Synthetic hormones and clot formation
Loading...
Date
Authors
Swanepoel, A.C. (Albe Carina)
Visagie, Amcois
Pretorius, Etheresia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Cambridge University Press
Abstract
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs), colloquially referred to as "the pill," have been regarded as a medical breakthrough, as they have improved the lives of countless women, from simplifying family planning to the treatment of acne, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and dysmenorrhea. Unfortunately, COC usage has been associated with an increased occurrence of venous thrombosis and therefore a systemic hypercoagulable state in susceptible females. Here we discuss the health risks of COC usage and use viscoelastic and morphological techniques to investigate the effect of different COC constituents on clot formation, particularly fibrin network packaging and whole blood viscoelasticity. Viscoelastic properties of whole blood showed gender-specific changes while morphological alterations were person-specific, regardless of gender. Using scanning electron microscopy and thromboelastography provides great insight regarding fibrin packaging and the development of a hypercoagulable state in high-risk individuals. We proposed a three-step approach where (1) an individual's coagulation profile baseline is determined, after which (2) the "ideal" combination of constituents is prescribed, and (3) the coagulation profile of the individual is monitored to assess possible risk of thrombosis. Only in following such an individualized patient-oriented approach will we be able to avoid the many health issues due to COC usage in susceptible females.
Description
Keywords
Hypercoagulability, Morphology, Venous thrombosis, Viscoelasticity, Combined oral contraceptives (COCs)
Sustainable Development Goals
Citation
Swanepoel, AC, Visagie, A & Pretorius, E 2016, 'Synthetic hormones and clot formation', Microscopy and Microanalysis, vol. 22, no. 4, pp. 878-886.