Hormonal Contraception Effects On Pulmonary Function In Adolescents With Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract Background Estrogens are suspected to have a negative effect on pulmonary function in women with cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of our study was to investigate, in a CF adolescent population, the effect of hormonal contraception (HC) on lung function by assessing the Force Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), the number of exacerbations of pulmonary condition and antibiotic use. Methods We conducted a cohort retrospective chart review of girls from age 13 to 18 y.o. followed in the CF clinic of a University Hospital Center. Wilcoxon rank sum test with continuity correction, two sample t-test, conditional test of Poisson rates and Chi-square test were conducted to identify differences in results between adolescents with or without use of hormonal contraception for the following outcomes: FEV1, use of antibiotics by nebulizer, and hospital admission for exacerbations of pulmonary condition. Results Among 127 adolescents, 50.4% took HC; 9% had been steadily on HC over 3 years continuously. For girls taking HC for more than 3 years, FEV 1 at 18 years old was significantly higher than for girls who had never taken HC (85.17% vs 71.05% p=0.043). However, there was no difference in the number of hospital admissions for exacerbation of pulmonary condition between these two groups (p=0.057). There was no difference between HC vs non HC users in the percent of patients taking antibiotics by nebulizer over the 6 years of follow-up. Conclusion Our study suggests that in adolescents with CF, HC has no deleterious effects on the FEV1. Further prospective studies could be done in order to confirm these results.