Evaluation of haemostatic function in Nigerian Norplant® acceptors after 12 months of use

A total of 55 non-breastfeeding informed volunteers were recruited into a prospective longitudinal study from a family planning clinic between September and December 2002. Blood samples were collected at pre-treatment and at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up, for packed cell volume, platelet count, prothrombin and activated partial thromboplastin time. Statistical analysis was with paired t-tests. The level of significance was set at 5%. Each subject received a menstrual calendar to chart all bleeding and spotting events. The mean age and weight of acceptors were 32.5 ± 6.1 years and 63.6 ± 9.6 kg, respectively. Mean packed cell volume (PCV) was 35.2 ± 2.9% at pre-insertion. This rose to significant mean ± SD values of 36.5 ± 3.1%; p