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Abnormal bleeding in adolescents.

Abnormal bleeding is a common clinical problem in adolescents, with the vast majority of cases resulting from anovulatory menstrual cycles. Although most episodes of abnormal vaginal bleeding do not cause acute medical complications, bleeding can be traumatic for young patients and their families. Health care providers with a solid knowledge of menstrual physiology and a thorough approach to differential diagnosis can evaluate and appropriately manage adolescents. In this article, we review the maturation of the hypothalamic ovarian axis, the most frequent etiologies of abnormal bleeding, as well as other less common causes and discuss diagnosis and treatment modalities.

Adolescent↗

Prevalence and risk factors for vaginal candidiasis among women seeking primary care for genital infections in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for vaginal candidiasis (VC) among women seeking primary care for genital infections. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Ilala Municipal Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. SUBJECTS: Four hundred and sixty four women presenting with complaints of genital infections. RESULTS: Of the 464 women examined, 177 (38.1%) had abnormal vaginal discharge, 68(14.7%) had genital ulcers, 272 (58.6%) had genital pruritus, 18 (3.9%) had genital warts and 58 (12.5%) had chancre. The prevalencies of VC, bacterial vaginosis, HIV, T vaginalis, N. gonorrhoeae and syphilis were 45%, 48.4%, 22%, 93%, 1.5% and 4.3%, respectively. The occurrence of VC was positively associated with HIV, (OR = 1.81, 95% CI (1.0-2.67), bacterial vaginosis; (OR = 2.6, 95% CI (1.7-3.9), genital pruritus; (OR = 1.8 1, 95% CI (1.2-2.7) genital discharge; (OR = 1.867, 95% (1.28-2.73) and negatively with T. vaginalis (OR = 0.27, 95% CI (0.12 - 0.6), occupation (OR = 0.65, 95% CI (0.35-0.86)) and with education (OR = 0.43, 95% CI (0.11-0.73). There were increased but non-significant odds for VC in patients with syphilis (OR = 1.6 95% CI (0.6-4.3) and venereal warts (OR = 2.5 95% CI (0.92-6.8) VC was not associated with N. gonorrhoeae, genital ulcers, age at first intercourse, number of sexual partners, marital status or antibiotic usage. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among women with genital infections should be taken into account when updating policies concerning syndromic management of sexually transmitted diseases. More gender specific approach to syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections in females should be considered.

Adult↗

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the vagina in a postmenopausal woman: report of a case and review of the literature.

Most rhabdomyosarcomas (RMSs) of the female genital tract occur in infants and young children as sarcoma botryoides. Vaginal RMS occurring in a postmenopausal woman is extremely rare. To our knowledge, only three vaginal RMSs have been reported in patients who were over 50 years of age. Herein, the first case in Taiwan and the fourth case in the world is reported, and the pertinent literature is briefly reviewed. A 63-year-old woman complained of a few days of abnormal vaginal bleeding. Vaginal examination demonstrated two black polypoid tumors located at the left-lateral and posterior wall of the vagina. The patient had previously undergone a vaginal total hysterectomy for rectocele and urine incontinence, so surgical treatment including local wide excision and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed under the diagnosis of malignant vaginal tumor. The clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies revealed a group Ia pleomorphic RMS. Postoperative radiotherapy was performed. The patient remains alive and well 12 months after a combined therapy.

Combined Modality Therapy↗

Vaginal and cervical abnormalities, including clear-cell adenocarcinoma, related to prenatal exposure to stilbestrol.

A variety of vaginal and cervical abnormalities have been encountered in the offspring of women who have taken stilbestrol or chemically related nonsteroidal estrogens during pregnancy. Cervical erosion has been noted most often, but vaginal adenosis has been proven by biopsy in over 30 percent, and transverse vaginal and cervical ridges have been seen in approximately 10 percent of the exposed population. Although the use of these drugs had been widespread during the last two decades, the Registry of Clear-Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Genital Tract in Young Females has been able to collect only 170 cases of vaginal and cervical cancers of this type from all over the world. It is important that cytologists and pathologists become familiar with the various non-enoplastic and neoplastic disorders related to these hormones in order that additional epidemiologic, clinical and pathological information be acquired without delay.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Management of vaginal discharge in women treated at a Jamaican sexually transmitted disease clinic: use of diagnostic algorithms versus laboratory testing.

