sensitivity index (S(I)), glucose effectiveness (S(g)), and insulin response in young, healthy women by frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance tests before and after randomization to 6 months of treatment with ethinyl estradiol in triphasic combination with norgestimate (n = 17) or gestodene (n = 20). Measurements of fasting triglycerides and antigen concentrations of tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) were also included. Both compounds increased fasting plasma insulin and reduced S(i) but did not affect S(g). The relationships between S(i) and insulin response were unchanged. No consistent correlation between insulin sensitivity and triglycerides, t-PA, or PAI-1 were demonstrated before or during treatment. We conclude that the treatments were followed by a compensated decrease in insulin sensitivity that was unrelated to changes in triglycerides, t-PA, or PAI-1 antigen.

Comparative Trial of the Effects on Glucose Tolerance and Lipoprotein Metabolism of two New Oral Contraceptives Containing Gestoden and Desogestrel

The effects of two new low‐dose oral contraceptives (triphasic ethinyl estradiollgestoden and monophasic ethinyl estradiolldesogestrel) on glucose tolerance, plasma insulin response to glucose, fasting plasma cortisol, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (C), HDL‐C, LDL‐C, VLDL‐C and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBGI were investigated in two groups of healthy women (n = 10). Investigations were performed prior to hormone ingestion and after treatment for 2 and 6 months. In both groups, fasting plasma levels of glucose and insulin as well as the areas below the glucose concentration curves were unchanged during treatment, whereas the insulin response to oral glucose was equally increased (p >0.05). Intake of both compounds was followed by similar increases in the levels of HDL‐C (p>0.05) and in the HDL‐C/total‐C (p > 0.05). A transient decrease in the levels of LDL‐C was observed in both groups after two months. During intake of the gestoden‐containing compound increases in VLDL‐C and TG levels were registered after six months (p>0.05). Plasma levels of SHBG increased similarly in both groups (p>0.0l). The study indicates, that intake of both hormonal compounds is free from adverse effects on glucose tolerance and lipoprotein metabolism known to be of clinical significance. No differences in the metabolic effects were found between the two compounds.

Combined oral contraceptives’ influence on weight, body composition, height, and bone mineral density in girls younger than 18 years: A systematic review

Abstract Objective Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are increasingly used by adolescents. The aim of this review is to investigate the evidence regarding COCs’ influence on weight, height and bone mineral density (BMD) in girls younger than 18 years. Method Systematic literature search using PubMed/Medline and Scopus (January 1990–February 2012) on COCs for girls under 18 years of age and the possible influence on body parameters. MeSH terms: Oral contraception; Adolescent; Weight; Body composition; Height; Bone mineral density. Results There is no evidence that COCs induce weight gain in girls younger than 18 years. Obese girls are not at higher risk of gaining weight. COCs do not cause changes in body fat and lean mass beyond the changes caused by natural development. Moreover, growth and stature are unaffected. Few studies indicate that COCs have a negative impact on BMD, but the evidence is presently too limited for definite conclusions. Conclusion Studies in young users are few. Presently, there are no indications of a negative impact of COCs on weight, body composition or height. Lesser increases in BMD cannot be excluded. As the demand for COCs is increasing among the youngest girls, there is a need for prospective studies addressing this issue.

Mechanism of action of oral contraceptives on carbohydrate metabolism at the cellular level

Abstract Although the available scientific data on the undesired metabolic effects of sex steroids have accumulated rapidly, most are of a descriptive nature, and only a few studies elucidate the impact at the cellular level and the possible interrelationship between different metabolic systems. This review summarizes the influence of different contraceptive steroid combinations on glucose metabolism and points to the possible mechanisms behind a disturbance of the euglycemic homeostasis with a concomitant change in lipid metabolism. Today the general concept is that the influence of combined sex steroid products on glucose metabolism is mainly caused by the progestogen components, although artificial estrogens may act synergistically. The diabetogenic effects of the progestogens make it important to consider the development during the last decade of the new more selective progestogens of the gonane type. From recent studies it seems, however, that intake of contraceptive combinations of ethinyl estradiol in combination with these types of gonanes, such as desogestrel and gestodene, may also be accompanied by increased insulin resistance, specifically, a hyperinsulinemic response to a glucose challenge despite unchanged glucose values compared with a baseline test. This is similar to observations made with combinations of ethinyl estradiol and other more traditional types of progestogens of the gonane and estrane type. It is conceivable that the diabetogenic effects of the progestogens are caused by a change in insulin receptor binding or a postreceptor defect in the cellular insulin action. The clinical implications of the diabetogenic effects of the sex steroids are hard to interpret, but more long-term exposure of arterial tissue to elevated concentrations of glucose and insulin results in inhibition of lipolysis and synthesis of cholesterol and triglycerides, which result in the development of1ipid-filled lesions-fatty streaks-similar to those of early atherosclerosis. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1990;163:343-348.)

