Urinary tract infections in women with bacterial vaginosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of urinary tract infections in women with bacterial vaginosis. METHODS: One hundred twenty-nine women who presented for routine gynecologic examinations were evaluated for bacterial vaginosis and urinary tract infections between June 1998 and March 1999. RESULTS: Sixty-seven women had bacterial vaginosis and 62 women did not. Fifteen women with bacterial vaginosis (22.4%) had urinary tract infections, compared with six (9.7%) of those without it. Bacterial vaginosis was associated with an increased risk of urinary tract infections (odds ratio 2.79; 95% confidence interval 1.05, 8.33). CONCLUSION: Women with bacterial vaginosis are at increased risk for urinary tract infections.

Terconazole cream for non-Candida albicans fungal vaginitis: results of a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Although it is FDA-approved for use in vulvovaginal candidiasis caused by non-Candida albicans species, terconazole cream has not been been studied in patients with these infections. We sought to assess the clinical and mycological efficacy of terconazole cream in women with non-C. albicans vaginitis. METHODS: The records of patients who had received a 7-day course of terconazole cream for culture-proved non-C. albicans vaginitis were reviewed. Data with regard to patient demographics, clinical and mycologic response to therapy within 1 month of treatment, and outcome with other antifungal therapies were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients received terconazole cream for non-C. albicans infections. Three patients did not return for follow-up. The median age was 45 years. Seven (28%) patients were nulliparous. The median duration of symptoms was 3 years. Nine patients (36%) had received terconazole within the 6 months prior to referral. Overall, there were 20 C. glabrata cases, 3 C. parapsilosis, and 2 C. lusitaniae. Fourteen (56%) patients achieved a mycologic cure; 11 (44%) noted a resolution of their symptoms. Prior terconazole use was not associated with treatment failure (P = 0.09). Ten failures received boric acid suppositories as subsequent treatment; a cure was effected in 4 (40%). Two of three patients (67%) were eventually cured with flucytosine cream. Five (20 %) patients remained uncured. CONCLUSIONS: Terconazole cream may be an appropriate first-line treatment for non C. albicans vaginitis, even in patients who have previously received the drug.

Intravesical foreign body and vesicovaginal fistula: a rare complication of a neglected pessary.

A silicone Gellhorn pessary, 3 inches in diameter, neglected for several years in an elderly woman, eroded through the anterior vaginal wall, ultimately to lie entirely within the bladder. General anesthesia and bilateral deep full-length Schuchardt's incisions were required to remove it. A Latzko procedure was done at a later date to close the large vesicovaginal fistula; similar Schuhardt's incisions were again used.

Creation of neovagina by laparoscopic Vecchietti operation.

The Vecchietti operation is a surgical technique that creates a neovagina by dilation in 7-9 days. The authors report a case of a 17-year-old woman with müllerian agenesis, Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome, in whom the Vecchietti operation was performed. A neovagina with a depth of 11 cm was created in 7 days. There were no complications, and the functional result was excellent.

Massive hemoperitoneum from endometriosis of the fallopian tube. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Endometriosis is a common gynecologic disease that usually presents with pelvic pain and infertility in the reproductive years. It can be complicated by bleeding, such as hematuria or hemoptysis; however, acute massive hemoperitoneum caused by tubal endometriosis without any concomitant disorder has not been reported previously. CASE: An unusual case of massive hemoperitoneum led to preshock as a result of bleeding from a tubal endometriosis implant in a previously healthy 29-year-old woman without previous history suggesting endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Although the most common gynecologic cause of hemoperitoneum in a reproductive-age woman is ruptured ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis should also be considered, especially after exclusion of pregnancy.

Clinically inapparent tuboovarian actinomycosis in a woman with an IUD. A case report.

BACKGROUND: The consequences and management of asymptomatic Actinomyces-like organisms detected on cervical cytologic smears continue to be controversial. CASE: A unilateral tuboovarian actinomycotic abscess was discovered in a woman who had undergone a hysterectomy for uterine leiomyomas. She had had an intrauterine device in place for many years without any symptoms of pelvic inflammatory disease. CONCLUSION: Ascending infection of the upper genital tract by Actinomyces may be clinically inapparent. When Actinomyces-like organisms aer detected on cervical cytologic smears, removal of an intrauterine device should be considered.

Treatment of acute gynecologic infections with trovafloxacin. Trovafloxacin Surgical Group.

