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Original research article| Volume 72, ISSUE 2, P122-125, August 2005

Blood copper levels in Mexican users of the T380A IUD

  • Dolores De la Cruz
    Affiliations
    Unidad Universitaria de Investigaci��n en Cariolog��a (University Cariology Research Unit), FES-Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Aut��noma de M��xico, Mexico City, Mexico
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  • Angeles Cruz
    Affiliations
    Unidad Universitaria de Investigaci��n en Cariolog��a (University Cariology Research Unit), FES-Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Aut��noma de M��xico, Mexico City, Mexico
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  • Maricela Arteaga
    Affiliations
    Laboratorio de Espectroscop��a (Spectroscopy Laboratory), FES-Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Aut��noma de M��xico, Mexico City, Mexico
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  • Lourdes Castillo
    Affiliations
    Laboratorio de Espectroscop��a (Spectroscopy Laboratory), FES-Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Aut��noma de M��xico, Mexico City, Mexico
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  • Horacio Tovalin
    Correspondence
    Corresponding author. Tel.: +52 55 56 23 07 21.
    Affiliations
    Divisi��n de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigaci��n (Graduate Studies and Research Division), FES-Zaragoza, Universidad Nacional Aut��noma de M��xico, Mexico City, Mexico
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      Abstract

      Objective

      Copper T380A is one of the most commonly prescribed intrauterine devices (IUDs). However, there are few reports of its systemic health effects. This study evaluates the association between the use of T380A IUD and blood Cu levels in a group of Mexican users.

      Methods

      Eighty-six T380A users and eight nonusers were recruited. Blood Cu levels were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometic technique.

      Results

      In IUD users, mean blood Cu level was significantly higher than in nonusers, 216.63 vs. 107.47 ��g/dL (p���.001), and above the normal blood Cu level range of 80���160 ��g/dL. No significant difference in blood Cu levels was observed by age or length of time of IUD use.

      Conclusions

      The observed higher blood Cu levels among T380A user stands out in sharp contrast to previous reports of other types of Cu IUDs. Further research should evaluate if the observed levels are associated to toxic effects with the general population or special groups.

      Keywords

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