ABSTRACT
PIP: The attempt was made to determine whether there has been a statistically significant change in the incidence of strokes among women of childbearing age in Bakersfield, California since oral contraceptives (OCs) came into general use in 1960 and whether the change in this incidence is similar to that determined by the staff of the Mayo Clinic in its study of Rochester, Minnesota. Results obtained for each city reveal that both the number and the incidence of strokes were greater during the 1st study period than they were during the 2nd. The incidence of strokes was markedly greater in Rochester than it was in Bakersfield during the 1st study period, but the incidence in each city during the 2nd period was about the same. It is concluded that in neither Rochester nor Bakersfield did the number or incidence of strokes among women of childbearing age increase after OC came into general use. In actuality, strokes decreased.^ieng
Subject(s)
Cerebrovascular Disorders/epidemiology , Contraceptives, Oral/adverse effects , California , Cerebrovascular Disorders/chemically induced , Epidemiologic Methods , Female , Humans , Minnesota , Pregnancy , Sex Factors , Statistics as Topic/methodsABSTRACT
PIP: This criticizes published data in a recent article on oral contraception and increased risk of cerebral ischemia or thrombosis. Data appear to establish a statistically significant increased risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic stroke among young women using oral contraceptives. This risk is believed exaggerated. In the 98 case-controlled pairs there were 10 patients with a thrombotic times greater among users as among nonusers. The authors mathematically analyze why they feel the risk was improperly computed. Also the relative risk of stroke by age and race are considered to be improperly stated.^ieng