Activities of five enzymes were determined biochemically in the serum of a woman taking the injectable contraceptive, depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), 150 mg every 3 months for 2 years. The specific activities of SGOT, SGPT, and alkaline phosphatase (AP)-the enzymes commonly discerned in tests on the function of the liver-do not show any change with long-term treatment of this steroid contraceptive. Activities of serum acid phosphatase (ACP) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in red cells show significant increase. DMPA contraception has no apparent harmful effect on liver function, although the rise in ACP and AChE activities may be related to some pathological condition.
PIP: A follow-up study was conducted with 50 healthy parous volunteer women in India to ascertain the effect of a long-acting progestogen contraceptive on serum enzymes and hepatic function. The women received an intramuscular injection of a long-acting contraceptive, DMPA (depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate), in a dose of 150 mg every 3 months for 2 years. Women with a past history of jaundice, diabetes, hypertension, or eclampsia were excluded from the study. The activity of SGOT, SGPT, and AP (alkaline phosphatase) did not show any change during the longterm treatment. This result would indicate normal hepatic function and the absence of any damage or injury to the liver cells. Activity of serum ACP (acid phosphatase) and AChE (acetylcholinesterase) in red cells did show significant increase, which continued up to the end of the study. Results of the study indicate that DMPA is a suitable contraceptive for use in India, particularly since it does not cause the common side effects associated with oral contraceptives and does not affect liver function.