Patterns of pediatric and adolescent female genital inflammation in China: an eight-year retrospective study of 49,175 patients in China.

Background: Genital inflammation is one of the most frequent clinical complaints among girls, which was easily overlooked by the general public. This study aimed to investigate the patterns and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric and adolescent female genital inflammation in China. Methods: A retrospective observational study (2011 to 2018) was conducted among all female patients under the age of 0-18 years at the Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology of The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine. Data were collected from the electronic medical records. The abnormal vaginal discharge of patient was collected for microbiological investigation by bacterial and fungal culture. Descriptive analysis was conducted to evaluate the genital inflammation pattern and epidemiological characteristics, including age, season, and type of infected pathogens. Results: A total of 49,175 patients met the eligibility criteria of genital inflammation and 16,320 patients later came to the hospital for follow-up over the study period. The number of first-visit increased gradually from 3,769 in 2011 to 10,155 in 2018. The peak age of the first visit was 0-6 years old. Non-specific vulvovaginitis, lichen sclerosis, and labial adhesion were the top three genital inflammation. Among the top five potential common pathogens of vaginal infection, the prevalence of Haemophilus influenzae cases was the highest (31.42%, 203/646), followed by Streptococcus pyogenes (27.74%, 176/646), Candida albicans (14.09%, 91/646), Escherichia coli (8.51%, 55/646), and Staphylococcus aureus (6.35%, 41/636). The specific disease categories and pathogens of genital inflammation vary by age groups and season. Conclusion: Our study summarizes the pattern of pediatric and adolescent female genital inflammation over an 8-year period in China, emphasizing the need for more public awareness, healthcare services and research in this field.

Treatment outcome of women with urodynamic mixed urinary incontinence: an observational study.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Mixed urinary incontinence (MUI) is a common yet understudied condition. It remains a therapeutic challenge, with the presence of both stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency urinary incontinence (UUI). There is limited information on the optimal management for women with urodynamic MUI (urodynamic stress incontinence and detrusor overactivity). We assessed the treatment outcome of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), medical treatment and surgery for women who were diagnosed with urodynamic MUI. METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out on women with urodynamic MUI from 2010 to 2018. All women underwent clinical assessment and standardised urodynamic evaluation. All women received PFMT from a specialised continence advisor as initial management. Antimuscarinics and/or continence surgery were considered according to the woman's response and symptoms after PFMT. Subjective outcome after each treatment modality was analysed. RESULTS: A total of 198 women were included for analysis. All women received PFMT, 104 (52.5%) showing improvement in urinary incontinence. Eighty-seven (43.9%) women were offered antimuscarinics, of whom 58 (29.3%) showed subjective improvement in both SUI and UUI, and 10 (5%) reported a reduction in UUI but persistent SUI. A total of 55 (27.7%) women received surgical treatment, with 20 receiving continence procedures. Sixteen out of twenty (80%) of them reported improvement in both SUI and UUI. None reported worsening of urgency or UUI. Overall, across all treatment modalities, 73.8% of women showed improvement in both SUI and UUI. CONCLUSION: Future analyses can help to inform which patients will have a higher success rate after each treatment modality and help focus treatment effort on those with a high risk of persistent symptoms. This will provide relevant data in counselling women, giving reasonable expectations and directing the management of women with urodynamic MUI.