Contraception guidance in women with pre-existing disturbances in carbohydrate metabolism.

OBJECTIVES To review our studies on the clinical and metabolic impact of contraceptive methods in women with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in order to provide suggestions for the contraceptive counselling of these women. METHODS The clinical events following first insertions of copper IUDs were studied in 103 women with IDDM and in 119 non-diabetic women. Moreover we studied the effects on glycometabolic control and lipid metabolism in women with well-controlled IDDM using low-dose oral contraceptives (OCs) containing ethinylestradiol combined with norethisterone (n = 10), levonorgestrel (n = 9) or gestodene (n = 11). Hemostatic and endothelial function was also studied in the women using the gestodene-containing preparation. Finally, we studied the impact of oral contraceptives on the insulin sensitivity in women with previous GDM. RESULTS The continuation rates and indications for medical removal of the IUDs were similar in the diabetic and the non-diabetic women. There was no increased pregnancy rate or increased frequency of pelvic inflammatory disease in the diabetic women. The glycemic control was not changed by the OCs and none of the treatment regimens were associated with changes in plasma lipids linked to increased risk of atherosclerosis. Indications of increased fibrin formation, which seemed to be compensated by increased fibrinolytic activity, were noted with the gestodene-containing preparation. None of the women developed microalbuminuria during the study. Compared to normal women, we found reduced insulin sensitivity in the women with previous GDM using the pill. CONCLUSION Intrauterine devices and barrier methods can be used by diabetic women with the same reservations as in the general population. Low-dose OCs do not influence the glycemic control and have no adverse impact on plasma lipids. The balance between fibrin formation and resolution was maintained during intake of the gestodene-containing pill. Our findings suggest that combined oral contraceptives can be used in women with uncomplicated IDDM and in women with previous GDM if clinical and metabolic monitoring can be ensured.

Contraception for Women with Diabetes Mellitus

Planned pregnancy is mandatory in women with diabetes, and their need for contraception is essential. Basically, the same methods can be used as in women without diabetes, but a number of specific conditions have to be considered when guiding these women, as we discuss in this review. Unfortunately, the field is limited in studies in certain areas, especially considering contraception for women with type 1 diabetes and late diabetic complications and women with type 2 diabetes. Thus, in the real clinical world, the choice of contraceptive often will be a kind of compromise, balancing pro and cons for the different available methods.

Assessment of endothelial function during oral contraception in women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

The effects of contraceptive steroids on the expression of endothelial homeostasis were examined by direct and indirect measures in women with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in a prospective nonrandomized controlled study. Study subjects were 13 women with uncomplicated IDDM treated with a monophasic combination of 30 micrograms ethinyl estradiol and 75 micrograms gestodene for 12 consecutive cycles and 13 women of comparable diabetic status as control. During the study period, none of the participants developed increased renal albumin excretion, which was used as a direct measure of endothelial function. In the indirect assessment of endothelial function, we found a proportionate increase in plasma levels of thrombin-antithrombin III (TAT) complexes and D-dimer during treatment. Hormonal intake was followed by decreased antigen concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor (type 1 [PAI-1]), whereas the activities of t-PA and PAI-1 were unchanged. Plasma levels of plasminogen and histidine-rich glycoprotein (HRG) increased and decreased, respectively, whereas an increase in von Willebrand factor was observed in the treatment group. No significant changes in direct or indirect measures were observed in the control group during the observation period of 12 months. In conclusion, no adverse effect on endothelial function was demonstrated by direct measures, but our findings suggest that a procoagulant state, compensated by enhanced activity of the fibrinolytic system, is induced by hormonal treatment. Clinical and metabolic monitoring is recommended if the use of oral contraceptives in women with IDDM is extended.