Effect of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system on cardiovascular risk markers among women with thrombophilia or previous venous thromboembolism

Objective To assess the effects of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system ( LNG ‐ IUS ) on standard cardiovascular risk markers among women with thrombophilia and/or previous venous thromboembolism ( VTE ). Methods A prospective cohort study enrolled women aged 18–45 years with thrombophilia and/or a history of VTE who received the 52‐mg LNG ‐ IUS (20 μg/d initial release) at the University of Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Brazil, from January 2006 to December 2015. Before and 12 months after LNG ‐ IUS placement, the following cardiovascular risk markers were assessed: lipid profile, body mass index ( BMI ), blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and waist circumference. The primary outcome was changes in cardiovascular risk markers. A subanalysis of anticoagulant users versus non‐users was also conducted. Results In total, 45 women were enrolled. BMI increased by 2.3% after 12 months of LNG ‐ IUS placement ( P  <   0.01), but the other risk factors did not change. Cardiovascular risk markers were similar between anticoagulant users and non‐users after 12 months of LNG ‐ IUS use. Conclusion Among women with thrombophilia and/or previous VTE , cardiovascular risk markers were not found to change significantly after 12 months of LNG ‐ IUS use. The study adds safety information regarding use of the LNG ‐ IUS for women at risk of thromboembolism.