Ferriman-Gallwey scores, serum androgen and mullerian inhibiting substance levels in hirstute adolescent girls.

OBJECTIVE: To study Ferriman-Gallwey (FG) scoring in adolescents with an aim to correlate these scores with serum androgens and mullerian inhibiting substance (MIS). DESIGN: Cross sectional study. SETTING: Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic of a university hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-four hirsute adolescent girls age 12-19 with a FG score of 6 or greater. INTERVENTIONS: FG examination and collection of serum levels of MIS, total testosterone, free testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, cortisol, and androstenedione. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between FG scores in adolescents and serum androgens and MIS. RESULTS: Weak correlations were seen between FG score and FSH, free-testosterone, total testosterone, and cortisol. Increasing FG scores correlated with an increase in cortisol. As FG score increased, FSH, free-testosterone, and total testosterone decreased. There was no statistical relationship between FG score and LH, androstenedione, prolactin, and MIS. There were weak positive correlations between MIS levels and FSH, total testosterone, and androstenedione. There was no evidence for a linear relationship between MIS levels and LH, free testosterone, cortisol, prolactin, and FG score. CONCLUSIONS: The utility of FG scoring in adolescents is unknown. There were no direct correlations found with MIS levels and FG score. MIS was not found to be a predictor of hirsutism. A larger study is needed to assess the clinical relevance of FG scoring and presence of underlying causes of hirsutism in adolescents.

Diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis in adolescents.

Interstitial cystitis (IC), or painful bladder syndrome, is characterized by irritative voiding symptoms and can be a challenging problem that affects children and adolescents. Diagnosis and management in children and adolescents is challenging because of strict diagnostic criteria and the paucity of investigations focusing on this age group, which often can lead to delayed or missed diagnosis. Clinical features suggestive of IC include bladder pain, urgency, frequency, nocturia, and pressure. Symptoms may wax and wane and often are exacerbated by menstruation, intercourse, dietary triggers, and stress. Diagnosis can be made by history, physical exam findings such as suprapubic tenderness, voiding diaries, and exclusion of other etiologies. Some diagnostic tests such as the potassium sensitivity test and cystoscopy are invasive and often impractical in younger patients. Treatment of IC consists of a multimodal approach that should be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Therapies for younger patients include oral medication, intravesical therapy, cystoscopy with hydrodistention, and conservative measures such as dietary modification. This review of the literature focuses on diagnosing IC in younger patients and on what treatment modalities are appropriate and effective for this age group.

Outcome of exposure to community violence in female adolescents.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to describe outcomes related to exposure to community violence in 2 samples of female adolescents. DESIGN: The design was cross-sectional. SETTING: Data were collected by home visit and on a college campus. PARTICIPANTS: The female adolescents were recruited from a teen clinic (n=39) and from freshman orientation classes at a large urban university (n=61). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Although the 2 groups differed by age, race, and socioeconomic status, there were no differences in social support, depressive symptoms, or being a victim of violence. Adolescents recruited from the teen clinic had higher scores on witnessing violence and were exposed to more aggressive acts of violence. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to community violence is a significant predictor of depressive symptoms in both college students and adolescents from a teen clinic.

Is there a seasonal variation in gonorrhea and chlamydia in adolescents?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine if a seasonal variation exists in gonorrhea and chlamydia in female adolescents. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPASNTS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 604 sexually active adolescent females 21 years of age and younger in a teen pregnancy prevention clinic in a small Midwestern city. Positive gonorrhea and chlamydia tests were evaluated for seasonal variation. Chi-square, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. RESULTS: A greater percentage of tests were positive in the fall than in other seasons (P = 0.028), and there was a trend towards more cases in the summer than winter and spring. CONCLUSIONS: Increased emphasis should be placed on prevention and screening during summer and fall.

The management of mature cystic teratomas in children and adolescents: a retrospective analysis.