Effect of additional acupuncture to pelvic floor exercise on urinary incontinence: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To investigate the additional benefit of acupuncture to pelvic floor exercise (PFE) on the improvement of urinary incontinence (UI) and quality of life (QoL) in women. METHODS: This was a single-blinded randomized controlled trial in a tertiary university hospital. Women with UI in various severity and types were randomized to receive either a weekly course of acupuncture with PFE or PFE alone for 6 weeks and then followed up for 24 weeks in every 6 weeks. Investigators were blinded to group allocation in pre- and postintervention assessments. Primary outcome was subjective changes of UI symptoms at 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes were episodes and severity of UI from bladder diary, severity by Visual Analogue Scale, and QoL scores by validated Chinese short-form of Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7). RESULTS: One hundred seventy-nine women were screened while 137 were randomized. Significant subjective improvement in UI symptoms was demonstrated at all follow-up, latest at 24 weeks (odds ratio [OR]: 2.29, 95% confidence Interval [CI]: 1.02-5.12, respectively), with reduced episodes and severity of UI after (p < 0.05), and a trend of improvement in IIQ-7 score (p = 0.05). No major adverse events occurred. History of 2 years or longer duration of UI symptoms was associated with lower effectiveness of acupuncture (OR: 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01-0.68).

Prospective comparison of obstetric anal sphincter injury incidence between an Asian and Western hospital.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASIS) rates are reported to be higher in Asian women living in Western countries than in those living in Asia, but the reasons for the differences remain unclear. The objectives of this study were for a single examiner to prospectively compare OASIS rates in primiparous Asian women in an Asian and Western birth unit and determine potential birth factors that may influence the possible difference in OASIS incidence. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study based in Hong Kong, China, and Sydney, Australia, involving primiparous women > 36 weeks gestation of Asian descent undergoing vaginal delivery. A single examiner recorded basic patient demographics, observed all the deliveries at both sites, noting birthing techniques, and then examined the women, including a rectal examination, to determine OASIS incidence. RESULTS: Seventy births in Hong Kong and 66 in Sydney were studied. The incidence of OASIS was 34% in Sydney and 10% in Hong Kong (p = 0.001). Birthweight, epidural rate, body mass index, and instrumental delivery were higher in Sydney. Episiotomy rates were higher in Hong Kong (59.2% vs. 82.9%; p = 0.007). When comparing OASIS with no-OASIS, perineal length (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.76, p = 0.004) and birthweight (OR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.30, p = 0.039) were independent risk factors for OASIS. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of OASIS in Asian women is significantly higher in a Western than in an Asian setting. In Asian women, perineal length and birthweight can affect the risk of OASIS at the time of vaginal delivery.

Predictors for dislodgment of vaginal pessary within one year in women with pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVES: To identify clinical risk factors for dislodgment of vaginal pessary within one year in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective observational study which recruited consecutive women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse in a tertiary urogynecology center. Basic demographics, clinical symptoms and staging of pelvic organ prolapse were assessed. A vaginal pessary was offered where appropriate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics and clinical parameters were compared between women who were able to use a vaginal pessary for one year and those whose pessaries were dislodged within one year. RESULTS: A total of 779 women were recruited and had a vaginal pessary inserted. Of them, 528 women, with a mean age of 64.7 (SD 10.1) years, returned for one-year follow-up; 177 (33.5%) had their pessary dislodged within one year and 351 (66.5%) had been able to retain the pessary. Stage III or IV prolapse (OR 1.76), prolapse predominant at the apical compartment (OR 2.14) and larger genital hiatus (OR 1.63) were factors associated with dislodgment of the vaginal pessary. Age, body mass index, previous hysterectomy and short vagina were not associated with dislodgment. Nevertheless, 47.6% of women with stage III/IV prolapse could still keep the pessary for one year. CONCLUSION: Higher staging of prolapse, larger genital hiatus and apical compartment prolapse are clinical predictors for dislodgment of a vaginal pessary. Despite this, nearly half of women with stage III/IV prolapse were able to use a vaginal pessary for one year. Therefore, a vaginal pessary should be offered despite their staging of prolapse.