The management of cervical infections is difficult in developing countries because laboratory facilities for diagnosing these infections are seldom available; therefore, syndrome-based management has been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). However, such alternative approaches need to be evaluated in real field settings. We used algorithms (flowcharts) for syndromic management of abnormal vaginal discharge to treat 752 women who presented at a Jamaican sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic. Laboratory testing revealed cervical infection (gonococcal and/or chlamydial) in 34% of these women; trichomoniasis was documented for 25%; and at least one STD was documented for 54% of the women. Use of a clinical algorithm for diagnosing cervical infection was 73% sensitive (95% CI, 67-78) and 55% specific (95% CI, 49-62) when compared with laboratory testing. The risk-assessment-inclusive flowchart developed by WHO was 84% sensitive (95% CI, 80-89) and 40% specific (95% CI, 34-46) for diagnosing cervical infection. Positive predictive values for diagnosing cervical infection with use of the algorithms ranged from 42% to 43%, and negative predictive values ranged from 78% to 81%. The sensitivity of the algorithms for diagnosing trichomoniasis ranged from 85% to 88%. To treat as many infected women as possible, the most sensitive algorithm was selected for routine use in Jamaican STD clinics.

Adult↗

Endoscopic management of a case of complete septate uterus with unilateral pyometra.

We report a case with an unusual müllerian anomaly: complete uterine septum and pyometra in the right hemicavity and pyocolpos along with a longitudinal vaginal septum. A patient with recurrent low-grade fever and lower abdominal pain was admitted. Pyometra and pyocolpos were detected in the right uterine hemicavity and in the right hemivagina. The septa were resected, the cavities were irrigated, and the patient was treated with antibiotics. The patient conceived 8 months later. Patients with abnormal vaginal findings should be approached with caution; precise knowledge of urogenital anatomy and urogenital anomalies is necessary in the management of these patients.

Abdominal Pain↗

Vaginal configuration on MRI after abdominal sacrocolpopexy and sacrospinous ligament suspension.

An MRI study was conducted to compare the vaginal configuration of women who had undergone sacrospinous fixation with transvaginal needle suspension or abdominal sacrocolpopexy with retropubic colposuspension with that of normal controls. MRI examination demonstrated that in normal controls the lower vagina formed an acute angle (mean 53 degrees) with the pubococcygeal line and intersected the upper vagina at a mean angle of 145 degrees. In the abdominal repair group the lower vagina intersected the pubococcygeal line at a mean angle of 57 degrees and joined the upper segment at a mean angle of 137 degrees. In the vaginal repair group the lower vagina intersected the pubococcygeal line at a mean angle of 54 degrees and joined the upper segment at a mean angle of 220 degrees. Our study demonstrated that abdominal sacrocolpopexy with retropubic colposuspension more closely restored the vagina to its normal configuration, whereas sacrospinous fixation with transvaginal needle suspension creates an abnormal vaginal axis.

Female↗

Evaluation of cervical smears at King Hussein Medical Centre, Jordan, over three and a half years.

Cervical smears taken from women referred for a check-up or with vaginal itching/discharge over a period of 3.5 years were reviewed at the King Hussein Medical Centre, Jordan. All smears were fixed with 96% alcohol, stained with Papanicolaou stain and screened microscopically. Of the smears from 1176 women aged 18-70 years, 4.5% were classified as inadequate, 7.7% were normal and 79.9% showed non-specific inflammation. Abnormal vaginal flora was found in 4.8% of cases, Candida albicans in 1.2%, Trichomonas vaginalis in 0.9% and actinomycosis in 1 case. Dysphasic changes were rare: 9 cases (0.8%) were classified as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) and 2 cases (0.2%) were low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). No cases of human papillomavirus infection (HPV) or cervical carcinoma were found.

Actinomycosis↗

Benign and hyperplastic endometrial changes associated with tamoxifen use.