Mature cystic teratomas (MCT) are the most common ovarian tumours seen in children and adolescents. Fifty-two patients <21 years of age had surgical removal of an MCT, 14 of whom were approached laparoscopically. Compared with laparotomy, those patients managed laparoscopically had a significantly shorter hospital stay. Intra-operative tumour spillage occurred in 27 (52%) patients; there were no cases of chemical peritonitis. Available follow-up data on 34 (65%) patients revealed seven pregnancies occurring at a median of 70 months (46-123) postoperatively, including four in patients with intraoperative MCT spill. There were no cases of tumour recurrence during the follow-up period among the 27 (52%) patients managed with ovarian cystectomy. These results demonstrate that some of the conclusions regarding the contemporary management of MCT in adults are applicable to children and adolescents.

Managing mature cystic teratomas of the ovary.

Mature cystic teratomas (MCT), commonly called dermoid cysts, are the most common benign germ cell tumors of the ovary in women of reproductive age. Future fertility is of major concern among these women; therefore, the surgical management must focus on preserving ovarian tissue and minimizing adhesion formation. Patients requiring surgery should be appropriately counseled about the risks and benefits of laparoscopy and laparotomy, the risks of intraoperative MCT spillage and adhesion formation. In addition, the risks of recurrence and malignant transformation should be discussed. The parents of children with MCTs have the same concerns as older women and a similar discussion should take place. The goal of this article is to review these issues and provide the physician with the information to counsel their patients preoperatively.

Use of laparoscopically mobilized peritoneum in the creation of a neovagina.

OBJECTIVE: To present an alternative technique for the creation of a neovagina. DESIGN: Case study. SETTING: Academic university gynecology clinic. PATIENT(S): A patient diagnosed with müllerian agenesis. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopically assisted creation of a neovagina by using peritoneum. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Patient morbidity and satisfactory intercourse. RESULT(S): The patient underwent the procedure satisfactorily and was discharged within 24 hours. She had no perioperative or postoperative complications, and she became satisfactorily sexually active. CONCLUSION(S): The use of laparoscopically mobilized peritoneum in the creation of a neovagina provided the patient with a functional vagina, allowing satisfactory intercourse.

Vaginal agenesis: an opinion on the surgical management.

The management of vaginal agenesis-Mayer-Rokitanksy-Kuster-Hauser syndrome-has always been a controversial topic. Initially, the arguments centered on whether to do surgery or try passive dilation as well as at what age to intervene. As surgical techniques have recently become refined, the question is, if surgery is selected, what type of tissue should one use (bowel vs. skin graft) and, if skin graft, from what area to select. Now we are faced with new surgical techniques from the realm of pelviscopy and ask the question: Is one of these better than the other, and is this approach superior to previously established surgical techniques? Drs. Claire Templeman and S. Paige Hertweck from the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology here present a concise discussion of these diverse issues.

The clinical course of unresected ovarian torsion.

The authors report the clinical course of a young girl with ovarian torsion who was treated conservatively. This case shows that detorsion of the ovary may be associated with immediate postoperative febrile morbidity and slow resolution of ovarian enlargement. The authors emphasize that these signs can be associated with viable ovarian tissue and are not necessarily an indication for oophorectomy.

Laparoscopic management of neonatal ovarian cysts.

A laparoscopic approach was used in four infants with antenatally diagnosed ovarian cysts requiring surgical intervention. Operating time ranged from 60 to 90 minutes, there were no intraoperative or postoperative complications, and all infants were discharged within 23 hours after surgery. If performed by experienced practitioners, microendoscopy is an alternative to laparotomy in neonates requiring surgical intervention for ovarian cysts.

Noninflammatory ovarian masses in girls and young women.