BACKGROUND: Trovafloxacin, a broad-spectrum fourth-generation quinolone with gram-positive and gram-negative aerobic and anaerobic bacterial activity, is available in oral and intravenous formulations. The objective of this prospective, multicenter, double-blind, randomized study was to compare the efficacy of trovafloxacin with that of cefoxitin, an approved drug for treatment of acute gynecologic infections, together with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid as oral follow-on treatment. METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute pelvic infection received either intravenous alatrofloxacin with oral trovafloxacin follow-on (trovafloxacin) or a combined regimen of cefoxitin followed by amoxicillin/clavulanic acid for a maximum of 14 days. The primary endpoint was clinical response to therapy on follow-up at day 30. RESULTS: Clinical success rates were comparable between the trovafloxacin (n = 107) and comparative (n = 119) groups at study end (90% vs. 86%, respectively; 95% confidence interval, -4.5, 12.5). Among clinically evaluable patients, clinical success rates for infections involving Enterococcus species were higher with trovafloxacin than with the comparative regimen at the end of treatment (96% and 85%) and at study end (96% and 86%). CONCLUSION: Intravenous alatrofloxacin followed by oral trovafloxacin for a maximum of 14 days of total therapy was efficacious in the treatment of acute pelvic infections.

Trospectomycin in acute pelvic inflammatory disease: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of intravenous trospectomycin to that of cefoxitin plus doxycycline in the treatment of women hospitalized with acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHODS: Thirty-nine patients admitted with a clinical diagnosis of an acute PID were enrolled in this prospective, single-blind study. Patients were treated with either intravenous trospectomycin, 500 mg every 8 h, or intravenous cefoxitin, 2 g every 6 h, plus oral or intravenous doxycycline, 100 mg every 12 h, in a 2:1 ratio. The patients were followed for clinical response and side effects. Both groups of patients were discharged on oral doxycycline for 10 days. Appropriate cultures were obtained before starting inpatient treatment, on completion of inpatient treatment, and at 2 follow-up visits. RESULTS: The overall success rate for trospectomycin was 95.6% and for cefoxitin/doxycycline was 91.6%. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.63). Trospectomycin was found to be effective against Chlamydia trachomatis. CONCLUSIONS: Single-agent therapy with trospectomycin may be as effective as cefoxitin plus doxycycline in the treatment of women hospitalized with acute PID.

Double-blind, multicenter, prospective randomized study of trospectomycin vs. Clindamycin, both with aztreonam, in non-community acquired obstetric and gynecologic infections.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of trospectomycin sulfate with that of clindamycin phosphate, both with aztreonam, for the treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections. METHODS: In a double-blind, multicenter, prospective randomized study, 579 patients with either endometritis following cesarean delivery or pelvic cellulitis following hysterectomy were enrolled and received medication. Administered was either trospectomycin sulfate 500 mg IV every 8 h or clindamycin phosphate 900 mg IV every 8 h in a 1:1 randomization ratio. Both groups of patients received aztreonam 1 g IV every 8 h. The patients were followed for clinical responses and side effects. RESULTS: The cure rate for the trospectomycin sulfate arm was 91.8% and for clindamycin phosphate arm it was 88.4% (P = 0.218). The adverse events were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Trospectomycin was as effective as clindamycin, when both were combined with aztreonam, in treatment of obstetric and gynecologic infections.

Significance of genital mycoplasmas in pelvic inflammatory disease: innocent bystander!

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the role of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHODS: The clinical and microbiologic variables in 114 patients with a clinical diagnosis of PID were compared prospectively according to the isolation of M. hominis and U. urealyticum from their endometrial cavities. RESULTS: The groups were epidemiologically well matched. Clinical parameters such as temperature, leukocyte count, erythrocyte count, and C-reactive protein on admission and length of hospital stay were similar in the patients, regardless of their mycoplasma status. A significant percentage of the patients either continued or started to harbor genital mycoplasmas after the resolution of PID without any significant clinical sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of genital mycoplasmas does not change the clinical presentation and course of PID. Both M. hominis and U. urealyticum can persist or colonize the endometrium after complete recovery from PID. Therefore, the genital mycoplasmas do not seem to have a dominant pathogenic role in PID.

CT of vesicocorporeal fistula with menouria: a complication of uterine biopsy.

Vesicouterine fistulas are a rare complication of obstetrical-gynecological interventions and are the least common of the acquired urogenital fistulas. They are almost solely associated with cesarean section. A case is reported in which a patient with adenomyosis and pelvic adhesions presented with menouria (vesical menstruation) after uterine biopsy. A vesicocorporeal fistula was demonstrated by cystography and CT and confirmed by cystoscopy and hysteroscopy.

