URINARY COPROPORPHYRIN EXCRETION AND HEPATIC FUNCTION IN WOMEN TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES

Urinary total coproporphyrin concentration, measured by the rapid industrial screening test of Donath, was increased in 26% of healthy women taking oral contraceptives. Normal values were found in a control group using occlusive pessaries. Liver-function tests were performed in all women who had increased coproporphyrinuria and in a corresponding number of women taking oral contraceptives who had normal coproporphyrinuria. 16% of these women had mild hepatic dysfunction, as indicated by abnormal bromsulphthalein (B.S.P.) retention, but the association between increased coproporphyrinuria and B.S.P. retention was not significant.