OBJECTIVE: We reviewed the presentation, treatment, and pathologic diagnoses of girls and young women less than 21 years old with noninflammatory ovarian masses that required surgery and established whether treatment had changed over time. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of all girls and young women under 21 years old with International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes specific for noninflammatory ovarian masses treated at our institution from June 1980 to July 1998 (n = 140). RESULTS: The median age at surgery was 15 years (range 2 days-21 years). Ovarian cysts occurred in 57.9% (81 of 140) of patients, benign tumors (including mature cystic teratomas) in 30% (42 of 140), malignant tumors in 7.9% (11 of 104), and torsed but normal ovaries in 4.3% (six of 140) of the study sample. Patients older than 15 years were more likely to have ovarian cysts and benign tumors than younger patients (P =.019). There were no malignancies among girls with neonatal cysts. The incidence of ovarian torsion was 17.8% (25 of 140). Patients with ovarian cysts, mature cystic teratomas, and normal ovaries were more likely to have torsion than those with other benign or malignant tumors (P <.001). Operative approach and surgical procedure were compared before and after July 1, 1989. Laparoscopy was performed more commonly after July 1, 1989 (P =.009). However, patient age (P <.001) rather than time of surgery (P =.83) was the most important predictive factor in a multivariate analysis for use of laparoscopy. In addition, multivariate analysis revealed that patient age (P =.02) rather than time of surgery (P =.79) was also predictive of surgeon type (gynecologist or pediatric surgeon). CONCLUSION: The most frequent cause of an ovarian mass requiring surgery in a girl or young woman under 21 years of age is an ovarian cyst, which justifies consideration of a laparoscopic approach. Patient age rather than time of surgery predicted operative approach and surgeon type. Caution should be exercised in patients over age 12 months with a complex mass on ultrasound and clinical evidence of hormonal activity, as these masses are usually malignant.

An unusual presentation of Tourette's syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To report an unusual complex motor tic as the presenting symptom in a patient diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome. METHODS: This case report was compiled via interview with a 9-year-old white female who presented to the private gynecologic practice of the senior author. Additional history was gained from the patient's mother and follow up information was obtained from written and verbal communication with neurology colleagues. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Referral to neurology. Diagnosis of persistent perineal touching. RESULTS: Diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome. CONCLUSION: In young patients with nonspecific vulval symptoms, Tourette's syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis particularly if persistent self touching is a feature of the complaint. Referral to a physician experienced with the syndrome is important since the diagnosis is made on the basis of the clinical symptoms and signs.

Postpartum contraceptive use among adolescent mothers.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of repeat pregnancy and method continuation rate at 12 months postpartum in young women who chose either depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or oral contraceptives (OCs) as contraception. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 122 postpartum women younger than 18 years of age who delivered between January 8, 1997 and December 31, 1997. Patients choosing depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (n = 76) and OCs (n = 46) were accrued for 12 months and were followed-up for a minimum of 12 months. Main outcome measures were median contraceptive method continuation and the incidence of repeat pregnancy at 12 months postpartum. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean age at delivery (P =.47), parity (P =.84), or gravidity (P =.78) between depot medroxyprogesterone acetate and OC users. At 12 months postpartum, 27.4% of OC users and 55.3% of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate users were still using contraception. Median time to contraceptive discontinuation was longer for those choosing depot medroxyprogesterone acetate compared with OCs (17.8 vs 7.4 months, respectively, P =.002). The overall incidence of repeat pregnancy at 12 months postpartum was 10.6%. Among OC and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate users, respectively, 24% and 2.6% became pregnant again, producing a relative risk (RR) of 9.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.1, 39.2) for repeat pregnancy among OC users. The mean time to repeat pregnancy (this was reported instead of the median time whenever the pregnancy rate had not reached 50% at the end of the follow-up period) was longer for depot medroxyprogesterone acetate compared with OC users (17.1 months vs 13.2 months, respectively, P <.001). CONCLUSION: Adolescent mothers using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate injection for contraception have a higher method continuation rate and a lower incidence of repeat pregnancy at 12 months postpartum than those selecting OCs during the same period.

Breast disorders in the pediatric and adolescent patient.

Despite the wide range of breast abnormalities that affect patients in the pediatric and adolescent populations, some conclusions can be drawn. Breast self-examination in the adolescent population is controversial but is recommended for girls who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene beginning at age 18 to 21 years. All girls with a disorder of breast size or symmetry should be given the opportunity of consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss reconstructive options. Ultrasound is the most appropriate initial investigation in any adolescent patient with a breast mass owing to the dense nature of breast tissue in this age group. Although it is extremely rare in this population, breast cancer must always be included in the differential diagnosis of a breast mass, particularly in the patient with a prior history of childhood malignancy or chest irradiation.

