Cystoscopy-assisted laparoscopy for bladder endometriosis: modified light-to-light technique for bladder preservation

ABSTRACT Introduction Endometriosis is a disease with causes still unclear, affecting approximately 15% of women of reproductive age, and in 1%-2% of whom it may involve the urinary tract. The bladder is the organ most frequently affected by endometriosis, observed around 85% of the cases. In such cases, the most effective treatment is partial cystectomy, especially via videolaparoscopy. Study Objective, Design, Size and Duration In order to identify and delimit the extent of the intravesical endometriosis lesion, to determine the resection limits, as well as to perform an optimal reconstruction of the organ aiming for its maximum preservation, we performed a cystoscopy simultaneously with the surgery, employing a modified light-to-light technique in 25 consecutive patients, from September 2006 to May 2012. Setting Study performed at Campinas Medical Center – Campinas – Sao Paulo – Brazil.Participants/materials, setting and methods: Patients aged 27 to 47 (average age: 33.4 years) with deep endometriosis with total bladder involvement were selected for the study. The technique used was conventional laparoscopy with a transvaginal uterine manipulator and simultaneous cystoscopy (the light-to-light technique). A partial videolaparoscopic cystectomy was performed with cystoscopy-assisted vesical reconstruction throughout the entire surgical time. The lesions had an average size of 2.75cm (ranging from 1.5 to 5.5cm). The average surgical time was 137.7 minutes, ranging from 110 to 180 minutes. Main Results Postoperative follow-up time was 32.4 months (12-78 months), with clinical evaluation and a control cystoscopy performed every six months. No relapse was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusions A cystoscopy-assisted partial laparoscopic cystectomy with a modified light-to-light technique is a method that provides adequate identification of the lesion limits, intra or extravesically. It also allows a safe reconstruction of the organ aiming for its maximum preservation.

Cystoscopy-assisted laparoscopy for bladder endometriosis: modified light-to-light technique for bladder preservation.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a disease with causes still unclear, affecting approximately 15% of women of reproductive age, and in 1%-2% of whom it may involve the urinary tract. The bladder is the organ most frequently affected by endometriosis, observed around 85% of the cases. In such cases, the most effective treatment is partial cystectomy, especially via videolaparoscopy. Study Objective, Design, Size and Duration: In order to identify and delimit the extent of the intravesical endometriosis lesion, to determine the resection limits, as well as to perform an optimal reconstruction of the organ aiming for its maximum preservation, we performed a cystoscopy simultaneously with the surgery, employing a modified light-tolight technique in 25 consecutive patients, from September 2006 to May 2012. SETTING: Study performed at Campinas Medical Center - Campinas - Sao Paulo - Brazil. Participants/materials, setting and methods: Patients aged 27 to 47 (average age: 33.4 years) with deep endometriosis with total bladder involvement were selected for the study. The technique used was conventional laparoscopy with a transvaginal uterine manipulator and simultaneous cystoscopy (the light-to-light technique). A partial videolaparoscopic cystectomy was performed with cystoscopy-assisted vesical reconstruction throughout the entire surgical time. The lesions had an average size of 2.75cm (ranging from 1.5 to 5.5cm). The average surgical time was 137.7 minutes, ranging from 110 to 180 minutes. MAIN RESULTS: Postoperative follow-up time was 32.4 months (12-78 months), with clinical evaluation and a control cystoscopy performed every six months. No relapse was observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: A cystoscopy-assisted partial laparoscopic cystectomy with a modified light-to-light technique is a method that provides adequate identification of the lesion limits, intra or extravesically. It also allows a safe reconstruction of the organ aiming for its maximum preservation.

Up-regulation of DNAM-1 and NKp30, associated with improvement of NK cells activation after long-term culture of mononuclear cells from patients with ovarian neoplasia.