Vaginal Pessary in Women With Symptomatic Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pelvic floor symptoms, quality of life, and complications in women with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) with or without vaginal pessaries in addition to those who do pelvic floor exercises for 12 months. METHODS: This was a parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial with 12 months of follow-up. Women with symptomatic stage I to stage III POP were randomized to either pelvic floor exercises training (control group) or pelvic floor exercises training and insertion of a vaginal pessary (pessary group). The primary outcome was the change of prolapse symptoms and quality of life by using the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaires. Secondary outcomes included bothersome of prolapse symptoms, desired treatment, and any complications. RESULTS: From December 2011 through November 2014, 311 women were screened and 276 were randomized as follows: 137 to the control and 139 to the pessary group. One hundred thirty-two (95.0%) women in the pessary group and 128 (93.4%) in the control group completed the study. The Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire of Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire scores decreased in both groups after 12 months, but the mean score differences were higher in the pessary group (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory: -29.7 compared with -4.7, P<.01; Pelvic Organ Prolapse Impact Questionnaire: -29.0 compared with 3.5, P<.01). Complication rates were low and similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: We provided further evidence in nonsurgical treatment for POP. Prolapse symptoms and quality of life were improved in women using a vaginal pessary in addition to pelvic floor exercises. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Centre for Clinical Research and Biostatistics-Clinical Trials Registry, https://www2.ccrb.cuhk.edu.hk/web/?page_id=746, ChiCTR-TRC-11001796.

Efficacy and outcomes of transobturator tension-free vaginal tape with or without concomitant pelvic floor repair surgery for urinary stress incontinence: five-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the 5-year subjective and objective outcomes of transobturator tension-free vaginal tape alone versus the same procedure with concomitant pelvic floor repair surgery for pelvic organ prolapse in women with urinary stress incontinence. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Urogynaecology unit at a university hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS: Of 218 women, 96 (44%) received transobturator tension-free vaginal tape alone and 122 (56%) received transobturator tension-free vaginal tape with concomitant pelvic floor repair surgery from September 2004 to December 2009. The women were followed up annually for up to 5 years after the operation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The 5-year subjective and objective cure rates were assessed. Subjective cure was defined as no urine loss during physical activity and objective cure was defined as no urine leakage on coughing during urodynamic study. RESULTS: Overall, 88 women receiving transobturator tension-free vaginal tape alone and 101 women receiving transobturator tension-free vaginal tape with concomitant pelvic floor repair surgery were followed up for 5 years after operation. The subjective and objective cure rates of the two groups were 70.5% versus 94.1% (P<0.01) and 80.3% versus 85.7% (P=0.58), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transobturator tension-free vaginal tape is an effective treatment for urinary stress incontinence in women who received it alone or with concomitant pelvic floor repair surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, providing high subjective and objective efficacy for up to 5 years after operation. Transobturator tension-free vaginal tape with concomitant pelvic floor repair surgery achieved similar, if not better, long-term outcome compared with transobturator tension-free vaginal tape alone.

A pilot study of urine cytokines in ketamine-associated lower urinary tract symptoms.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to investigate urine cytokine and chemokine levels in symptomatic ketamine abusers compared with age-matched controls. METHODS: Midstream urine specimens were collected in a prospective study of 23 ketamine abusers and 27 controls who had never used ketamine. Their basic demographic and urinary symptoms were compared. The urine was analyzed by a multiplex panel screen for 19 cytokines/chemokines: EGF, GM-CSF, GRO, IL-1Ra, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p40, IL-12p70, IP-10, MCP-1, MIP-1b, sCD40L, sIL-2Ra, VEGF, MCP-4, and TARC using Luminex™ xMAP® technology. Protein concentration values were normalized to urine creatinine concentrations. RESULTS: Mean age of the control group was 21.1 ± 4.3 years (n = 27) and of the ketamine group was 20.6 ± 3.7 years (n = 23). All participants were women. The urine cytokine analysis showed a significant elevation in EGF levels in the ketamine group with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) compared with the control group (p < 0.005). Levels of the remaining 18 proteins tested were not different from control values. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary EGF levels were increased among symptomatic ketamine abusers. This suggests inflammation and epithelial repair may play a role in ketamine-associated LUTS, and this may in turn help in understanding the pathophysiology of this disease entity, leading to better treatment options.