For nearly 20 years, tamoxifen has been successfully used in the management of breast cancer. Tamoxifen is a mixed estrogen agonist/antagonist that has a proliferative effect on the endometrium. The drug has been associated with a higher percentage of endometrial polyps and hyperplasia than in control patients as well as slightly increased risk of endometrial cancer. Although patients need to undergo annual gynecologic exams and abnormal vaginal bleeding needs to be aggressively followed up, the utility of routine gynecologic screening of tamoxifen patients has not been established and requires further study. Transvaginal sonography is a useful tool for detecting endometrial proliferation; however, an appropriate cut-off point for further intervention must be established. A cut-off point that is too low for abnormal endometrial thickness would result in a large number of unnecessary endometrial biopsies. Routine office endometrial biopsy needs further study as a screening method for breast cancer patients on tamoxifen.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Evaluation of two clinical protocols for the management of women with vaginal discharge in southern Thailand.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To compare the effectiveness of two clinical protocols for the management of vaginal discharge in the situations where no laboratory facilities are available but speculum examination is possible and where basic laboratory facilities are available. (2) To determine clinical and simple laboratory indicators for diagnosis of patients with vaginal discharge in the local setting. DESIGN: Alternate allocation of subjects to one of two management protocols. SUBJECTS: Women presenting to university gynaecology outpatients department with a complaint of vaginal discharge. METHODS: Subjects were alternately allocated management according to one of two protocols: one without (group A) and one with (group B) immediate access to results of basic laboratory tests. Full clinical assessment including speculum examination and microbiological assessment for infection with gonorrhoea, chlamydia, candida, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginosis was performed on all women. Follow up assessment of clinical and microbiological response was performed 1-2 weeks later. RESULTS: At initial assessment, both groups were similar in all respects except that more group B women had inflammation of the vulva. The prevalences of various conditions were: candidiasis 22%, bacterial vaginosis 38%, trichomoniasis 4%, chlamydia 4%, gonorrhoea 0.4%. There was no association between any demographic characteristic and diagnosis of cause of the discharge. Both protocols resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements for women with candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomoniasis. There were no clinically important differences in outcomes between the two protocols. The sensitivities and specificities of various indicators were: curd-like vaginal discharge for candidiasis, 72% and 100%; homogeneous vaginal discharge for bacterial vaginosis or trichomoniasis, 94% and 88%; absent or scanty lactobacilli for bacterial vaginosis, 99% and 68%; > 20% clue cells for bacterial vaginosis, 81% and 99%; visible endocervical mucopus for chlamydia or gonorrhoea, 36% and 86%; microscopic endocervical mucopus for chlamydia or gonorrhoea, 64% and 69%. CONCLUSIONS: Both protocols were equally effective in managing women with abnormal vaginal discharge. Simple clinical indicators for candidiasis, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomonas as in protocol A are sufficiently sensitive and specific for use in situations with no laboratory support. A modification to protocol A could increase detection of bacterial vaginosis at basic health service level. Further work is needed to identify appropriate indicators for infection with chlamydia or gonorrhoea.

Adult↗

Vacuum aspiration: an efficient outpatient screening technic for endometrial disease.

In an effort to find a safe, efficient, and inexpensive means of ruling out the existence of a neoplastic process causing abnormal vaginal bleeding form the uterine cavity, 103 patients over 34 years of age had preoperative aspiration (Vabra aspirator) of the endometrial cavity. The tissue obtained at the time of D&C and hysterectomy was correlated with that obtained by the outpatient diagnostic procedure. In this pilot study, the aspirator was 98% accurate in evaluating high-risk women with abnormal uterine bleeding for malignant disease. In the two neoplasms missed, both women had had a recent D&C.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Comparison of spermicides on vulvar, vaginal, and cervical mucosa.