Perihepatic adhesions: another look.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to determine if pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) was the only cause of perihepatic adhesions. METHODS: One hundred consecutive patients undergoing elective sterilization by laparoscopy were enrolled in this study. The preoperative workup included a history, physical examination, cervical culture for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis, leukocyte count, C-reactive protein, and liver-function tests. During the laparoscopic procedure, the pelvis and liver surface were inspected for evidence of any adhesions. If perihepatic adhesions were discovered in a patient without any evidence of prior PID, then cultures from the adhesion, peritoneal fluid, and tubal specimens were obtained for N. gonorrhoeae, C. trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, anaerobes, and facultative aerobes. Tubal specimens were also obtained for histologic examination. RESULTS: Of 100 patients, 7 patients had perihepatic adhesions without any laparoscopic evidence of prior PID. The preoperative cultures were negative. Three of these patients had no history of sexually transmitted disease or PID. Their anti-chlamydial antibody titers were also negative. Of the remaining 4 patients with perihepatic adhesions, 2 had a history of gonococcal or chlamydial infection and 2 had histological evidence of chronic salpingitis. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that PID may not be the only cause of perihepatic adhesions.

Chronic endometritis and positive Mycoplasma cultures: is there a correlation?

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the impact of mycoplasma strains (Mycoplasma hominis or Ureaplasma urealyticum) on the development of chronic endometritis. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with acute pelvic infection were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Endometrial cultures and biopsies were obtained on admission and 5-7 and 21-28 days after completion of treatment. RESULTS: Of 148 samples, 40 were positive for mycoplasma strains (group A) and 58 were positive for mycoplasma with other pathogens (group B). Twenty-seven samples were positive for other pathogens only (group C). Chronic endometritis was seen in 7 (17.5%), 30 (51.7%), and 10 (37%) in group A, B, and C patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of mycoplasma strains in the endometrial cavity was not found to be associated with an increased incidence of chronic endometritis.

Single-blind, prospective, randomized study of cefmetazole and cefoxitin in the treatment of postcesarean endometritis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of cefmetazole given by IV push with that of parenterally administered cefoxitin for the treatment of endometritis following cesarean delivery. METHODS: In a single-blind, multicenter, prospective, randomized study, 355 patients with endometritis after cesarean delivery were enrolled and received medication. Administered was either cefmetazole sodium, 2 g by IV push over 1 min q 8 h, or cefoxitin sodium, 2 g IV q 6 h in a 2:1 ratio. The patients were followed for clinical responses and side effects. RESULTS: The cure rate for cefmetazole was 89% and for cefoxitin it was 79% (P = 0.006). The adverse events were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cefmetazole was significantly more effective than cefoxitin in the treatment of endometritis following cesarean delivery.

Endometrial cultures in acute pelvic inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation of endometrial culture results with the clinical diagnosis of acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). METHODS: A total of 130 patients admitted with the clinical diagnosis of acute PID were prospectively enrolled in this study. Endometrial cultures by transcervical aspirate currette were obtained from all patients. RESULTS: Of 130 patients, 114 were discharged with a clinical diagnosis of PID. Of these 114 patients, 112 had positive endometrial cultures for pathogenic organisms. The correlation between endometrial culture results and the clinical diagnosis of acute PID was 98.2%. When patients with only mycoplasmas in the endometrial cavity were excluded, the correlation between endometrial culture results and the clinical diagnosis of acute PID was 93.8%. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the exceedingly high degree of correlation between endometrial culture results and the clinical diagnosis of acute PID. Therefore, endometrial cultures may serve as a useful adjunct in the evaluation of patients with a clinical diagnosis of acute PID.

Transabdominal needle embryofetoscopy: a new technique paving the way for early fetal therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of using a newly devised needle endoscope to conduct transabdominal first-trimester endoscopy for both embryonic visualization and blood sampling. METHODS: Following informed consent, 12 patients at 8-12 weeks' gestation undergoing first-trimester termination were invited to participate in this study. Transabdominal needle embryofetoscopy was also performed in one continuing pregnancy. A specially designed 16-gauge, double-barrel instrument sheath equipped with 0.8-mm fiberoptic endoscope and a customized 27-gauge heparinized needle were passed transabdominally under ultrasound guidance through the uterine wall and into the exocoelomic space. RESULTS: Using first-trimester transabdominal needle embryofetoscopy, we were able to identify the normal anatomical landmarks of the embryo and were also able to gain access to the embryonic circulation by advancing the 27-gauge needle into the umbilical vessels. In addition, we were able to infuse indigo carmine dye into the fetal circulation of three subjects. Needle embryofetoscopy was also used in a continuing pregnancy for prenatal diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Our experience establishes the feasibility of first-trimester transabdominal needle embryofetoscopy for embryonic visualization and access to the circulation. This new development is expected to serve as a basis for further studies attempting to diagnose and treat congenital diseases in early pregnancy.

