OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety of Norplant contraceptive implant use by women with mild-moderate homozygous sickle cell disease (HbSS).

METHODS

Prospective observation of women pre- and post-insertion of Norplant, with each woman serving as her own control.

METHODS

25 women 18-40 years of age who attended a hospital sickle cell clinic; post-insertion data were available for 23 women.

METHODS

Changes in hematologic parameters including PCV, MCV, reticulocytes, ISCs, HbF and bilirubin; changes in biochemical parameters including HDL cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphate, serum creatinine and serum albumin.

RESULTS

With a mean follow-up of 12.4 months (range 1-29 months), there were no clinically or statistically significant group or individual changes in the hematologic or biochemical parameters after Norplant insertion.

CONCLUSIONS

Norplant appears to be a safe and appropriate contraceptive for women with mild-moderate HbSS disease.