Comparison of MS inflammatory activity in women using continuous versus cyclic combined oral contraceptives

Conclusion: In this exploratory study, women on continuous OCs showed a trend towards less inflammatory activity on MRI relative to women on cyclic OCs. This difference was not reflected in relapse rates. We estimate that 342 patients would be required for an adequately powered cohort study to evaluate such an effect. Our findings provide reassurance that for women using continuous OCs to alleviate menstrual fluctuations in symptoms, there is not an increase in MS-related inflammatory activity.
Source: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders - Category: Neurology Source Type: research