A randomized crossover study of medroxyprogesterone acetate and Diane-35 in adolescent girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 4-month treatment of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) and Diane-35 on the clinical and biochemical features of hyperandrogenism and quality of life of adolescent girls with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, cross-over study. SETTING: An accredited pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic of a university-affiliated tertiary hospital. PARTICIPANTS: 76 adolescents girls aged 14 to 19 years old with PCOS were recruited from July 2007 to July 2010. INTERVENTIONS: Girls were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 received oral MPA for 4 months, followed by a washout period of 4 months, and then Diane-35 for another 4 months. Group 2 received the same combination but in the reverse order. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical and biochemical features of hyperandrogenism and quality of life were assessed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups at baseline. No significant difference was found in the clinical and biochemical parameters of hyperandrogenism before and after treatment with MPA. Significant reduction of the acne score, LH/FSH ratio, and testosterone level was seen after taking Diane-35. Hirsutism was also improved but it did not reach statistical significant. When comparing post-MPA and post-Diane-35, the post-Diane-35 group had significantly improved acne score and LH/FSH ratio. No significant difference was found on quality of life between both groups after treatment. CONCLUSION: Diane-35 may be a more suitable treatment option in adolescent girls diagnosed with PCOS when compared to MPA.

Effect of levator ani muscle injury on primiparous women during the first year after childbirth.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate the effect of levator ani muscle (LAM) injury on pelvic floor disorders and health-related quality of life in Chinese primiparous women during the first year after delivery. METHODS: At 8 weeks and 12 months after delivery, 328 women were assessed for symptoms of pelvic floor disorders and quality of life using the standardised questionnaire, POP-Q; and translabial ultrasound to detect LAM injury. Descriptive analysis, independent sample t test, non-parametric testing, Chi-squared test and two-sided Fisher's exact test were used. RESULTS: At 8 weeks after delivery, 48 (19.0% [95% CI, 14.2-23.8%]) women with vaginal delivery had LAM injury; 38 women (79.2%) had persistent LAM injury at 12 months. At 8 weeks, LAM injury was associated with prolapse symptoms, descent at Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) Aa and Ba points and a higher Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI) general and Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI) Obstructive subscale score. At 12 months, it was not associated with prolapse symptoms, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) or Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ). There was also no association between stress urinary incontinence (SUI), urge urinary incontinence (UUI), mixed urinary incontinence (UI), faecal incontinence (FI) with LAM injury at both time points. CONCLUSIONS: Seventy-nine per cent of women who had LAM injury at 8 weeks after vaginal delivery had persistent LAM injury at 12 months. LAM injury was associated with prolapse symptoms, lower POP-Q Aa and Ba points at 8 weeks after delivery and a higher POPDI general and UDI Obstructive subscale scoring. However, we are not able to confirm the association between LAM injury and SUI, UUI, mixed UI, FI at 8 weeks or 12 months after delivery; or prolapse symptoms, PFDI or PFIQ scores at 12 months after delivery.

Tension-free vaginal mesh for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in Chinese women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess perioperative and short-term outcomes after tension-free vaginal mesh repair of pelvic organ prolapse in local Chinese women. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: The urogynaecology unit of a university teaching hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS: All women with stage III or more pelvic organ prolapse who underwent tension-free vaginal mesh repair with or without vaginal hysterectomy from May 2007 to June 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Perioperative and short-term outcomes. RESULTS: In all, 47 women underwent the procedure during the study period. The mean operating time was 94 minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was 163 mL, and the mean hospital stay was 4 days. Four patients had visceral injuries, all of which were identified and repaired during the operation; all four patients recovered uneventfully. The mean duration of follow-up was 25 (standard deviation, 13) months. Pelvic organ prolapse quantification improved significantly; nine (19%) of the patients had recurrent stage II prolapse but only one was symptomatic, six (13%) had postoperative mesh exposure, three of whom underwent mesh excision. There were five (11%) who had de-novo urodynamic stress incontinence, which was mostly mild and managed conservatively. Overall 91% (43/47) were satisfied with their operative outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The success rate of tension-free vaginal mesh repair for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse in local Chinese women was comparable to rates reported internationally. There was a high degree of subjective satisfaction with the procedure. There were low rates of mesh exposure and de-novo stress incontinence that was mostly asymptomatic or mild.

