Oral contraception in women with mild thrombophilia: what have we learned recently?

Abstract

Mild thrombophilias include heterozygous forms of Factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutation and high levels of factor VIII. These defects are responsible for only a moderate increase of venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk compared with strong thrombophilias (antithrombin III, protein C and protein S deficiencies and homozygous forms of factor V Leiden and G20210A prothrombin mutation). Combined oral contraceptives increase the VTE risk in women in a fertile age, and in a far more important way in thrombophilia carrier women. Universal screening of thrombophilia test before the use of combined oral contraceptives is not recommended. However, selective VTE-history based screening is associated with a better cost-effectiveness, especially in asymptomatic relatives of carriers of strong thrombophilia. Currently, combined oral contraceptives are discouraged in women with any thrombophilic defects. The VTE risk is higher during pregnancy and postpartum period compared to hormonal contraceptive use period in women with mil thrombophilia. For this reason, a careful election of an alternative birth control method is necessary in these women.