This study aimed at evaluating the functional activation and activating receptors expression on resting, short- and long-term NK and NK-like T cells from blood of ovarian neoplasia patients. Blood from patients with adnexal benign alterations (n = 10) and ovarian cancer (grade I-IV n = 14) were collected after signed consent. Effector cells activation was evaluated by the expression of the CD107a molecule. Short-term culture was conducted overnight with IL-2 and long-term culture for 21 days, by a method designed to expand CD56(+) lymphocytes. Short-term culture significantly increased NK cells activation compared to resting NK cells (p<0.05), however, the long-term procedure supported an even higher increase (p<0.001). Resting NK-like T cells showed poor activation, which was not altered by the culture procedures. The long-term culture effectively increased the expression of the activating receptors on NK and NK-like T cells, either by increasing the number of cells expressing a given receptor and/or by up-regulating their expression intensity. As a conclusion, the long-term culture system employed, resulted in a high number of functional NK cells. The culture system was particularly efficient on the up-regulation of NKp30 and DNAM-1 receptors on NK cells.

Physical therapy and psychological intervention normalize cortisol levels and improve vitality in women with endometriosis.

There is as yet no effective treatment for endometriosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of submitting women with endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain to a therapeutic protocol involving physical and psychological therapy. Twenty-six female volunteers were submitted to a treatment protocol consisting of 2.5-h sessions, once a week for 10 weeks. We applied a Visual Analogue Scale, the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Morning, afternoon, and evening levels of cortisol were determined in saliva samples. The PSQ scores were significantly lower after treatment, whereas the scores for the SF-36 vitality and physical functioning domains were significantly higher. Salivary cortisol levels were higher after treatment in the samples collected in the morning, but not in those collected in the afternoon or evening. The post-treatment cortisol levels were similar to those reported for healthy women. There were positive correlations between vitality, role emotional, social functioning, and mental health, and negative correlations to perceived stress. In conclusion, the physical and psychological intervention protocol applied in this study to women suffering of endometriosis was effective in reducing perceived stress, normalizing cortisol levels, increasing vitality and improving physical functioning.

Quality of life after segmental resection of the rectosigmoid by laparoscopy in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis with bowel involvement.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To estimate the quality of life of patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of a segment of the rectosigmoid for the treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis with bowel involvement. DESIGN: Prospective application of the SF-36 Health Status Questionnaire to 151 women before and 1 year after surgical intervention (Canadian Task Force Design Classification II). SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of São Paulo Medical School, and Samaritano Hospital, São Paulo, Brazil. PATIENTS: A total of 151 women (mean age 34.05 ± 5.65 years) with deep infiltrating endometriosis underwent resection of a segment of the rectosigmoid by laparoscopy between 2002 to 2009. INTERVENTIONS: All the patients had historical data collected and underwent clinical examination and transvaginal ultrasonography with prior bowel preparation for resection of a segment of the rectosigmoid by laparoscopy indicated for patients with symptoms (pelvic pain) with 1 or more lesions of more than 3 cm in length or multifocal lesions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Wilcoxon signed rank test verified differences between the degrees of the symptoms and the SF-36 scores before and 1 year after laparoscopic treatment. There was a significant improvement (p < .001) in all pain-related symptoms, as well as a significant increase (p < .001) in scores in all the SF-36 domains and in the sum of the components comprising both physical and mental health. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic segmental resection of the rectosigmoid fulfills its essential objective of treating endometriosis with bowel involvement and improving patients' QoL to a significant extent.

Endometriose profunda: como abordar? / Deep endometriosis: how to approach?

A endometriose é uma doença crônica de mulheres em idade reprodutiva com sintomas que levam à diminuição na qualidade de vida e à infertilidade. As formas infiltrativas da doença penetram mais que 5 mm abaixo da superfície peritoneal, representando lesões ativas e fortemente relacionadas com dor pélvica e dispareunia profunda. A abordagem da mulher com endometriose profunda representa nos dias de hoje grande desafio para muitos ginecologistas. O diagnóstico pode ser realizado por várias técnicas, porém a ultrassonografia transvaginal e a ressonância magnética são métodos que aumentam as chances de se detectar múltiplos nódulos, as camadas envolvidas e a distância da borda anal. Não existem dados consistentes na literatura que afirmem qual a melhor opção de tratamento, clínico ou cirúrgico. A terapêutica clínica envolve medicamentos direcionados à melhora da dor, enquanto a cirúrgica baseia-se nas possíveis técnicas operatórias com menor índice de morbidade e de complicações. Assim, a mulher com endometriose deve ser abordada individualmente e de preferência com uma equipe multidisciplinar, para que se obtenham os melhores resultados, visando exclusivamente à melhora dos sintomas