Prophylactic use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rate of endometrial pathology with the prophylactic use of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen. METHODS: This was a randomized contro-lled trial of 129 Chinese women who attended a university hospital in Hong Kong and required adjuvant tamoxifen for breast cancer after the completion of postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Women were randomized to treatment (prophylactic levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system insertion before the commencement of tamoxifen) or control group. The uterine cavity was examined by hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling before the commencement of tamoxifen and at 12, 24, 45, and 60 months afterward. Any endometrial polyps or submucosal fibroids were resected through hysteroscopy at each assessment and specimens were sent for histologic confirmation. RESULTS: A total of 94 women completed 5-year follow-up. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of submucosal fibroids (1 [1.8%] compared with 2 [3.4%]) and endometrial hyperplasia (both 0) in the treatment and control groups, respectively. Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system significantly reduced de novo endometrial polyps (hazard ratio 0.19, 95% confidence interval 0.07-0.48) over the course of 5 years on an intention-to-treat basis. There was no statistically significant increase in breast cancer recurrence rate (10 [17.2%] compared with 6 [10.0%]) or cancer-related deaths (6 [10.3%] compared with 5 [8.3%]) in the treatment group, but the study was underpowered in this regard. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system prevents de novo endometrial polyps in women using tamoxifen. However, its role in the prevention of endometrial hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma as well as its effect on risk of breast cancer recurrence remain uncertain. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, http://www.chictr.org/en/, ChiCTR-TRC-09000625. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Risk of malignancy in women who underwent hysterectomy for uterine prolapse.

AIMS: To evaluate the risk of missing a malignancy in surgical specimens following hysterectomy for uterine prolapse if routine pathological examination is not performed. Additionally, information on the risk of missing an hitherto unsuspected malignancy if uterine preservation is the preferred management option will be provided. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on all cases of surgery performed for uterine prolapse in a tertiary referral institution from 2003 to 2011. Those with confirmed malignancy before operation were excluded. The study subjects had their clinical history, investigations, the type of operations and histopathology report analysed. They were classified into symptomatic or asymptomatic, depending on whether they reported symptoms that were suggestive of uterine malignancy. RESULTS: A total of 640 women were studied. Three cases of hitherto unsuspected uterine malignancy were found, giving an incidence of 0.47%. Among the 456 asymptomatic women, both pre- and postmenopausal, the risk of incidental malignancy was 0.22%. Within the postmenopausal group, risk of incidental malignancy was 0.26%. Another 3 cases of uterine premalignant conditions were identified, giving an overall risk of premalignant and malignant uterine condition of 0.94%. Five cases of cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia were found, contributing to a risk of 0.78%. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of missing an uterine malignancy in patients with uterine prolapse is low if appropriate investigations are carried out prior to surgery. If hysterectomy is to be performed, we recommend that all surgical specimens be subjected to histopathological examination.

