14. Gynecological Infections Flashcards
Describe: Physiologic Discharge (5)
- clear, white, flocculent, odourless discharge
- pH 3.8-4.2
- smear contains epithelial cells, Lactobacilli
- increases with increased estrogen states: pregnancy, oral contraceptive pill OCP, mid-cycle, polycystic ovarian syndrome PCOS, or premenarchal
- if increased in perimenopausal/postmenopausal woman, consider investigation for other effects of excess estrogen (e.g. endometrial cancer)
Name non-physiologic causes of pruritis (9)
- genital tract infection
- vulvovaginitis: candidiasis, trichomoniasis, BV, polymicrobial superficial infection
- chlamydia, gonorrhea
- pyosalpinx, salpingitis
- genital tract inflammation (non-infectious)
- local: chemical irritants, douches, sprays, foreign body, trauma, atrophic vaginitis, desquamative inflammatory vaginitis, focal vulvitis
- neoplasia: vulvar, vaginal, cervical, endometrial
- systemic: toxic shock syndrome, Crohn’s disease, collagen disease, dermatologic (e.g. lichen sclerosis)
- intrauterine device IUD, OCP (secondary to progesterone)
Define: Vulvovaginitis (1)
Vulvar and vaginal inflammation
Describe clinical features: Vulvovaginitis (5)
- irritation
- pruritus
- discharge
- vulvar erythema
- vaginal bleeding (specifically due to Group A Streptococci and Shigella)
Name etiologies of vulvovaginitis (7)
- poor hygiene (proximity of anus to vagina)
- foreign bodies (most commonly tissue paper)
- irritation by perfumed soaps, chemicals, and tight clothing
- localized skin disorders: lichen sclerosis, condyloma acuminata
- trauma: accidental straddle injury, sexual abuse
- infectious
- pinworms
- Candida (if using diapers or chronic antibiotics)
- Group A streptococcus, S. aureus and Shigella
- discovery of STI should raise suspicion of sexual abuse
- other
- polyps, tumour (ovarian malignancy)
- psychosomatic vaginal complaints (specific to vaginal discharge)
- endocrine abnormalities (specific to vaginal bleeding)
- blood dyscrasia (specific to vaginal bleeding)
Name investigations: Vulvovaginitis (2)
- vaginal swab for culture (specifically state that it is a pre-pubertal specimen)
- pH, wet-mount, and KOH smear in prepubertal adults only
Describe link between vulvovaginal candidiasis and hygienic habits or wearing tight or synthetic clothing (1)
There is no high quality evidence showing a link
Describe treatment: Vulvovaginitis (3)
- enhanced hygiene and local measures (handwashing, white cotton underwear, no nylon tights, no tight fitting clothes, no sleeper pajamas, sitz baths, avoid bubble baths, use mild detergent, eliminate fabric softener, avoid prolonged exposure to wet bathing suits, urination with legs spread apart)
- A&D® dermatological ointment (vitamin A/D) to protect vulvar skin
- infectious: treat with antibiotics for organism identified
Name: Most common gynecological problem in prepubertal girls (1)
is non-specific vulvovaginitis, not yeast
Describe diagnosis and treatment of: Pinworms (2)
- Dx: Cellophane tape test
- Tx: Empirical treatment with mebendazole
Describe diagnosis and treatment of: Lichen Sclerosis (2)
- Dx: Area of white patches and thinning of skin (figure of 8)
- Tx: Topical steroid creams
Describe treatment of: Foreign Body (1)
Irrigation of vagina with saline, may require local anesthesia or an exam under anesthesia
Name organisms in vulvovaginitis: Candidasis (3)
- Candida albicans (90%)
- Candida glabrata (<5%)
- Candida tropicalis (<5%)
Describe pathophysiology or transmission: Candidasis (3)
Predisposing factors include:
- Immunosuppressed host (DM, AIDS, etc.)
- Recent antibiotic use
- Increased estrogen levels (e.g. pregnancy, OCP)
Describe discharge: Candidasis (3)
- Whitish
- “cottage cheese”
- minimal
Describe signs/symptoms: Candidasis (4)
- 20% asymptomatic
- Intense pruritus
- Swollen, inflamed genitals
- Vulvar burning, dysuria, dyspareunia
Describe pH: Candidasis (4)
≤4.5
Describe saline wetmount: Candidasis (1)
KOH wetmount reveals hyphae and spores
Describe treatment: Candidasis (3)
- Clotrimazole, butoconazole, miconazole, terconazole suppositories, and/or creams for 1, 3, or 7 d treatments
- Treatment in pregnancy is usually topical
- Fluconazole 150 mg PO in single dose (can be used in pregnancy)
Describe prophylaxis for recurrent infection: Candidasis (3)
includes
- boric acid
- vaginal suppositories
- luteal phase fluconazole
Is routine treatment of parter(s) recommended in: Candidasis (1)
Routine treatment of partner(s) not recommended (not sexually transmitted)
Name organisms: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (3)
- Gardnerella vaginalis
- Mycoplasma hominis
- Anaerobes: Prevotella, Mobiluncus, Bacteroides
Describe pathophysiology or transmission: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (1)
Replacement of vaginal Lactobacillus with organisms above
Describe discharge: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (3)
- Grey
- thin
- diffuse
Describe signs/symptoms: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (3)
- 50-75% asymptomatic
- Fishy odour, especially after coitus
- Absence of vulvar/vaginal irritation
Describe pH: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (1)
≥4.5
Describe saline wetmount: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (4)
- >20% clue cells = squamous epithelial cells dotted with coccobacilli (Gardnerella)
- Paucity of WBC
- Paucity of Lactobacilli
- Positive whiff test: fishy odour with addition of KOH to slide (due to formation of amines)
Describe treatment: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (3)
- No treatment if non-pregnant and asymptomatic, unless scheduled for pelvic surgery or procedure
- Oral: Metronidazole 500 mg PO bid x 7 d
- Topical:
- Metronidazole gel 0.75% x 5 d OD (may be used in pregnancy)
- Clindamycin 2% 5 g intravaginally at bedtime for 7 d
- Probiotics (Lactobacillus sp.): oral or topical alone or as adjuvant
What is Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) associated with? (3)
Associated with
- recurrent preterm labour,
- preterm birth
- postpartum endometritis
Is routine treatment of parter(s) recommended in: Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (1)
Routine treatment of partner(s) not recommended (not sexually transmitted)
In the tx of bacterial Vaginosis (BV), need to warn patients on metronidazole not to do what? (1)
consume alcohol (disulfiram-like action)
Name organisms in vulvovaginitis: Trichomoniasis (1)
- Trichomonas vaginalis (flagellated protozoan)
Describe pathophysiology or transmission: Trichomoniasis (1)
Sexual transmission
Describe discharge: Trichomoniasis (4)
- Yellow-green
- malodourous
- diffuse
- frothy
Describe signs/symptoms: Trichomoniasis (4)
- 25% asymptomatic
- Petechiae on vagina and cervix
- Occasionally irritated, tender vulva
- Dysuria, frequency
Describe pH: Trichomoniasis (4)
≥4.5
Describe saline wetmount: Trichomoniasis (4)
- Motile flagellated organisms
- Many WBC
- Inflammatory cells (PMNs)
- Can have positive whiff test
Describe treatment: Trichomoniasis (3)
- Treat even if asymptomatic
- Metronidazole 2 g PO single dose or 500 mg bid x 7 d (alternative)
- Symptomatic pregnant women should be treated with 2 g metronidazole once