Developmental and family history-based analysis of congenital fused labia phenotype in the captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

BACKGROUND: Congenital fused labia (CFL) is defined as a failure or significant delay in the opening of the juvenile sealed labia majora. This phenotype is known to be variably common in adult captive female marmosets but has never been investigated in detail before. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we define, describe and quantify the variations in the degree of closure of the vulva in 122 captive marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) from 1.2 to 42 months old and include colony analysis. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between the degree of labial fusion and animal age after prepubertal period (P < 0.05). CFL females had higher number CFL relatives (4.3 ± 0.6 vs 2.4 ± 0.5 for non-CFL, P < 0.05) and more external ancestors compared to non-CFL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results therefore suggest that CFL phenotype is most likely associated with epigenetic effects induced by the captive environment and colony management strategy of extensive crossing of family lines to promote heterozygosity.

Treatment with oestrogen or manual separation for labial adhesions - initial outcome and long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Topical oestrogen and manual separation are the main treatments for labial adhesions. The aim was to evaluate treatment of labial adhesions and compare the outcome of topical oestrogen treatment with that of manual separation. METHOD: All girls aged 0-12 years admitted to a tertiary centre for paediatric surgery for labial adhesions were included. The study design was dual: The first part was a retrospective chart review of the treatment success according to the medical charts. The second part was a cross-sectional parent-reported long-term outcome study (> 6 months after last treatment finished). RESULTS: In total 71 patients were included and the median follow-up time for the chart study was 84 (6-162) months after treatment with oestrogen or manual separation. Oestrogen was the first treatment for 66 patients who had an initial successful rate of 62% but this was followed by recurrences in 44%. Five patients had manual treatment as their first treatment and they had a 100% initial success rate followed by recurrences in 20%. Therefore, for the first treatment course there was a final success rate of 35% for oestrogen and 80% for manual separation (p = 0.006). Corresponding final success rates including all consecutive treatments over the study period were 46/130 (35%) for oestrogen and 21/30 (70%) for manual separation (p = 0.001). The success rate for oestrogen did not differ if treatment was given in a course length of 0-4 weeks (39% success) or > 4 weeks (32% success) (p = 0.369). In the parent-reported long-term outcome study the response rate was 51% (36/71). Parents reported that recurrences of adhesions after last prescribed/performed treatment were frequent: in total 25% of patients still had adhesions corresponding to 8/29 (29%) of those whose last treatment was oestrogen and 1/9 (11%) of those whose last treatment was manual separation. CONCLUSION: Due to the results recurrences are common after both oestrogen and manual separations. However, the overall final outcome after manual separation seems to be more successful when compared to that of topical oestrogen treatment.

Spontaneous resolution of labial adhesions in pre-pubertal girls.

AIMS: This study sought to observe the rate and timing of spontaneous resolution of labial adhesions that had been diagnosed in pre-pubertal girls. The secondary aim was to evaluate the conservative approach to management of labial adhesions that has been advocated by the Gynaecology Department, by assessing the rates of concurrent uro-gynaecological symptoms in this population, as well as parent satisfaction with their child's management. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients diagnosed with labial adhesions in the Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Gynaecology between 2000 and 2017. Patients and their parents (depending on the age of the patient at the time of this study) were then invited to participate in follow-up surveys and questionnaires and clinical examination. RESULTS: Of 148 girls identified, the median age of the follow-up participants (n = 45) was 6.1 years (2.6-27.2 years), compared with that of the entire cohort of 7.4 years (1-27 years). After a median follow-up period of 2.6 years (0.4-20.7 years), 40% (18/45) of girls reported and/or had findings that supported resolution of labial adhesions without treatment. Two parents (4%) sought treatment elsewhere after their appointment. A history of UTI was reported in 30% (14/45) of patients, and 16% (7/45) had a known history of vulvovaginitis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the natural history of spontaneous resolution of labial adhesions. Concurrent uro-gynaecological conditions that developed were successfully treated according to standard treatments. A conservative approach to the management of labial adhesions is associated with very low rates of parental concern and intervention.