Endometriosis is a chronic disease of reproductive-aged women with symptoms that lead to decreased quality of life and infertility. The infiltrative forms of the disease penetrate more than 5 mm the peritoneal surface, representing active lesions and strongly related to pelvic pain and deep dyspareunia. Nowadays, the treatment of deep endometriosis is a great challenge for many gynecologists. The diagnosis can be performed by many techniques, but the vaginal ultrasound and the magnetic resonance imaging are methods that increase the chances in detecting multiple nodules, layers involved and the distance from the anal verge. There are no consistent data in the literature that state which is the best treatment, medical or surgical. The medical therapy involves drugs related to pain relief, while the surgery is based on surgical techniques with less morbidity and complications. Therefore, women with endometriosis should be treated individually and preferably with a multidisciplinary team, to achieve the best results, in order exclusively to improve the symptoms

[Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among women in a family planning clinic]. / Infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis e Neisseria gonorrhoeae em mulheres atendidas em serviço de planejamento familiar.

PURPOSE: to study infection prevalence by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), among adolescent and young women in a family planning outpatient clinic. METHODS: a total of 230 women up to 24 years old and history of up to four sexual partners have been followed-up for 48 months, with urine collection to search CT and NG, by the polymerase chain reaction method at the 1st, 12nd, 24th, 36th and 48th months. The variables studied were age group, schooling, marital status, number of gestations, abortions and children alive, age at the onset of sexual life, previous and present use of condom, previous use of intrauterine device, number of sexual partners in the previous six months and follow-up time. Bivariate analysis of variables according to positive tests for CT and NG, and multiple analyses by logistic regression were done. RESULTS: the ratio of infections by CT was 13.5% and by NG, 3%. Two women presented both tests as positive. The previous intrauterine device use was associated with positive tests for NG. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of infections by CT and NG was higher among the age group studied and the screening of young women must be taken into consideration in our services, to control the dissemination of sexually transmitted diseases and prevention of sequels.

Infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis e Neisseria gonorrhoeae em mulheres atendidas em serviço de planejamento familiar / Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among women in a family planning clinic

OBJETIVO: estudar a prevalência de infecções por Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) e Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) entre mulheres adolescentes e jovens em ambulatório de planejamento familiar. MÉTODOS: um total de 230 mulheres com idade menor ou igual a 24 anos e antecedente de até quatro parceiros sexuais foram acompanhadas por até 48 meses, com coletas de urina para pesquisa de CT e NG pelo método da reação em cadeia da polimerase nos meses 1, 12, 24, 36 e 48. As variáveis estudadas foram faixa etária, escolaridade, estado marital, número de gestações, abortos e filhos vivos, idade de início da vida sexual, uso anterior e atual de condom, uso anterior de dispositivo intrauterino, número de parceiros nos últimos seis meses e tempo de seguimento. Realizou-se análise bivariada das variáveis segundo os testes positivos para CT e NG e análise múltipla por regressão logística. RESULTADOS: a frequência de infecções por CT foi de 13,5% e por NG de 3%, duas mulheres apresentaram ambos os testes positivos. O antecedente de uso de dispositivo intrauterino foi associado aos testes positivos para NG. CONCLUSÕES: as prevalências de infecção por CT e NG foram altas na faixa etária estudada e o rastreamento de mulheres jovens deve ser considerado em nossos serviços para controle da disseminação e prevenção de sequelas das doenças sexualmente transmissíveis.

