The effect of Implanon® and a non-medicated intrauterine device on the
development of breastfed infants
S. Taneepanichskul (1), T. Dieben (2)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chulalongkorn Hospital, Bangkok,
Thailand (1); Clinical Development Department, NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands
(2)
Objective: The effect of an etonogestrel-releasing implant
(Implanon®) and a non-medicated IUD (Multiload-cu 375 SL) on the development of
breastfed infants over a 3-year follow up period was assessed.
Design and Methods: The study was designed to investigate the safety
and acceptability of Implanon and the non-medicated IUD in lactating women, and
the effects of treatment on the development of the breast-fed infants. Healthy
lactating women, 28–56 days post-partum, were recruited and were free to
choose between the implant and the IUD. The results relating to the effect of
Implanon and the IUD on parameters of lactation and transfer of etonogestrel to
breast milk have been published previously (Reinprayoon D. et al. Contraception
2000; 62:239–246). The development of the breastfed infants was studied over a
3-year follow-up period and is reported here. Statistical analysis of
anthropometric parameters of the children was done using a random coefficients
model (longitudinal analysis).
Results: Forty-two women were included in the Implanon group and 38 in
the IUD group. Mean duration of treatment and breast-feeding was 988.8 and 421.0
days in the Implanon group and 909.1 and 423.4 days in the IUD group,
respectively. After 3 years of follow-up, there were no differences between the
groups in the development of the infants (body length, biparietal head
circumference and body weight). No abnormalities were reported in psychomotoric
development or on physical examination. No treatment-related side effects were
observed among the children in both groups. The most frequently reported adverse
events were ‘respiratory tract disorders’ and ‘skin and appendages
disorders’.
Conclusions: No differences were observed in the growth and
development of the breast-fed infants in either the Implanon or IUD groups
during the 3-year follow up period. There were no differences in safety-related
parameters between the two groups. Implanon is therefore a safe contraceptive
option for breast-feeding women.