Incidence of actinomycosis associated with intrauterine devices.

The incidence of intrauterine device (IUD)-associated cervicovaginal actinomycosis was evaluated. Papanicolaou-stained cervicovaginal smears from 1,520 women with IUDs were reviewed for the presence of Actinomyces-like organisms. The overall colonization rate was 11.4%. The colonization rates for the Progestasert, plastic IUDs and copper IUDs were 14.3%, 10.8% and 6.69%, respectively. The colonization rate appeared to increase with the duration of IUD use. The relatively high cervicovaginal Actinomyces colonization rate suggests that all patients with IUDs should undergo annual cytologic smears, with specific attention given to the presence of Actinomyces-like organisms.

PIP: A retrospective study of data from the Temple University Hospital Family Planning clinic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for the period 1975-85 was undertaken to evaluate IUD use and the associated rate of cervicovaginal colonization of actinomycosis. All 1745 patients had a cytological smear before IUD insertion, and none showed evidence of Actinomyces-like organisms. During the study period, 1520 patients were followed regularly, and evidence of Actinomyces-like organisms appeared in 173 patients, for a colonization rate of 11.4%. The number of positive smears per user for each type of IUD was as follows: 120/960 for Saf-T-Coil, 17/254 for Copper-7, 7/49 for Progestasert, 8/36 for Lippes Loop, 2/15 for Dalkon Shield, 0/5 for Birnberg Bow, and 19/201 unknown. The type of IUD significantly affected the interval between insertion and detection of colonization, with Progestasert having the shortest duration of use prior to onset. Colonization rates also increased with duration of use for all IUDs, especially after 24 months. In this study, the first evidence of Actinomyces-like organisms occurred after 7 months of use. IUD-associated Actinomyces must be detected and treated promptly to avoid the significant implications of this infection.

Streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome as an unusual complication of laparoscopic tubal ligation. A case report.

Toxic shock-like syndrome due to Streptococcus pyogenes is an unusual occurrence. Previously reported cases have been the result of focal infections with S pyogenes. We present a case in which manipulation of a colonized mucosal surface during laparoscopic tubal ligation was the presumed cause of the sepsis syndrome. Whereas other reports of this syndrome have all noted concurrent infections with S pyogenes, in this instance it was unclear if toxin-mediated disease was initiated by mild endometritis or iatrogenic manipulation of a colonized mucosal surface.

PIP: In Pennsylvania, a 29-year-old woman was admitted to Temple University Health Sciences Center in Philadelphia with hypotension (100/80 mmHg), fever (105.3 degrees Fahrenheit), and a diffuse, nondesquamating erythroderma. Five weeks earlier, she had delivered her last child vaginally. Three days before admission, she had undergone endotracheal intubation so surgeons could perform a laparoscopic tubal ligation with Falope Rings. Two days before the tubal ligation, she had had a sore throat. She experienced no surgical complications and was discharged the same day as the operation. The day before her latest admission, she experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and diffuse abdominal pain. Upon admission, her surgical incisions were clean and dry and had no erythema. Her pulse rate was 140 beats/minute. Her respiration rate was 20/minute. The white blood cell count was 15,200 cells/cu. m (71% neutrophils, 23% band forms, 2% lymphocytes, and 4% monocytes). Her potassium level was 3.2 mmol/l. The anion gap was 22. All blood and urine cultures were negative. She experienced mild uterine tenderness. Upon admission, physicians administered ticarcillin-clavulanate and vancomycin for suspected postoperative pelvic infection. After learning that cervical and pharyngeal cultures were positive for Streptococcus pyogenes, physicians changed to ampicillin, 1 g intravenously every 6 hours. On the 6th day, she was discharged and prescribed 500 mg oral amoxicillin every 8 hours for 2 weeks. Within 2 weeks, she felt fine, had a normal physical examination, no fever, and no rash. The major signs and symptoms indicated a toxin-mediated illness. Both mucosal surfaces colonized by S. pyogenes were manipulated during laparoscopy and manipulation may have caused minor tissue injury and hyperemia with subsequent dissemination of streptococcal toxin. In conclusion, the patient had a S. pyogenes toxin-induced toxic shock-like syndrome that mimicked a pelvic wound infection with gram-negative septicemia.

Moyamoya disease in pregnancy: a case report.

Moyamoya disease is a rare condition characterized by narrowing and occlusion of the internal carotid arteries. The disease usually presents as alteration of consciousness caused by intracranial hemorrhage. We describe a case of moyamoya disease presenting as seizures in a pregnant patient. The characteristic angiographic appearances and plan of management are described.