Effect of Long-Term Oral Contraceptive Use on Renal Biomarkers and Plasma Proteins among Women Attending Kosti Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Sudan
Mohamed Osman Ali Mohamed *
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan.
Abdelhakam G. Tamomh
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan.
Suzan Ali Mohammed Ali
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan.
Alaa Abdarhman Bushra Mohammed
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan.
Eman Ahmed Abdalla Mohammed
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan.
Mustafa Alnayer Ali Elnil
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of El Imam El Mahdi, Kosti, Sudan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) are widely used for family planning. However, long-term use may affect renal function and plasma protein metabolism. Limited local data exist on these effects in Sudanese women. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of long-term OCP use on renal biomarkers and plasma proteins.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted from July to October 2025 at Kosti Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. A total of 100 women aged 18-45 years were enrolled: 50 long-term OCP users (≥1 year) and 50 non-users. Plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, and albumin were measured using standard spectrophotometric methods. Globulin and eGFR were calculated. Data were analysed using SPSS version 24.
Results: Cases had significantly higher urea, creatinine, and globulin levels and lower albumin and eGFR values than controls (p < 0.05), whereas no significant differences were found in total protein or uric acid (p > 0.05). Strong positive correlations were observed between plasma urea and creatinine and the duration of OC use (r = 0.554 and r = 0.491, respectively), while plasma albumin and eGFR showed strong negative correlations with the duration of OC use (r = -0.087 and r = -0.444, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, weak, non-significant correlations were observed between plasma urea, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, total protein, globulin, and eGFR and both BMI and age (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Long-term OCP use is associated with alterations in renal function and protein metabolism. Routine monitoring of renal biomarkers is recommended for long-term users.
Keywords: Oral contraceptives, renal function, urea, creatinine, albumin, eGFR, Sudan