Estrogen treatment success in recurrent and persistent labial agglutination

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.

Nearly-complete labial adhesions diagnosed with repetitive cystitis in postmenopausal women: A case report

BACKGROUND

Nearly-complete labial adhesions diagnosed with repetitive cystitis in postmenopausal women: A case report

CASE SUMMARY

The case of an 83-year-old woman who presented with dysuria, urination disorders, recurrent cystitis, and bacteriuria and was admitted to a private hospital after 1 mo of antibiotic treatment without improvement of her symptoms. Upon examination, labial adhesions were observed with nearly-complete labial fusion with a pinpoint opening. Bacteriuria was detected in urine analysis, and the urine culture test was positive for Escherichia coli. Therefore, a parenteral antibiotic (Fosfomycin) and topical estrogen cream were administered. However, since the adhesion did not separate after 2 wk of treatment, surgical correction was performed. First, adhesiolysis was conducted with a blunt instrument. Then, hysteroscopy and cystoscopy were performed. Hysteroscopic findings showed no abnormalities of the endometrium and endocervix, and the cystoscopic results were also normal. Finally, labiaplasty was completed to prevent adhesion recurrence. One month after the surgery, the discomfort while urinating was eliminated and the adhesion did not recur.

CONCLUSION

Labial adhesions in postmenopausal women cannot be successfully treated with estrogen creams, and surgical treatment should be considered.

Retrospective evaluation of labial fusion in girls

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting fusion in girls treated for labial fusion retrospectively over a three-year period. Material and Method: The research has a cross-sectional design. The research sample consists of girls with ICD10 code Q52.5 who were brought to the hospital with labial fusion symptoms in a three-year period (January 2018-December 2020). The data were obtained from the hospital information system. Variables that were effective in labial fusion recurrence were determined by Chi-Square analysis, and the marginal effects of effective variables on recurrence were analyzed by Poison Regression analysis. Results: 52.9% of 308 cases were younger than one year old (mean age 4.36±1.10 months). Symptom presentation is 10.4% in children younger than one year of age, and 84.83% in older. The most commonly presented symptoms are pain, burning, soiling of underwear, and bad odor during urination. Labial fusion recurrence is 14.1% in children younger than one year of age, and 62.8% in older. Manual opening was applied in all cases, and weekly follow-ups were performed with topical treatment. The Poison Regression analysis revealed that a history of allergy (1.31 times; z:3.61, p:0.000), winter (0.86 times; z:3.22, p:0.001), and diaper dermatitis (1.22 times; z:5.19, p:0.000) increased the number of labial fusion recurrence. Conclusion: The findings of our study are similar to the literature in terms of factors causing labial fusion and treatment type. The recurrence rate was found to be higher in our study. It should be kept in mind that labial fusion is asymptomatic, especially in girls in the first year of life. Considering the possibility of recurrence of labial fusion, mothers and physicians examining the child should be aware of this issue.

Manual separation of labial synechiae: A cost-effective method in prepubertal girls

BACKGROUND

Labial synechiae is a fairly common gynaecological problem that occurs as a result of inflammation leading to fusion between the labia minora. Being in a developing country with limited resources and poor compliance of patients to prolonged treatments, we are faced with immense challenges in the management of these girls.

AIMS

We wanted to evaluate the efficacy and the cost-effectiveness of manual separation and topical antibiotics with perineal hygiene in the management of pre-pubertal girls with labial synechiae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Design.

Prospective, non-randomised interventional study. Participant: Pre-pubertal girls presenting with the diagnosis of labial synechiae in the period from September 2015 to January 2018. Interventions: Manual separation followed by topical antibiotic ointment application for 1 week with local hygiene. Outcomes measure: Complete release of the synechiae and no recurrence up to 6 months.

RESULTS

Out of the total 55 patients, only 48 patients were included, their age ranged from 3 months to 7 years (mean 2.8 years). Almost half of our patients were asymptomatic, and other half had symptoms (urinary tract infection, dripping of urine and itching). Majority of our patients belong to low middle class status. We had 100% complete release of synechiae and no recurrence on 6 months follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Manual separation followed by topical antibiotics is a cost-effective method of the treatment of labial synechiae with immediate response and low recurrence rate.

Vulvovaginal involvement in Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: management and techniques used to reduce gynecologic sequelae

BACKGROUND

Vulvovaginal involvement in Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is common, likely underdiagnosed, and can result in severe sequelae if not managed acutely. There are few studies on acute management of vulvovaginal SJS/TEN. Current recommendations are predominantly based on expert opinion. We aimed to determine the frequency of vulvovaginal involvement in SJS/TEN at a single institution, identify treatment modalities, and assess outcomes at a tertiary care burn center.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of vulvovaginal SJS/TEN cases between 2009 and 2019. Demographic and clinical data including exam findings, treatment regimens, and outpatient follow-up were collected from the electronic medical record.

RESULTS

Vulvovaginal involvement was observed in 12.7% (19/149) of cases of female patients with SJS/TEN. The mean age was 38.7 years (SD 23.6), and 21% (4/19) of patients were pediatric (age 9-18). Vulvar involvement was seen in 47.3% (9/19), and vulvar plus vaginal involvement was reported in 42.1% (8/19). Treatment regimens were variable until 2017, at which time institutional guidelines were implemented including application of ultrapotent topical steroid, vaginal estrogen, and menstrual suppression. Gynecology follow-up occurred in 15.7% (3/19) of cases. One complication of superficial vaginal agglutination was noted and was successfully treated in the office with blunt dissection.

