News – November 2005

Contents

• NICE launches guideline on long-acting reversible contraception
• Hypertension guidance under review

NICE launches guideline on long-acting reversible contraception

Women should be given information about all available methods of contraception including long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), according to new guidance from NICE.

LARC methods include intrauterine devices, the intrauterine system, injectable contraceptives and implants.

In 2003-2004 only 8% of women aged 16-49 years, in Britain, were using LARC compared with 25% using the pill and 23% using condoms.

"Expert clinical opinion is that LARC methods may have a wider role in contraception and their increased uptake could help to reduce unplanned pregnancy," said Dr Chris Wilkinson, leader of the guideline development group.

"The current limited use of LARC suggests that healthcare professionals need better guidance and training so that they can help women make an informed choice," he added.

The quick reference guide contains a chart listing key features of the various LARC methods available that can be used during discussions with patients. It also contains information on which methods are suitable for different groups of women and gives practical details on fitting devices and implants.

Copies of NICE Clinical Guideline 30. Long-acting reversible contraception can be downloaded free of charge from the NICE website: www.nice.org.uk

Hypertension guidance under review

NICE has confirmed that its guideline on the management of hypertension in adults in primary care is to undergo immediate review to incorporate the latest evidence.

The review will be carried out by the National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions and the BHS.

The revised guideline will be endorsed by the BHS and will replace their current guideline.

The announcement follows an initial review of recently published data from the Anglo- Scandinavian Cardiac Outcomes Trial (ASCOT) and its potential impact on the current NICE and BHS guidelines.

The preliminary review was carried out by a joint Hypertension Expert Advisory Committee set up by NICE, the BHS and the Blood Pressure Association.

The ASCOT study demonstrated that cardiovascular mortality can be reduced by 24% and stroke by 23% in patients with hypertension using a combination of calcium channel blocker with an ACE inhibitor compared with the commonly used beta-blocker and thiazide diuretic regimens (see Guidelines in Practice, September 2005).

Guidelines in Practice, November 2005, Volume 8(11) © 2005 MGP Ltd further information | subscribe