Treatment of Prepubertal Labial Adhesions with Topical Estriol + Testosterone: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Labial adhesions, a frequent gynecological condition in prepubertal girls, occur when the labia minora adhere along the midline. The prevailing hypothesis about their etiology suggests that labial adhesion may occur when the delicate and non-estrogenized labia minora undergo an inflammatory response, triggered by exposure to an irritant environment. Therefore, conservative treatment involves the application of topical estrogen or betamethasone cream. The role of androgens has not been considered yet in the pathophysiology or therapy of this condition. However, some studies have shown that androgen receptors are prevalent in the labia minora and vulvar vestibule. CASE SUMMARY: We present the case of a 29-month-old girl with symptomatic labial adhesions. She was first ineffectively treated with topical estriol, and then she was treated with a galenic cream containing both estriol and testosterone with complete recovery and without side-effects. CONCLUSIONS: Both androgens and estrogens play a significant role in maintaining the physiological trophic state of the vulva and vagina, even during childhood. Topical estriol+testosterone could be considered an alternative treatment for prepubertal labial adhesions refractory to standard topical therapy.

Pubertal Labial Fusion: A Case Study.

Labial fusion, though rare, can present during puberty, or even adolescence leading to challenges in diagnosis and management. This case report offers a detailed examination of the clinical manifestation, diagnostic process, and therapeutic approach in an adolescent girl with labial fusion. This report emphasizes the importance of early intervention to improve patient outcomes for this complex medical condition.

Effect of topical estrogen cream compared with observation in prepubertal girls with labial adhesions.

BACKGROUND: Topical estrogen treatment has been considered the first-line treatment of labial adhesions in prepubertal girls. However, the effect of topical estrogen cream is different according to studies, and no study compared estrogen cream to observation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the efficacy of topical estrogen cream treatment compared with observation in prepubertal girls with labial adhesions. STUDY DESIGN: The medical records of prepubertal girls diagnosed with labial adhesions from April 2005 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline characteristics such as age at diagnosis and initial symptoms were collected. The primary outcome was the resolution of labial adhesion. Secondary outcomes were recurrence and side effects. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were enrolled and divided into two groups, topical estrogen cream (n = 94), and observation (n = 20). Girls who were treated with estrogen cream had older age (24.6 ± 19.0 vs. 16.7 ± 15.3 months, p = 0.037) and higher resolution rate than the observation group (100.0% vs. 85.0%, respectively, p = 0.005). Girls younger than 23.3 months showed a significantly higher resolution rate to topical estrogen treatment (100% vs. 86.7%, p = 0.043). Side effects and recurrences occurred exclusively in children treated with topical estrogen therapy without significant differences compared to the observation group. CONCLUSION: Topical estrogen therapy showed a higher resolution rate than observation for the treatment of prepubertal girls with labial adhesions, especially in younger girls.

Pediatric and adolescent gynecology- a current overview

In pediatric and adolescent gynecology we encounter a number of diseases that occur solely during a specific phase of physical development. The diseases need some experience in the field, as well as an accurate diagnosis and are therefore often diagnosed somewhat late. The separation and traction technique is a painless method of inspecting the child's genitals. It is also effective and easy to perform. In contrast to a routine investigation in adults, very specific diagnostic questions require the insertion of a speculum, vaginoscopy, taking swabs for analysis, ultrasound investigations, or blood sampling in children. A number of diseases that occur frequently in prepubertal girls will be discussed. The etiology, clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of the following diseases will be addressed in detail: vulvovaginitis, lichen sclerosus, labial adhesions, ovarian torsion, abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Recurrence rates after surgical management of labial adhesions.

INTRODUCTION: Labial adhesions (LA) involves fusion of the labia minora in the midline. LA can range from involving just a small portion of the labia minora or the entire length, covering the urethra and vaginal opening. Treatment for labial adhesions includes the use of topical creams, manual lysis or surgical separation. The recurrence rate has been reported as 55%, 33% and 0% respectively. Only one study with a cohort of 9 patients examines recurrence rates after surgical release (0%). OBJECTIVE: To verify the previous findings that surgical repair has low recurrence rate. We hypothesize the recurrence rate of LA after surgical repair to be lower than more conservative methods but that the recurrence rate is not 0%. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review was performed of consecutive cases of LA that were treated surgically from August 2018 to October 2020. The surgical technique used involved opening the LA bluntly then oversewing each labia with fine absorbable suture. All patients were scheduled for clinic or telephone follow up 3 months postoperatively. Patient demographics, indication for procedure, history of prior treatment, operative time, complications, recurrence and length of follow up were recorded and are described using non-parametric methods. RESULTS: Thirty-two female patients underwent surgical treatment of LA using the above-described technique. Median age at surgery was 3.7 y (IQR 2.7-5.3). Most patients (78.1%) had failed prior initial treatment, most commonly topical estrogen creams. Median follow up was 4.3 mos with 10 patients being lost to follow up. Only 2 patients experienced a recurrence at a median of 3.5 months. CONCLUSIONS: This series verifies prior findings that, in the short-term, surgical repair has a lower recurrence rate than topical treatment or manual lysis. However, the recurrence rate is 9%, higher than previously reported. Further studies into longer-term follow up are underway.