CONCLUSION

The most common treatment modalities employed at our institution included application of ultrapotent topical steroid, vaginal estrogen, and menstrual suppression. While follow-up was limited for our patient population, we propose an algorithm to prevent long-term sequalae of vulvovaginal SJS/TEN. Gynecologic surveillance is recommended to reduce urogynecologic sequelae.

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.

Postmenopausal labial agglutination mimics urinary incontinence and hidden vaginal lesion

Labial agglutination has rarely been reported in postmenopausal women and its treatment has been based on experience with prepubertal girls. We describe an 83-year-old woman who presented with labial agglutination and severe urinary incontinence. She had been treated intermittently with a topical estrogen cream for 3 years, but her symptoms persisted. Surgery was performed and her urinary incontinence was instantly resolved. Incidental vaginal low-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia was noted. Later, the lesion progressed and was confirmed to be condyloma acuminata. No recurrence of labial agglutination was noted 3 months after the surgery. We emphasize that surgical intervention should be the first consideration for labial agglutination with urinary symptoms in postmenopausal women. This case also highlights that surgery can not only resolve patients' symptoms early, but can also enable access to the region for essential gynecologic procedures.

Vulvovaginitis- presentation of more common problems in pediatric and adolescent gynecology

Vulvovaginitis is one of the most common gynecological complaints presenting in the pediatric and adolescent female. The common causes of vulvovaginitis in the pediatric patient differ than that considered in adolescent females. When a child present with vulvar itching, burning and irritation the most common etiology is non-specific and hygiene measures are recommended. However these symptoms can mimic more serious etiologies including infection, labial adhesion, lichen sclerosis, pinworms and foreign body must be considered. Yeast infection is rare in the pediatric population but common in the adolescent. In the adolescent patient infections are more common. Yeast and bacterial vaginosis are commonly seen but due to the higher rate of sexual activity in this population sexually transmitted infections must also be considered.

Labial adhesion - diagnostics and treatment

BACKGROUND

Labial adhesion is relatively common, but the condition is little known among doctors and parents. The article assesses treatment in the specialist health service.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The treatment and course are assessed in 105 girls in the age group 0 – 15 years who were referred to St. Olavs Hospital in the period 2004 – 14.

RESULTS

The majority of the girls (n = 63) were treated topically with oestrogen cream. In 26 of 51 girls (51 %) for whom the final result is known, the adhesion opened after one treatment. When 1 – 4 oestrogen treatments were administered, the introitus had opened completely in two out of three (65 %). Fewer than half of those who received supplementary surgical treatment achieved permanent opening.

INTERPRETATION

Treatment for labial adhesion had a limited effect in this study. As the literature suggests that the condition results in few symptoms and resolves spontaneously in virtually all girls in puberty, no compelling medical reason exists for opening the adhesion in asymptomatic girls. It is important that doctors are aware of the condition in order to prevent misdiagnosis and to provide parents with adequate information. For parents it is important to know that spontaneous resolution may result in soreness and dysuria. Knowledge of the condition can most likely prevent unnecessary worry.

Labial adhesion in children at the Jos University Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND

Labial adhesion is one of the most common reasons for gynaecologic consultations in children. We sought to determine the prevalence of labial adhesions, mode of presentation and treatment in children at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study of labial adhesions in children from January 2004 to December 2013. Data on paediatric gynaecological consultations, and labial adhesions were retrieved from the gynaecological clinic and the theatre records. The case notes of those with labial adhesions were retrieved and the relevant data extracted.

RESULTS

The total number of paediatric patients seen at the gynaecology clinic over the study period was 379 and 25 had labial adhesion (6.6%). The majority (88%) presented in the first 2 years of life, all the patients were asymptomatic, and 2 (8%) had surgical separation of the adhesions while the rest were managed conservatively. A total of 5 (20%) came for follow-up. While 2 (8%) came a week later following surgical management, 3 (12%) came back more than 6 months later due to recurrence following conservative management.

CONCLUSION

Labial adhesions account for significant proportion of paediatric gynaecologic consultations. They are usually asymptomatic, occur in the first 2 years of life and frequently managed conservatively.

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.

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.

Infected urocolpos and generalized peritonitis secondary to labia minora adhesions

INTRODUCTION

Labia minora adhesions (LMA) are a common finding in young girls. Usually, this condition is asymptomatic and spontaneously disappears during adolescence. We report on a case revealed by infected urocolpos and peritonitis and whose treatment finally required surgical reduction labioplasty.

CASE REPORT

A 9-year-old girl presented with a 2-day history of abdominal pain and fever. Urinary continence had never been obtained, with diurnal leaks. Physical examination showed signs of peritoneal irritation and a subtotal vulvar obstruction due to LMA. At surgery, after LMA lysis, a large amount of cloudy urine-like fluid emptied under pressure from the vagina. Laparoscopy showed generalized peritonitis without any intraabdominal cause. The same Escherichia coli was identified in the infected urocolpos and the abdominal fluid. Postoperative course was uneventful. Because of recurrent LMA, the patient underwent several courses of local estrogen therapy. Labia minora hypertrophy with LMA developed 2 years after peritonitis, requiring surgical reduction labioplasty. We used a new technique with interposition of skin flaps. The girl is now well, without LMA or infection, 4 years after labioplasty.

CONCLUSION

Although rare, subtotal vulvar obstruction because of LMA may lead to infected hydrocolpos and peritonitis. Recurrent LMA may necessitate surgical labioplasty.