Embedding a novel screening programme for sexually transmitted infections (chlamydia and gonorrhoea) within an ambulatory emergency surgical assessment unit: an observational cohort study.
Sex Transm Infect
; 100(6): 381-383, 2024 Aug 19.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38937097
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
A number of females with pelvic inflammatory disease will present to general surgical services with non-specific abdominal pain. Screening for sexually transmitted infections (STI) as an underlying cause is not routinely offered. We therefore established an STI screening programme for young females presenting to a same day emergency ambulatory surgical clinic as part of the diagnostic pathway. Data outlining the incidence and prevalence of STIs as the underlying cause of lower abdominal pain were collected.METHODS:
We conducted an observational cohort study. Self-collected vulvovaginal swabs for chlamydia and gonorrhoea were offered as part of a standardised diagnostic pathway for all females meeting inclusion criteria presenting with abdominal pain. Positive results were referred to our local sexual health team for treatment and contact tracing.RESULTS:
The cohort comprised 297 eligible patients; 259 participated, 20 patients declined testing and 18 samples were rejected as inadequate in the laboratory. 5.4% of swab results were positive (2 gonorrhoea and 12 chlamydia). All patients with positive swabs had presented with lower abdominal pain and of these only 21% had a documented sexual history.CONCLUSION:
Undiagnosed STIs are prevalent, with significant fertility and public health risks. Young females seeking medical assessment for abdominal pain provide an opportunistic screening cohort with a likely subset of patients presenting with abdominal pain as a direct result of an STI. Our results demonstrate a high incidence of positive tests, suggesting further training of surgeons to include a sexual history in assessment of females with abdominal pain is vital.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Chlamydia Infections
/
Gonorrhea
/
Abdominal Pain
/
Mass Screening
Limits:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
Sex Transm Infect
Journal subject:
DOENCAS SEXUALMENTE TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2024
Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United kingdom