The objective of this study was to compare the tolerability of Advantage 24 to two other spermicides containing non-oxynol-9 (N-9). These spermicides were Today Sponge (Sponge) and Conceptrol. In order to examine the incidence of complaints and the clinical observation of vaginal ulceration and irritation of the three spermicides, a randomized, open label, three period cross-over trial was conducted. Thirty-three women, ages 18-45, with a normal vaginal environment based on physical exam, Pap smear, vaginal wet prep, colposcopy, and serum N-9 were randomized into four treatment groups. Each treatment was for seven consecutive days with a 21-day washout. Data obtained were studied by one-way analysis of variance, chi-square, and Kruskal-Wallis test. No vulvar or vaginal abnormality was observed from either spermicide. Subjects had fewer and less severe cervical lesions by colposcopy during treatment with Advantage 24 than with Conceptrol or Sponge (p < 0.01). Comparison of the incidence of abnormal gynecological findings, serum N-9 levels, and the incidence of adverse events before and after treatment with the three study drugs indicate that most subjects had normal examinations pre- and post-treatment. Pap smear and colposcopy changes from normal to abnormal accounted for about 50% of all gynecological findings during the Conceptrol and Sponge treatments, but less than 20% during treatment with Advantage 24. All serum N-9 levels were below the level of detection (< 1.9 microgram/ml). Advantage 24 is better tolerated than Conceptrol or the Sponge. Furthermore, the cervical mucosa appears to be less resilient to spermicides than vulvo-vaginal mucosa.

Adolescent↗

Repair of severe anterior vaginal wall prolapse (grade IV cystourethrocele).

The classical approach for the repair of severe anterior vaginal wall prolapse is the use of transvaginal colporrhaphy or, more recently, an abdominal paravaginal repair. Severe cystoceles develop from weaknesses of the levator sling and pubocervical fasciae resulting in 2 main anatomical changes: a central defect between the pubocervical fasciae, and a sliding herniation of the bladder and urethra (paravaginal defect). We developed a new transvaginal technique for the repair of large cystoceles (grade IV) extending outside of the introitus at rest, which includes repair of the central defect by anterior colporrhaphy, and repair of the paravaginal herniation of the bladder base and bladder neck by a needle suspension of these structures. We report our experience within a 5-year period in the treatment of 51 cases of severe bladder prolapse (grade IV cystoceles), 46 of which required this combined procedure regardless of preoperative stress urinary incontinence status. Five patients underwent anterior colporrhaphy as the only procedure, since they were continent and demonstrated a well supported bladder neck from a previous suspension operation. Other vaginal abnormalities should be repaired simultaneously to provide adequate pelvic floor support.

Adult↗

Are vaginal symptoms ever normal? a review of the literature.

PURPOSE: Vaginal symptoms such as discharge, odor, and itch are among the most common presenting complaints in primary care. We undertook to determine if the symptoms associated with vaginitis (discharge, odor, irritation) occur in normal women. METHODS: To answer this question, we performed a literature review. We conducted a Medline search using the following terms: "vagina," "vaginal discharge," "secretion," "odors," discharge," "pruritus," "normal," "irritation," "itch," "physical examination," "healthy," "asymptomatic," "quantity," and "physiology." To find additional references we reviewed textbooks in gynecology, primary care, and physical diagnosis and contacted authors. RESULTS: There are few primary studies, and most are not of high quality. Existing data show that the quantity and quality of vaginal discharge in healthy women vary considerably both across individuals and in the same individual during the menstrual cycle. Most studies indicate that discharge is greatest at midcycle. Vaginal fluid contains malodorants, and one study of intact vaginal fluid found it to be malodorous. Two studies found that normal women reported irritative symptoms in the course of their menstrual cycle. CONCLUSIONS: The primary literature indicates that there is a wide variation in the normal vagina and that some of the symptoms associated with vaginal abnormality are found in well women. Both clinicians and their patients would benefit from a better understanding of the range of normal as well as what constitutes a meaningful departure from that range.

