Abstract:

BACKGROUND

Despite the modifications on Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) in term of content and dosage to lessen their side effect, paucity of information existed on the effect of COCP on kidney function.

AIM OF STUDY

Hence, this study investigates the effect of COCP containing 0.15mg levonorgestrel (a progestogen) and 0.03mg ethinylestradiol (an estrogen) on kidney biochemical parameters and electrolytes.

METHODS

The study involves 15 female rabbits divided into three groups (A, B and C). Group A served as the control, while B and C served as the test groups and were administered the COCP per body weight human doses for 7 days and 14 days respectively. At the end of the study, blood sample was obtained for the determination of plasma creatinine, urea, Na, Cl and K using standard laboratory procedures.

RESULTS

Results showed significant increase (p<0.05) in plasma creatinine, urea and K+ but a decreases in plasma Na+ and Cl-in the tests compared to the control.

CONCLUSION

Considering the observed changes in the parameters herein studied, COCPs usage is not without impact on kidney function and may cause homeostasis dysfunction and hence the need for further studies. 

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