GRADE tables 1(Question 1): Among women with certain characteristics or medical conditions, are those who use levonorgestrel (LNG), ulipristal acetate (UPA) or combined oral contraceptive (COC) regimens for emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) at increased risk for adverse events compared with those who do not use these forms of emergency contraception? (Direct evidence)

OutcomeType and number of studies (number of participants)LimitationsInconsistencyImprecisionIndirectnessQualityEstimate of effect
LNG-ECP during breastfeeding vs no LNG-ECP
Breastfeeding outcomes1 cohort study (n=143); 1 RCT (n=1158)Serious limitations
(1 poor-quality cohort, 1 fair-quality RCT); some outcomes based on subjective self-report		No inconsistencyNo serious imprecisionNo indirectnessVery lowNo differences in breast-milk volume in 2 studies; no difference in duration of lactation, resumption of menstruation or pattern of breastfeeding in 1 study
Infant growth and behaviour1 cohort study (n=143); 1 RCT (n=1158)Very serious limitations
(1 poor-quality cohort, 1 fair-quality RCT); outcomes poorly defined		No inconsistencyNo serious imprecisionNo indirectnessVery lowNo differences in infant growth or behaviour
LNG-ECP during pregnancy vs no LNG-ECP
Pregnancy outcomes2 cohort studies (n=780)Very serious limitations
(1 poor, 1 fair)		No inconsistencySerious imprecisionNo indirectnessVery lowNo differences in risk of spontaneous abortion or still birth, ectopic pregnancy, or other pregnancy complications
Neonatal or fetal outcomes2 cohort studies (n=780)Very serious limitations
(1 poor, 1 fair)		No inconsistencySerious imprecisionNo indirectnessVery lowNo differences in rates of birth defects or fetal growth

From: I, Development of the Medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, fifth edition

Cover of Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use
Medical Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use. 5th edition.
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