Prevalence of urinary and fecal incontinence in Chinese women during and after their first pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study evaluated factors and their prevalence associated with urinary (UI) and fecal (FI) incontinence during and after a woman's first pregnancy. METHODS: Nulliparous Chinese women with no UI or FI before pregnancy were studied with a standardized questionnaire for UI and FI from early pregnancy until 12 months after childbirth. Maternal characteristics and obstetric data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, independent sample t test, chi-square test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-eight (74.2 %) women completed the study. The prevalence of antenatal UI increased with gestation. Overall, 192 (58.5 %), 60 (18.3 %), and 76 (23.1 %) had normal vaginal delivery, instrumental delivery, and cesarean section, respectively. Twelve months after delivery, prevalence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) was 25.9 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 21.5-30.6] and 8.2 % (95 % CI 5.2-11.2), respectively. In those who delivered vaginally, the prevalence was 29.7 % and 9.1 %, respectively. Prevalence of FI was 4.0 % (95 % CI 1.9-6.1). On logistic regression, vaginal delivery [odds ratio (OR) 3.6], antenatal SUI (OR 2.8), and UUI (OR 2.4) were associated with SUI. Antenatal UUI (OR 6.4) and increasing maternal body mass index (BMI) at the first trimester (OR 1.2) were associated with UUI. Antenatal FI was associated with FI (OR 6.1). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SUI, UUI, and FI were 25.9 %, 8.2 %, and 4.0 %, respectively, 12 months after delivery. Vaginal delivery, antenatal SUI, and UUI were associated with SUI; antenatal UUI and increasing maternal BMI at the first trimester were associated with UUI. Antenatal FI was associated with FI. Pregnancy, regardless of route of delivery and obstetric practice, had an effect on UI and FI.

Quality of life in women with urinary incontinence is impaired and comparable to women with chronic diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the quality of life in women with urinary incontinence (categorised by urodynamic findings). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study on patients. SETTING: Urogynaecology unit of a university teaching hospital in Hong Kong. PATIENTS. Female patients presenting to our clinic from July 2008 to December 2009 and having their urinary incontinence categorised by urodynamic study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient's quality of life was assessed using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form, and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form. Their quality of life was compared according to their urodynamic category and a subgroup analysis was performed on patients having continence surgery for urodynamic stress incontinence. RESULTS: Among the 223 women studied, 46% had urodynamic stress incontinence, 18% had detrusor overactivity, 2% had both urodynamic stress incontinence and detrusor overactivity, and 34% had no urodynamic abnormality. In all, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form scoring was lower than normal local population. The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form score in detrusor overactivity group was significantly lower than urodynamic stress incontinence group in vitality and mental health domains. Detrusor overactivity group also had higher scores in Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form in travel, social and emotional health subscales and total score (46.3 vs 29.1; P<0.01). Women with urodynamic stress incontinence and required continence surgery had higher scores in Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form. CONCLUSION: Women with urinary incontinence had impaired quality of life and it was comparable to other chronic medical diseases. Women with detrusor overactivity have more impaired quality of life than women with urodynamic stress incontinence. Severity of urodynamic stress incontinence did not correlate with quality of life. Women who opted for continence surgery had poorer quality of life.

Menstrual disorders in a Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology Clinic: patient presentations and longitudinal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE. To study the presentations, diagnoses, and outcomes in adolescents with menstrual disorders. DESIGN. Prospective cohort study. SETTING. Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology Clinic, Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS. A total of 577 adolescents aged 14 to 19 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES. The presentations and diagnoses of adolescents with menstrual disorders were reviewed and their menstrual outcomes determined by a telephone survey. RESULTS. In all, 47% presented with menorrhagia, prolonged menstruation, and short menstrual cycles; 27% had secondary amenorrhoea, 12% had dysmenorrhoea, 11% had oligomenorrhoea, and 3% had primary amenorrhoea. Significant diagnoses included congenital genital tract anomalies, premature ovarian failure, anorexia nervosa, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Polycystic ovarian syndrome was diagnosed in 16% of the cohort. In all, 24% of these 577 patients had abnormal menstrual cycles 4 years later. Direct logistic regression analysis indicated a cycle length of more than 35 days at presentation (adjusted odds ratio=2.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-4.5), previous diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (adjusted odds ratio=2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-3.4), and current body mass index of 23 kg/m(2) or higher (adjusted odds ratio=1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.0) were risk factors for persistently long menstrual cycle exceeding 35 days. Adolescents who were screened out with a definitive diagnosis after initial assessment were at low risk of persistently long menstrual cycles at follow-up (adjusted odds ratio=0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.8). CONCLUSIONS. Adolescent menstrual disorders should not be ignored. Long cycle, diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome at first consultation, and a current body mass index of 23 kg/m(2) or higher were statistically associated with persistent problems.

