Helen Paterson1, Janelle Ashton, Mira Harrison-Woolrych. 1. Dunedin School of Medicine, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Otago Dunedin, New Zealand. helen.paterson@otago.ac.nz
Abstract
BACKGROUND: While the use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is well established in the adult population, there have been no research studies specifically on the use of the LNG-IUD in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: A nationwide cohort study of 179 adolescents in New Zealand using the LNG-IUD, by means of a follow-up questionnaire to their practitioner, was conducted to determine the indications for insertion of the LNG-IUD and to establish patterns of use, including duration of use and reasons for removal. RESULTS: The study, with a 94% response rate, demonstrated that the most common indication for use was menorrhagia (17%); 29% of adolescents had an "off-label" primary indication. There was a 1-year continuation rate of 85%. The cumulative incidence of expulsion was 8%. CONCLUSION: The results of this study should be reassuring for practitioners and adolescents considering use of the LNG-IUD. However, further research is required into the safety and efficacy of the LNG-IUD in adolescents especially in the management of off-label indications.
BACKGROUND: While the use of the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) is well established in the adult population, there have been no research studies specifically on the use of the LNG-IUD in adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: A nationwide cohort study of 179 adolescents in New Zealand using the LNG-IUD, by means of a follow-up questionnaire to their practitioner, was conducted to determine the indications for insertion of the LNG-IUD and to establish patterns of use, including duration of use and reasons for removal. RESULTS: The study, with a 94% response rate, demonstrated that the most common indication for use was menorrhagia (17%); 29% of adolescents had an "off-label" primary indication. There was a 1-year continuation rate of 85%. The cumulative incidence of expulsion was 8%. CONCLUSION: The results of this study should be reassuring for practitioners and adolescents considering use of the LNG-IUD. However, further research is required into the safety and efficacy of the LNG-IUD in adolescents especially in the management of off-label indications.
Authors: Amie L Bingham; Cameryn C Garrett; Christine Bayly; Anne M Kavanagh; Louise A Keogh; Rebecca J Bentley; Jane S Hocking Journal: BMC Womens Health Date: 2018-11-27 Impact factor: 2.809