Potential effects of postmenopausal labial agglutination on the urinary system.

Labial agglutination (LA) can affect prepubertal or postmenopausal women. LA commonly affects prepubertal girls, but the rate at which LA affects postmenopausal women is unknown, with only a few documented case reports. Symptoms of LA include vulvovaginal pain, dysuria, dyspareunia, and urinary incontinence/urinary symptoms. First-line treatment includes low dose estrogen cream and high dose topical steroid cream. If the creams fail, surgical lysis can be performed. The commonality between these age groups is chronic inflammation and low estrogen. It is important to keep in mind, especially in postmenopausal women, that LA can lead to urinary symptom side effects.

Labial Adhesion: New Classification and Treatment Protocol.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the subtypes of labial adhesion (LA) and arrange treatment options accordingly. DESIGN AND SETTING: Patients who presented to our clinic with LA between July 2016 and February 2018 were divided into 4 groups. Location of the adhesion area, thickness of the adhesive tissue, and response to topical steroid (betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment) therapy were identified as common features. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-five prepubertal girls. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To determine the subtypes of the LA and evaluate the treatment response of patients in each subtype group. RESULTS: LA was divided into 4 subtypes according to their common characteristics. For patients with type I, 2 weeks of topical steroid treatment resulted in complete recovery (100%). For those with type II, 12 (80%) patients had complete response to topical steroid treatment for an average of 3 weeks. Type III and IV patients were completely unresponsive to topical steroid treatment. CONCLUSION: Classification of LA patients into subtypes and determination of treatment on the basis of this classification make a major contribution in planning the treatment of patients, not by trial-and-error, but using a predetermined strategy.

Labial adhesions: Experience in a children's hospital. / Fusión de labios menores vulvares. Experiencia en un hospital pediátrico.

Labial adhesions are defined as the complete or partial fusion of the pudendal cleft due to the agglutination of the labia minora in the midline. They most commonly occur between 3 months and 6 years of life. Between January 1st, 2002 and December 31st, 2015, 425 girls diagnosed with labial adhesions and seen at the Unit of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology of Hospital de Niños de La Plata, Argentina, were analyzed. Their average age was 2.7 years (standard deviation: 2.6 years). The most common presentation of labial adhesions was that involving more than 75% of the total length of the labia (p < 0.0000001). A total of 84.2% of patients showed no symptoms and 4% had urinary symptoms. Also, 68.4% of the girls who had a history of urinary tract infection had labial adhesions with a length of involvement of > 75%. Finally, 90.6% of cases resolved with topical estrogens; and 2.1% had adverse events.

La fusión de labios menores vulvares (FL) se define como la desaparición parcial o total de la hendidura vulvar por adherencia de los labios menores en la línea media. Se presenta, frecuentemente, entre los 3 meses y los 6 años de edad. Entre el 1 enero de 2002 y el 31 de diciembre de 2015, se analizaron 425 niñas con diagnóstico de FL atendidas en la Unidad de Ginecología Infantojuvenil del Hospital de Niños de La Plata, Argentina. La edad promedio correspondió a 2,7 años (desvío estándar: 2,6 años). La FL que comprometió más del 75% de la longitud fue la forma más frecuente de presentación (p < 0,0000001). El 84,2% de las pacientes fueron asintomáticas; 4% registraron síntomas urinarios. El 68,4% de las niñas con antecedente de infección urinaria presentó FL con compromiso >75%. Se resolvieron con tratamiento tópico con estrógenos 90,6% y presentaron efectos adversos 2,1%.

