What brings adolescents to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Emergency Department of a General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Paediatric & Adolescent Gynaecology is a special field and also part of the everyday practice. This paper studies the problems adolescent females present with at the Obstetrics & Gynaecology (O&G) Emergency Department (ED). Material and Methods: Data regarding adolescent females that were examined at the O&G ED over one year (2018) were extracted from the records of Konstantiopouleio General Hospital, Athens, Greece. Results: Of the 1534 women that attended O&G ED over one year, 111 were under 19 years old (7%). Of the 83 gynaecological cases, the presenting symptom was pelvic pain in 54 (65%), irregular vaginal bleeding in 11(13%), urinary tract symptoms in 11(13%), vaginal discomfort in 3 (4%) and others in 4 (5%). In 39 (47%) no urgent gynaecological pathology was detected. There were 11 cases (13%) of ovarian cysts, 10 of urinary tract infection (12%), 7 (8%) of other surgical pathology, 6 (8%) of first trimester pregnancy complications and 10 others. Of the 28 pregnant adolescents, 10 complained of abdominal pain (36%), 6 of hyperemesis (21%), 5 of myometrial activity (18%), 4 of vaginal bleeding (14%). In 18 cases (64%) no acute medical condition was diagnosed, 4 were admitted in active labour (14%) and one with threatened delivery, two were referred to other specialties and three refused the examination. Conclusion: O&G emergency conditions in adolescent females are common and potentially serious. Healthcare professionals need to be aware and alert to the special needs of this significant and sensitive population group.