@Article{chd.12752,
AUTHOR = {Ginnie Abarbanell, Naomi K. Tepper, Sherry L. Farr},
TITLE = {Safety of contraceptive use among women with congenital heart disease: A systematic review},
JOURNAL = {Structural and Congenital Heart Disease},
VOLUME = {14},
YEAR = {2019},
NUMBER = {3},
PAGES = {331--340},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/schd/v14n3/38797},
ISSN = {3071-1738},
ABSTRACT = {<b>Objective:</b> Women with congenital heart disease (CHD) are at increased risk of preg‐
nancy complications and need information on safe, effective contraceptive methods 
to avoid unintended pregnancy. This systematic review examines evidence regarding 
safety of contraceptive use among women with CHD.<br/>
<b>Methods:</b> The PubMed database was searched for any peer‐reviewed articles pub‐
lished through April 2018 that included safety outcomes associated with reversible
contraceptive methods among women with CHD.<br/>
<b>Results:</b> Five articles met inclusion criteria: three studies comparing contraceptive 
users to nonusers and two noncomparative studies. Sample sizes ranged from 65 to 
505 women with CHD. Two studies found a higher percent of thromboembolic com‐
plications among women with Fontan palliation or transposition of the great arteries 
using oral contraceptives. One study, among women with Fontan palliation, found no 
increased risk of thromboembolic complications between contraceptive users (not 
separated by type) and nonusers. Two studies found no endocarditis among intrau‐
terine device users.<br/>
<b>Conclusions:</b> There is a paucity of data regarding the safety of contraceptive meth‐
ods among women with CHD. Limited evidence suggests an increased incidence of 
thromboembolic complications with use of oral contraceptives. Further studies are 
needed to evaluate contraceptive safety and quantify risk in this growing population. 
There is also limited data regarding the safety of contraceptive methods among 
women with CHD. Further information is needed to assist practitioners counseling 
women with CHD on safety of contraceptive methods.},
DOI = {10.1111/chd.12752}
}