Comparison of Conservative and Surgical Therapy Concepts for Synechia of the Labia in Pre-Pubertal Girls.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the primary and secondary therapeutic successes of different therapy schemes for the treatment of synechia of the labia in pre-pubertal girls. Materials and Methods: The treatment courses of 47 pre-pubertal girls who were treated between February 2007 and February 2013 in the special outpatient clinic for paediatric gynaecology of a department for gynaecology at a German university hospital and for whom information on the course of the disease was available for at least the six months following end of the treatment. 23 of these children were treated with a topical estriol therapy (treatment group A). For 24 of the girls a manual separation of the adhering labia minora was undertaken (treatment group B). Statistical evaluation was performed using the χ2 test, Fischer's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: For 18 of the 23 (80 %) girls in treatment group A topical estriol therapy alone led to a resolution of the synechia. Five of these 23 children (20 %) required a secondary manual separation. All girls for whom treatment was not successful were under 5 years of age. For all 24 girls (100 %) of treatment group B the primary manual separation was performed with success. The recurrence rates after ≥ 6 months in cases with identical after-care did not differ between the two treatment groups (treatment group A: 34 %, treatment group B: 33 %, χ2 test: p = 0.853). 16 of the 17 recurrences occurred ≥ 3 months after the end of the therapy. Conclusion: Our results show that for children < 5 years of age a 4-week topical therapy with estriol is a promising therapy option for synechia of the labia that is less of a burden for the family situation. Especially for girls ≥ 5 years of age, primary therapy fails in up to 20 % of the cases. Primary manual separation represents a more effective therapeutic option. Irrespective of the treatment applied, a recurrence after ≥ 3 must be expected in one-third of the treated girls.

Patient Satisfaction of Surgical Treatment of Clitoral Phimosis and Labial Adhesions Caused by Lichen Sclerosus.

INTRODUCTION: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis, usually affecting the anogenital skin in women. This chronic inflammation can cause scarring of genitalia including narrowing of the introitus and phimosis of the clitoris. These architectural changes can lead to recurrent tearing during intercourse (vulvar granuloma fissuratum) and decreased clitoral sensation. Surgical correction of vulvar granuloma fissuratum (VGF) and clitoral phimosis can be performed, but there is little data on the patient satisfaction and complications following these surgical procedures. AIM: To evaluate patient experience and outcomes in women undergoing surgical correction of scarring caused by anogenital LS. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients at a vulvar disorders clinic was performed to identify women who had undergone surgical correction of clitoral phimosis or lysis of vulvar adhesions for VGF due to LS. Twenty-eight women were contacted via telephone between 4 and 130 months postoperatively. An eight-question survey was used to determine patient experience and outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: All participants completed an eight-question survey to evaluate patient satisfaction with the surgery, effects on clitoral sensation, orgasm and pain with intercourse, postoperative symptoms or complications, and the presence of recurrent vulvar scarring. RESULTS: Participants reported that they were either very satisfied (44%) or satisfied (40%) with the procedure. Of the women who experienced decreased clitoral sensation prior to surgery, 75% endorsed increased clitoral sensitivity postoperatively. Of the women who had dyspareunia prior to surgery, the majority of women reported having pain-free sex (33%) or improved but not completely pain-free sex (58%) after surgery. There were no complications or symptoms made worse by the surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows high patient satisfaction and low complication risk associated with surgical correction of clitoral phimosis and lysis of vulvar adhesions for VGF caused by LS. Patients reported improvement in clitoral sensation and ability to achieve orgasm, as well as decreased dyspareunia. Surgical correction of vulvar scarring is a viable option to restore vulvar anatomy and sexual function in appropriate candidates with anogenital LS. Flynn AN, King M, Rieff M, Krapf J, and Goldstein AT. Patient satisfaction of surgical treatment of clitoral phimosis and labial adhesions caused by lichen sclerosus. Sex Med 2015;3:251-255.

Labial adhesions and outcomes of office management.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes of labial adhesions (LA) and to examine the association between LA, lichen sclerosus (LS), eczema (ECZ), or asthma. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Single pediatric and adolescent gynecology clinic, Houston, Texas. PARTICIPANTS: 50 girls diagnosed with LA from 2006-2011. INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Resolution, recurrence, single vs multiple treatments, need for surgery, and conditions such as LS, ECZ, and asthma were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age was 19.6 months (range 0-84 months), and 48% were Caucasian. Most patients were symptomatic (62%) and all 50 patients chose estrogen treatment. The majority (74%) required multiple treatments, as opposed to a single treatment (26%). Patients with multiple treatments were more likely to be severely agglutinated (P = .05) and to need manual separation after failed topical treatment (P = .08). The prevalence of asthma, LS, and ECZ was 9.8%, 7.8%, and 3.9% respectively. There was no association between LS, ECZ, or asthma, and number of treatments. Both asthma (N = 3; 8%), and LS (N = 2; 5%) were present among the severe agglutinated group; however, this difference was not statistically significant (P values .59 and .99). No association with ECZ was seen in either group. CONCLUSION: Severe agglutination tends to be associated with need of multiple treatments and manual separation. A concurrent diagnosis of LS, ECZ, or asthma was not associated with number of treatments but there appears to be a trend towards severity of LA in patients with asthma and LS.