Female↗

Reporting normal endometrial cells in Pap smears: an outcome appraisal.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical relevance of reporting the presence of normal endometrial cells in the Pap smears of women over the age of 35 years and the significance of this practice as it relates to patient management. METHODS: From January 1992 to December 1995, normal endometrial cells were reported in 206 consecutive Pap smears of women over the age of 35 years. Clinical follow-up was available for all patients, including the results of diagnostic procedures whenever performed. RESULTS: Of the 206 women with normal endometrial cells in their Pap smears, 162 presented with the chief complaint of abnormal vaginal bleeding. They were all evaluated by direct endometrial sampling, resulting in detection of 10 endometrial hyperplasias and 7 endometrial carcinomas. The remaining 44 women who were clinically asymptomatic were followed up with only routine annual gynecologic examinations for a minimum of 3 years. All had negative clinical courses. CONCLUSION: Reporting the presence of normal endometrial cells in Pap smears has little, if any, impact on subsequent patient management. Women who present with abnormal uterine bleeding are worked up for endometrial disease regardless of their Pap smear findings. In clinically asymptomatic patients, practitioners may, and in our experience often do, choose to disregard normal endometrial cells in Pap smear reports. The negative follow-up for the asymptomatic women in our study supports this practice. Therefore, reporting the presence of normal endometrial cells in Pap smears is of no clinical relevance and may, in fact, create a management dilemma for clinicians.

Adult↗

Bacterial Vaginosis.

Bacterial vaginosis, the most prevalent cause of vaginal discharge in the United States, is characterized microbiologically by a shift in the vagina away from a lactobacillus-predominant flora and toward a predominantly anaerobic milieu. The cause of bacterial vaginosis is unknown, but the epidemiology of the syndrome suggests that it is sexually associated. Bacterial vaginosis has been associated with various complications, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, preterm birth, postoperative gynecologic infections, and abnormal Pap smears. Abnormal vaginal flora may also be a biologic risk factor for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection.

Journal Article↗

[Influence of hormonal replacement therapy on bacterial vaginosis in the group of peri- and postmenopausal women].

The aim of the study was to evaluate microbiological biocenosis of the menopausal or postmenopausal women, and women having local hormonal therapy (Ovestin and Ortho-Gynest D). The study group consisted of 123 women (aged 45-72), who underwent clinical examination and microbiological evaluation of vaginal discharge. Miller's and Gramm's methods were used for slide staining and the culture method for growing microorganisms. Classical culture media were used as well as Rogosa culture medium and modified Weinstein medium for Lactobacillus culture in anaerobic conditions. In the microbiological studies before initiation of hormonal therapy, normal biocenosis of the vagina was found in 52 women (42.27%). The other part of the study group had abnormal vaginal biocenosis or had no microorganisms at all. During the hormonal therapy, the group of women with normal biocenosis increased to 53.65% and 62.29% after respectively 3 and 9 months of therapy. Hormonal therapy secured continuity of normal Lactobacillus morphotypes within perimenopausal period. Antimicrobial and hormonal therapies used together provided normalization of vaginal biocenosis in a shorter time. In the group of senile women, the recolonization of vaginal mucosa by Lactobacillus vaginalis was observed.

Adult↗

Reasons for improper simple hysterectomy in patients with invasive cervical cancer in the northern region of Thailand.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reasons for improper simple hysterectomy in the presence of invasive cervical cancer. METHODS: The medical records of 70 patients who had undergone simple hysterectomy in the presence of invasive cervical cancer and were referred to Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 1991 and December 1998 were reviewed. RESULTS: Approximately half of the patients presented with abnormal vaginal bleeding. Failure to perform a Papanicolaou smear before the operation accounted for 35.4%. Normal pelvic examination in which no gross invasive tumor was observed accounted for 59%. The most common indications for inappropriate operation was cervical dysplasia. The reasons for inappropriate simple hysterectomy included lack of preoperative cervical cytology (22.8%), incomplete evaluation of cervical dysplasia or microinvasion on biopsy (21.4%), false-negative cervical cytology (18.6%), failure to perform an endocervical curettage following conization (8.6%), emergency hysterectomy (8.6%), failure to perform indicated conization (5.6%), errors in colposcopic examination (4.3%), incomplete evaluation of an abnormal cervical cytology (1.4%), failure to perform endocervical currettage following loop conization (1.4%), failure to review slide (1.4%), failure to check the pathology report (1.4%), failure to biopsy a gross cervical lesion, and skipped lesion in upper part of the endocervix (1.4%). One case of invasive disease was missed for unknown reason. CONCLUSION: Most cases of inappropriate hysterectomy resulted from deviation from guideline for cervical cancer detection. Preoperative Papanicolaou smear and strict adherence to the well-established diagnostic protocol for patients with an abnormal smear are advised to prevent such occurrence.

Adult↗