Evaluation of some haematological indices of implanon (etonogestrel) acceptors after 36 months of use in a tertiary institution

Introduction: Implanon as a contraceptive method is used by all women of reproductive ages. It is important to continue to document its safety amongst acceptors to enhance its continuity that will increase uptake and reduction in maternal morbidity and mortalityObjective: To evaluate some haematological indices of users of Implanon over the 36 months period.Methods: The ongoing prospective longitudinal study of forty six healthy informed volunteers recruited from our family planning clinic in 2007 evaluated the haematological indices after 24 and 36months of use.Results: The mean age and parity of the clients were 34.3 ± 4.9years and 3 ± 2respectively. The mean body weight and blood pressure at pre-insertion were 71.8± 11.6kg and 119 ± 14.7/76.6 ± 9.9 mmHg. There was no statistical significant change in the body weight over the study period. The blood pressure showed a significant but within normal reduction at 12months of study 110.3± 12.7/72.3 ±8.1mmHg; p = 0.01/0/05 without any significant change at 24 and 36 months of use. The mean packed cell volume at pre-insertion was 37.3 ± 2.5%. The value rose to a statistical significant mean value of 38.6 ±1.9%; p = 0.01 at 36 months. The mean platelet concentration at pre-insertion was 177333.3 ± 54351.5 per μl. The value rose to a significant normal level of 206333.3 ± 78097.7 per ul; p =0.05 at 12 monthsof study without any significant change at 24 and 36 months. The white cell count did not show any significant change over the 36 months period. During the study period six clients discontinued use due to menorrhagia, headache and request for removal to get pregnant giving a continuation rate of 95.7%, 91.3% and 86.9% at 12, 24 and 36months of study. The efficacy was 100%.Conclusion: Implanon was an effective contraceptive method with a safe haematological profile.Keywords: Implanon (etonogestrel): haematological indice