Chinese validation of Urogenital Distress Inventory and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire short form.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: UDI-6 and IIQ-7 are useful disease-specific questionnaires evaluating the impact of urinary incontinence on the QOL of women. We aim at validating them in Chinese language. METHODS: Both instruments were translated; 207 urinary incontinent women completed UDI-6 and IIQ-7, SF-36, bladder diary and urodynamic evaluation. The reliability and validity were assessed. RESULTS: There were high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha for UDI-6 and IIQ-7 was 0.80 and 0.93) and test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.72 and 0.75, P < 0.001). Scoring of UDI-6 and IIQ-7 was negatively correlated with SF-36 (P < 0.001); positively correlated with daytime urinary frequency and incontinent episodes (P < 0.001), and women's VAS (P < 0.001). Subscales of UDI-6 and IIQ-7 could discriminate women with different urodynamic diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS: The Chinese UDI-6 and IIQ-7 is reliable and valid. Study on the responsiveness to treatment is in progress. They are useful in assessing impact of the urinary incontinence in Chinese women.

Urinary incontinence should be added to the manifestation in women with Marfan syndrome.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to compare the incidence of urinary incontinence in women with Marfan syndrome and controls, hypothesizing that connective tissue abnormality could contribute to urinary incontinence. METHODS: A cross-sectional historical cohort study was conducted on 14 premenopausal women with Marfan syndrome and 534 controls using Urogenital Distress Inventory Short Form and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire Short Form. RESULTS: Marfan subjects had significantly higher incidence of urinary symptoms, stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) than controls (P = 0.02, P = 0.03, P = 0.02), despite their lower parity (P = 0.01). Direct logistic regression analysis indicated that Marfan syndrome, parity and age were associated with SUI; while Marfan syndrome was the only significant predictor of UUI. CONCLUSIONS: Premenopausal women with Marfan syndrome had a higher incidence of reported urinary symptoms. Urinary incontinence should be added to the list of clinical manifestations in women with Marfan syndrome.

Menstrual problems and health-seeking behaviour in Hong Kong Chinese girls.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the prevalence of menstrual problems in adolescent girls and their health-seeking behaviour. DESIGN: Questionnaire survey on menstruation, menstrual problems, medical consultation, and factors influencing girls seeking medical care. SETTING: Secondary schools in the catchment area of a tertiary teaching hospital in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 5609 girls from 10 secondary schools. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of menstrual problems and health-seeking behaviour of adolescent girls. RESULTS: The mean age of the girls and their mean age at menarche were 15.1 (standard deviation, 2.0) years and 12.3 (1.1) years, respectively. The prevalence of menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, and menstrual symptoms were 17.9% (95% confidence interval, 16.9-19.1%), 68.7% (67.7-70.3%), and 37.7% (36.7-39.3%), respectively. The prevalence of menstrual symptoms (P<0.001) and dysmenorrhoea (P<0.001) increased with gynaecological age (calendar age minus age at menarche), whilst the proportion having short or long cycles decreased (P=0.002 and P=0.009). One in eight girls reported having been absent from school, whilst only 6.4% had sought medical care because of menses. Multivariate analysis indicated that seeking medical care for menorrhagia was dependent on the opinion of a family member (P=0.005), and for dysmenorrhoea on its severity (P=0.046) and anxiety about embarrassing questions (P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of menstrual problems in Hong Kong Chinese girls is high and causes significant disruption to their school and daily activities. However, only a minority seek medical advice.