Frequency and outcome of cerebral venous thrombosis attributed to oral contraceptive pills

Background: Oral contraceptive (OCP) use is a significant risk factor for cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). There is limited research on its association with CVT development in Islamic countries. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the risk of different OCPs in developing CVT and their prognosis. Methods: This is an observational retrospective single-center cohort study that included CVT patients between March 2018 and March 2021. All CVT participants were registered in the organized registry system (CVT registry code: 9001013381) at the Neurology Research Center of Shiraz University of Medical Science. Univariate analysis and multivariable binary logistic regression modeling were applied to determine the associated factors leading to poor outcome. Results: A total of 204 patients (139 women, 65 men) were enrolled in the study. Seventy-four females (53.25% of total female patients) used OCPs, with second-generation OCPs being the most commonly used type (70%). OCP consumption was associated with a lower mortality rate (P=0.004, aOR=11.732) and a better 3-month follow-up outcome (p=0.001, aOR=9.882) than their female counterparts who did not use OCPs. The duration and generation of OCPs did not affect the follow-up outcome (P=0.148, P=0.428, respectively) or mortality (P=0.555, P=0.569, respectively). In multivariable analysis, the use of OCPs was a predictor of a favorable 3-month follow-up outcome in females (aOR =4.423, 95% CI: 0.423-46.248). Conclusion: These results suggest that OCPs may have a positive impact on the prognosis of CVT in women. However, further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms and validate these findings.