PURPOSE: to study infection prevalence by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), among adolescent and young women in a family planning outpatient clinic. METHODS: a total of 230 women up to 24 years old and history of up to four sexual partners have been followed-up for 48 months, with urine collection to search CT and NG, by the polymerase chain reaction method at the 1st, 12nd, 24th, 36th and 48th months. The variables studied were age group, schooling, marital status, number of gestations, abortions and children alive, age at the onset of sexual life, previous and present use of condom, previous use of intrauterine device, number of sexual partners in the previous six months and follow-up time. Bivariate analysis of variables according to positive tests for CT and NG, and multiple analyses by logistic regression were done. RESULTS: the ratio of infections by CT was 13.5% and by NG, 3%. Two women presented both tests as positive. The previous intrauterine device use was associated with positive tests for NG. CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of infections by CT and NG was higher among the age group studied and the screening of young women must be taken into consideration in our services, to control the dissemination of sexually transmitted diseases and prevention of sequels.

Fatores determinantes do ganho na altura em meninas com puberdade precoce central idiopática tratadas com análogo de GnRH / Predictive factors for height gain in idiopathic central precocious puberty treated with GnRH analogues

OBJETIVO: avaliar fatores determinantes de maior ganho na estatura como resultado do tratamento com GnRHa. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo de 33 meninas com puberdade precoce central idiopática tratadas com GnRHa. Foram avaliadas: idade no início dos sintomas e no início do tratamento, tempo decorrido entre o início de aparecimento dos caracteres puberais e o início do tratamento, idade óssea, avanço da idade óssea, duração do tratamento com GnRHa, altura real e escore Z, altura predita e escore Z e dosagens hormonais de FSH e LH após estímulo com GnRH, que foram correlacionadas com o ganho de altura no final do tratamento, calculada pela diferença entre altura predita no final e início do tratamento. Para análise estatística foi utilizada a correlação linear de Pearson, além da regressão linear múltipla. RESULTADOS: a média de idade no início do tratamento foi 7,8±1,3 anos, com idade óssea média de 10,1±1,6 anos. O avanço da idade óssea era de 2,3±1,1 anos e foi controlado com o tratamento. O ganho em altura predita foi de 2,5±1,3 cm e foi correlacionado positivamente com o tempo decorrido entre o início dos sintomas e o início do tratamento e com o avanço da idade óssea, além de se correlacionar negativamente com o escore Z da altura no início do tratamento e com a altura predita no início do tratamento, sendo este último o principal fator determinante do ganho obtido com o tratamento. CONCLUSÕES: meninas com maior comprometimento da altura predita para a idade adulta, visualizado pelo maior desvio em relação à população (escore Z) e pelo maior avanço na idade óssea foram as que obtiveram maior benefício com o tratamento com GnRHa, não devendo ser excluídas do grupo a ser tratado.

PURPOSE: to evaluate predictive factors of response to GnRHa treatment in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty. METHODS: a retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 33 girls diagnosed with idiopathic central precocious puberty and treated with GnRHa. The following independent variables were assessed: age at the beginning of therapy and at the onset of symptoms, time elapsed since the appearance of pubertal characteristics and the beginning of treatment, bone age, bone age advance, duration of GnRHa treatment, actual height and Z-score, predicted height and Z-score and hormone measurements of FSH and LH after GnRH stimulation, which were correlated with gain in height as a dependent variable at treatment discontinuation, calculated by the difference between the predicted height at the end and beginning of treatment. For statistical analysis, Pearson's linear correlation was used, in addition to multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: the mean age at the beginning of treatment was 7.8±1.3 years, with a mean bone age of 10.1±1.6 years. Bone age advance was 2.3±1.1 years and was controlled during the treatment period. Gain in predicted height was 2.5±1.3cm. It was positively correlated with time elapsed since the beginning of symptoms and the beginning of treatment and with bone age advance, while negatively correlated with the Z-score of height at the beginning of treatment and predicted height at the beginning of treatment, and the latter was the main factor determining gain from treatment. CONCLUSIONS: girls who had the most significant compromise of predicted adult height, as detected by a larger deviation from the population (Z-score) and the most considerable advance in bone age, received benefit from GnRHa therapy, and they must not be excluded from the group to be treated.

Breast density in women with premature ovarian failure using hormone therapy.

