Pelvic inflammatory disease

ABSTRACT

Pelvic inflammatory disease (P.I.D.) is believed to be a very common condition in Jamaica. All persistent lower abdominal symptoms are attributed to this condition. And yet, very little is known about its aetiology, the epidemiology, morbid anatomy, diagnosis, treatment, as well as the sequelae of the acute episode. This study was undertaken to investigate some of these facets. The programme was started on February 1, 1966. The first phase was restricted to the study of chronic cases and included social studies, clinical evaluation, microbiological, pathological and radiological investigations and drug trials. The patients came from two sources. The majority were seen at Casualty Department, University Hospital of the West Indies. Only a few patients were referred from the Gynaecological Outpatient Department. A separate P.I.D. registration was instituted to ensure a speedy turnover. This is a preliminary communication outlining our experience of this condition (AU)