Effect of etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon®) on portal blood flow and liver functions

BackgroundThis study was conducted to evaluate changes in portal blood flow and liver functions among women using Implanon® for 2 years.Study DesignFifty healthy Implanon® users were enrolled in this longitudinal study and followed up for 24 months. Portal blood flow, assessed by color Doppler; prothrombin time and concentration; serum albumin; bilirubin; gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT); alanine aminotransferase (ALT); and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were measured before and 24 months after insertion.ResultsAfter 24 months of Implanon® insertion, there were no significant changes in portal blood flow, serum albumin, prothrombin time or concentration. However, there was a significant increase in serum levels of total and unconjugated bilirubin and GGT and a significant decrease in ALT and AST levels. All levels, however, remained within the normal range of values.ConclusionsImplanon® use for 2 years does not seem to influence portal hemodynamics. Changes in serum levels of bilirubin, GGT, ALT and AST are unlikely to be of clinical significance.