BACKGROUND: Women with premature ovarian failure (POF) are treated with estrogen-progestin therapy; however, doubts remain regarding the effect of this therapy on the breasts of women with POF. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the breast density of women with POF using estrogen-progestin therapy compared with normally menstruating women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 31 women with POF using conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate and a control group of 31 normally menstruating women, paired by age. All underwent mammography, analyzed by digitization and Wolfe's classification, the latter defined as non-dense (N1 and P1) or dense (P2 and Dy). Parity, breastfeeding and body mass index were evaluated, as well as duration of hormone use and ovarian failure in the POF group. RESULTS: Digitization revealed no difference in mean breast density between the groups: 24.1+/-14.6% and 21.8+/-11.3% for POF and control groups, respectively. The Wolfe classification also failed to detect any significant difference between the groups, dense breasts being detected in 51.6% and 35.5% of cases in the POF and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Periods of hypoestrogenism followed by hormone therapy resulted in no changes in breast density in women with POF, compared with normally menstruating women of the same age.

[Predictive factors for height gain in idiopathic central precocious puberty treated with GnRH analogues]. / Fatores determinantes do ganho na altura em meninas com puberdade precoce central idiopática tratadas com análogo de GnRH.

PURPOSE: to evaluate predictive factors of response to GnRHa treatment in girls with idiopathic central precocious puberty. METHODS: a retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 33 girls diagnosed with idiopathic central precocious puberty and treated with GnRHa. The following independent variables were assessed: age at the beginning of therapy and at the onset of symptoms, time elapsed since the appearance of pubertal characteristics and the beginning of treatment, bone age, bone age advance, duration of GnRHa treatment, actual height and Z-score, predicted height and Z-score and hormone measurements of FSH and LH after GnRH stimulation, which were correlated with gain in height as a dependent variable at treatment discontinuation, calculated by the difference between the predicted height at the end and beginning of treatment. For statistical analysis, Pearson's linear correlation was used, in addition to multiple linear regression analysis. RESULTS: the mean age at the beginning of treatment was 7.8+/-1.3 years, with a mean bone age of 10.1+/-1.6 years. Bone age advance was 2.3+/-1.1 years and was controlled during the treatment period. Gain in predicted height was 2.5+/-1.3cm. It was positively correlated with time elapsed since the beginning of symptoms and the beginning of treatment and with bone age advance, while negatively correlated with the Z-score of height at the beginning of treatment and predicted height at the beginning of treatment, and the latter was the main factor determining gain from treatment. CONCLUSIONS: girls who had the most significant compromise of predicted adult height, as detected by a larger deviation from the population (Z-score) and the most considerable advance in bone age, received benefit from GnRHa therapy, and they must not be excluded from the group to be treated.

[Evaluation of pain and depression in women with endometriosis after a multi- professional group intervention]. / Avaliação de dor e depressão em mulheres com endometriose após intervenção multiprofissional em grupo.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate pain and depression scores before and after multi-professional group intervention in women with endometriosis as compared to those who did not participate in this activity. METHODS: A total of 128 women attended at the Endometriosis Outpatient Facility CAISM/UNICAMP, was assessed and distributed equally into two groups: women who received group intervention and those who did not. All women completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the Analogical Visual Scale. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in pain and depression scores at the end of group intervention. Women who had not participated in the intervention had higher initial scores of pain when compared to those who had. On the other hand, in the group without intervention,depression scores were lower. A positive correlation was identified between pain and depression in both groups. CONCLUSION: Group intervention was efficient in diminishing pain and depression in women with endometriosis and may be included in the conventional treatment for patients affected by this disease.