Clinical Recommendation: Labial Adhesions.

Labial adhesions, also known as labial agglutination, are a common finding in prepubertal adolescents. They are defined as fusion of the labia minora in the midline or are termed vulvar adhesions when they occur below the labia minora (inner labia). Patients are often asymptomatic but might present with genitourinary complaints. The decision for treatment is based on symptoms. The mainstay of treatment in asymptomatic patients is conservative, with careful attention to vulvar hygiene and reassurance to parents. In symptomatic patients, topical treatment with estrogen and/or steroid cream is often curative. Less often, corrective surgery is necessary. Recurrence is common until a patient goes through puberty. These recommendations are intended for pediatric and gynecologic health care providers who care for pediatric and adolescent girls to facilitate diagnosis and treatment.

Fusión de labios menores vulvares: Experiencia en un hospital pediátrico / Labial adhesions: Experience in a children's hospital

La fusión de labios menores vulvares (FL) se define como la desaparición parcial o total de la hendidura vulvar por adherencia de los labios menores en la línea media. Se presenta, frecuentemente, entre los 3 meses y los 6 años de edad. Entre el 1 enero de 2002 y el 31 de diciembre de 2015, se analizaron 425 niñas con diagnóstico de FL atendidas en la Unidad de Ginecología Infantojuvenil del Hospital de Niños de La Plata, Argentina. La edad promedio correspondió a 2,7 años (desvío estándar: 2,6 años). La FL que comprometió más del 75% de la longitud fue la forma más frecuente de presentación (p < 0,0000001). El 84,2% de las pacientes fueron asintomáticas; 4% registraron síntomas urinarios. El 68,4% de las niñas con antecedente de infección urinaria presentó FL con compromiso >75%. Se resolvieron con tratamiento tópico con estrógenos 90,6% y presentaron efectos adversos 2,1%.

Labial adhesions are defined as the complete or partial fusion of the pudendal cleft due to the agglutination of the labia minora in the midline. They most commonly occur between 3 months and 6 years of life. Between January 1st, 2002 and December 31st, 2015, 425 girls diagnosed with labial adhesions and seen at the Unit of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology of Hospital de Niños de La Plata, Argentina, were analyzed. Their average age was 2.7 years (standard deviation: 2.6 years). The most common presentation of labial adhesions was that involving more than 75% of the total length of the labia (p < 0.0000001). A total of 84.2% of patients showed no symptoms and 4% had urinary symptoms. Also, 68.4% of the girls who had a history of urinary tract infection had labial adhesions with a length of involvement of > 75%. Finally, 90.6% of cases resolved with topical estrogens; and 2.1% had adverse events.

Quince años de estudio sobre las adherencias de labios menores / Fifteen-Year Study on the Labial Adhesions

Introducción: las adherencias de labios menores es un problema ginecológico frecuente en niñas prepuberales. De las niñas que lo padecen en algún momento de su vida (1,8 por ciento), el pico de mayor incidencia está entre los 13 y 23 meses de edad.Objetivo: mostrar los resultados de esta experiencia en el diagnóstico y manejo de esta entidad.Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo. Se revisó la totalidad de las historias clínicas de 804 niñas atendidas desde el 1º de enero de 1998 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2012. La muestra quedó integrada por 54 casos con diagnóstico de adherencias de labios menores. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad al diagnóstico, motivo de consulta, hallazgos clínicos, tipo de sinequia, tratamiento impuesto, entre otras.Resultados: hubo mayor incidencia de sinequias en niñas entre 3 meses y 3 años (74 por ciento), con predominio de la variedad incompleta y dentro de esta la del tercio inferior (66,6 por ciento). La distorsión anatómica de los genitales externos resultó el principal motivo de consulta (42,6 por ciento). Los mejores resultados del tratamiento se lograron con la combinación de medidas higiénicas y ejercicios de tracción lateral vulvar con el uso tópico de estrógenos. Las recidivas se presentaron en 12,9 por ciento de los casos a los seis meses de edad.Conclusiones: la adherencia de labios menores es una causa importante de consulta ginecológica en niñas. Se asocia a una gran ansiedad en padres y familiares. Se obtuvo buenos resultados con el tratamiento médico, sobre todo cuando se empleó estrógenos localmente(AU)

