Antinuclear Antibodies, Rheumatoid Factor and c-Reactive Protein in Serum of Normal Women Using Oral Contraceptives

Some women who report to a hospital or arthritis clinic note exacerbation of rheumatic complaints and develop serologic abnormalities while taking oral contraceptives. The current study concerns the detection of antinuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein in normal women using these drugs. Prospective study of 82 women before and during oral contraceptive use permitted the detection of 4 who developed antinuclear antibodies, 9 who developed rheumatoid factor and 30 who developed C-reactive protein after less than 1 year of drug use. The prevalence of positive tests was greater in a group of 210 women who were using OC than that found in a group of 174 who had never used these drugs. None of these women developed rheumatic symptoms while using oral contraceptives.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/37718/1/1780140208_ftp.pd