Correlation between glycemic control and menstruation in diabetic adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a correlation exists between the degree of glycemic control in insulin-dependent diabetic adolescents and menstrual regulation. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of charts of diabetic girls aged 10-18 was performed. Office visits were scheduled every three to six months, at which time pubertal development, menstrual function, growth and diabetic control, including hemoglobin (Hgb) A1C, and complications were assessed. Forty-six patients were eligible for data analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi 2 and Student t tests, were applied. RESULTS: Thirty-seven (81%) patients had regular menstrual cycles, and nine (19%) had menstrual disturbances, including secondary amenorrhea (one), oligomenorrhea (seven) and primary amenorrhea followed by oligomenorrhea (one). There were two pregnancies. Six patients used hormonal contraception but none for menstrual regulation. There was a statistically significant difference (P < .05) in mean Hgb A1C concentrations between those with menstrual disturbances (11.4) and those with regular menses (9.7). As Hgb A1C values increased, the percent of patients with menstrual disturbances increased, becoming statistically significant when the Hgb A1C was > 10 (odds ratio 7.3, 95% confidence interval 1.5-35.6). There was no difference (P > .05) between the two groups with respect to age at menarche (156 vs. 152 months), age at onset of diabetes (144 vs. 108 months) and interval between diabetes onset and menarche (54 vs. 41 months). There were no patients in either group with diabetic retinopathy or nephropathy. Four patients were hypertensive, but there was no statistically significant difference (P > .05) between groups. CONCLUSION: Tighter glycemic control, as measured by Hgb A1C concentrations, corresponded to improved menstrual regulation in adolescent insulin-dependent diabetics.

Surgical management of vaginal agenesis.

Vaginal agenesis is a rare anomaly that may result from a variety of different underlying diagnoses. The most important aspects of the surgical management of this condition are: correct diagnosis of both the underlying abnormality and its anatomy, documentation of any associated renal or skeletal anomalies, and proper psychological preparation of the young woman for any anticipated corrective surgery. Over the years, there have been many different techniques devised in an attempt to provide these women with a functioning vagina that approximates normal anatomy. The purpose of this article is to review the surgical options for the management of this anomaly.

Emergency contraception: lack of awareness among patients presenting for pregnancy termination.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Emergency contraception, otherwise known as postcoital contraception, refers to a group of birth control modalities that, when used after unprotected intercourse within defined time constraints, can markedly reduce the risk of a resultant unintended pregnancy. The English literature, using British and American awareness data, consistently claims that these contraceptive options are underutilized in the United States because of a lack of patient and physician awareness of their existence. The objective of this study was to determine the level of awareness of postcoital contraceptive techniques in a population of American women who were presenting for pregnancy termination. The secondary goal was to calculate (theoretically) how many of these surgical terminations could have been prevented through the use of postcoital contraception. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to patients presenting to an abortion clinic. It was intended to anonymously identify patient demographics and knowledge of the various emergency contraceptive options and, in hindsight, to determine what percentage of these women would have been willing candidates for one of these medical modalities. On completing the questionnaire, all patients received an emergency contraceptive information sheet for future consideration. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients completed the study. They ranged in age from 15 to 44 years (mean, 24 years). Forty-six percent of the patients were 21 years of age or younger. A total of 71% of all patients had no real knowledge of the existence of emergency contraceptive options; 26% had some limited knowledge, and only 3% had somewhat complete and valuable information. Fifty-one percent of the patients would have been appropriate, realistic, and willing candidates for at least the emergency contraceptive pill. Assuming at least a 75% effectiveness rate for the emergency contraceptive pill, 38% of the surgical pregnancy terminations performed on this population of women could have been avoided. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that emergency contraceptive options are underutilized because of a lack of patient awareness. Contraception education, especially directed toward adolescents, should include disseminating enhanced information about postcoital contraception options.