Introduction: Labial adhesions is a common gynecological problem in prepubertal adolescents. The highest peak incidence is between 13 and 23 months old of those girls sufferingfrom this problem at some point in their life (1.8 percent).Objective: Show the results of this experience in the diagnosis and management of this condition.Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was conducted at revising all the medical records of 804 girls assisted from 1st January 1998 to 31st December, 2012. The sample was composed of 54 cases diagnosed with labial adhesions. The variables studied were age at diagnosis, presenting complaint, clinical findings, type of synechia, treatment, among others.Results: There was higher incidence of synechiae in children between 3 months and 3 years (74 percent), predominantly incomplete, andin the lower third (66.6 percent). The anatomical distortion of the external genitalia was the main reason for consultation (42.6 percent). Best treatment results were achieved with the combination of hygienic measures and vulvar lateral traction exercises with topical estrogen use. Recurrences occurred in 12.9 percent of cases at six months of age.Conclusions: Labialadhesion is a major cause of gynecological consultation in girls. It is associated with great anxiety in parents and relatives. Good results were obtainedwith medical treatment, especially when the topical use of estrogen(AU)

Quince años de estudio sobre las adherencias de labios menores / Fifteen-Year Study on the Labial Adhesions

Introducción: las adherencias de labios menores es un problema ginecológico frecuente en niñas prepuberales. De las niñas que lo padecen en algún momento de su vida (1,8 por ciento), el pico de mayor incidencia está entre los 13 y 23 meses de edad. Objetivo: mostrar los resultados de esta experiencia en el diagnóstico y manejo de esta entidad. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, longitudinal y retrospectivo. Se revisó la totalidad de las historias clínicas de 804 niñas atendidas desde el 1º de enero de 1998 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2012. La muestra quedó integrada por 54 casos con diagnóstico de adherencias de labios menores. Las variables estudiadas fueron: edad al diagnóstico, motivo de consulta, hallazgos clínicos, tipo de sinequia, tratamiento impuesto, entre otras. Resultados: hubo mayor incidencia de sinequias en niñas entre 3 meses y 3 años (74 por ciento), con predominio de la variedad incompleta y dentro de esta la del tercio inferior (66,6 por ciento). La distorsión anatómica de los genitales externos resultó el principal motivo de consulta (42,6 por ciento). Los mejores resultados del tratamiento se lograron con la combinación de medidas higiénicas y ejercicios de tracción lateral vulvar con el uso tópico de estrógenos. Las recidivas se presentaron en 12,9 por ciento de los casos a los seis meses de edad. Conclusiones: la adherencia de labios menores es una causa importante de consulta ginecológica en niñas. Se asocia a una gran ansiedad en padres y familiares. Se obtuvo buenos resultados con el tratamiento médico, sobre todo cuando se empleó estrógenos localmente(AU)

Introduction: Labial adhesions is a common gynecological problem in prepubertal adolescents. The highest peak incidence is between 13 and 23 months old of those girls sufferingfrom this problem at some point in their life (1.8 percent). Objective: Show the results of this experience in the diagnosis and management of this condition. Methods: A descriptive, longitudinal and retrospective study was conducted at revising all the medical records of 804 girls assisted from 1st January 1998 to 31st December, 2012. The sample was composed of 54 cases diagnosed with labial adhesions. The variables studied were age at diagnosis, presenting complaint, clinical findings, type of synechia, treatment, among others. Results: There was higher incidence of synechiae in children between 3 months and 3 years (74 percent), predominantly incomplete, andin the lower third (66.6 percent). The anatomical distortion of the external genitalia was the main reason for consultation (42.6 percent). Best treatment results were achieved with the combination of hygienic measures and vulvar lateral traction exercises with topical estrogen use. Recurrences occurred in 12.9 percent of cases at six months of age. Conclusions: Labialadhesion is a major cause of gynecological consultation in girls. It is associated with great anxiety in parents and relatives. Good results were obtainedwith medical treatment, especially when the topical use of estrogen(AU)