Avaliação de dor e depressão em mulheres com endometriose após intervenção multiprofissional em grupo / Evaluation of pain and depression in women with endometriosis after a multi- professional group intervention

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os escores de dor e depressão antes e depois da intervenção multiprofissional em grupo em mulheres com endometriose, bem como verificar as diferenças entre aquelas que não participaram dessa atividade. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 128 mulheres do Ambulatório de Endometriose do CAISM/UNICAMP, distribuídas igualmente em dois grupos: que recebeu ou não a intervenção em grupo. Todas preencheram o Inventário de Depressão de Beck e a Escala Visual Analógica. RESULTADOS: Foi identificada diminuição significativa dos escores de dor e depressão ao final da intervenção em grupo. As mulheres que não participaram dos grupos de apoio mostraram escores maiores de dor quando comparadas aos escores iniciais das participantes dos grupos. Já os escores de depressão foram menores no grupo sem intervenção. Foi identificada correlação positiva entre dor e depressão em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A intervenção em grupo foi eficaz na diminuição da dor e depressão das mulheres com endometriose, podendo ser incorporada ao tratamento convencional oferecido às portadoras dessa doença.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate pain and depression scores before and after multi-professional group intervention in women with endometriosis as compared to those who did not participate in this activity. METHODS: A total of 128 women attended at the Endometriosis Outpatient Facility CAISM/UNICAMP, was assessed and distributed equally into two groups: women who received group intervention and those who did not. All women completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the Analogical Visual Scale. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in pain and depression scores at the end of group intervention. Women who had not participated in the intervention had higher initial scores of pain when compared to those who had. On the other hand, in the group without intervention,depression scores were lower. A positive correlation was identified between pain and depression in both groups. CONCLUSION: Group intervention was efficient in diminishing pain and depression in women with endometriosis and may be included in the conventional treatment for patients affected by this disease.

Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma: a report of 2 cases with different outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Benign metastasizing leiomyoma (BML) of the lung is a rare manifestation of metastasis from a uterine myoma, in which its benign characteristics are maintained. The majority of cases are asymptomatic. CASES: Case 1 responded to the classic treatment of oophorectomy, after which an improvement in symptoms was achieved. In case 2, however, symptoms appeared following oophorectomy and were treated with raloxifene. CONCLUSION: These cases show the uncertainty that exists with respect to the evolution and treatment of symptomatic BML. Raloxifene is a therapeutic agent that has not been widely studied for this purpose but should be considered for inclusion in the arsenal of therapeutic options available.

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device reduces CA-125 serum levels in patients with endometriosis.

This study compared the long-term effects of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device with those of GnRH agonist administration on serum levels of CA-125 in patients with endometriosis. The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device was found to be as efficient as GnRH agonist in reducing CA-125 serum levels.

Depression in women with endometriosis with and without chronic pelvic pain.

AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the prevalence of depression in women surgically diagnosed with endometriosis according to the presence or absence of pelvic pain. METHODS: This cross-sectional prospective study evaluated 100 women receiving care at the Outpatients' Clinic for Endometriosis, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, equally divided into two groups: one suffering from chronic pelvic pain and the other pain-free. The Beck Depression Inventory was used in order to measure depression. RESULTS: Depression was detected in 86 and 38% of the women with and without chronic pelvic pain, respectively. Complaints of depression, such as somatic concerns, work inhibition, dissatisfaction, and sadness, were observed at a significantly higher rate in the group with pain. A sensation of failure was the only variable observed more frequently in the pain-free group. CONCLUSIONS: Depression is highly prevalent in women with endometriosis, especially those with pelvic pain. Careful evaluation can identify women with depression who may benefit from treatment.

Effect of a combined oral contraceptive containing 20 microg ethinyl estradiol and 75 microg gestodene on hemostatic parameters.

The effects of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing 20 microg ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 75 microg gestodene (GSD) on prothrombin activity (PA), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time (TT), platelet number, fibrinogen, antithrombin III (ATIII), protein C, protein S and D-dimer were evaluated over 6 months in 23 young, healthy women. Laboratory assessments were performed prior to initiation of COC use (pretreatment) and after 3 and 6 months of use. Results showed no significant changes in fibrinogen, protein C, ATIII or D-dimer during COC use, compared with pretreatment values. The increase in platelet count, decreases in protein S level, PA and APTT, and the prolongation of TT were significant. In conclusion, the use of a COC containing 20 microg EE and 75 microg GSD did not cause any significant changes in the hemostatic parameters studied that could be suggestive of a higher prothrombotic risk. Further studies with a larger sample size are necessary in order to obtain conclusive data.