PID is an inflammatory condition of the female upper genital tract caused by bacteria like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Risk factors include young age, multiple sexual partners, and IUD insertion within 6 weeks. Symptoms include lower abdominal and pelvic pain. Treatment involves broad spectrum antibiotics as soon as possible to prevent long term complications like infertility. Sexual partners also need treatment to prevent reinfection. Follow up is needed to ensure clinical response and partner treatment.
2. DEFINITION
PID comprises of a spectrum of
inflammatory disorders of the upper female
genital tract, including any combination of
endometritis, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian
abscess and pelvic peritonitis.
3. INCIDENCE
The incidence of PID is unknown.
Approximately 1 in 60 consultations in general practice is
for women less than 45 yrs for suspected PID.
The National Disease and therapeutic index (NDTI)
estimated that from 2004-2013 number of visits to
physicians for PID among women aged 15-44 decreased
from 123000 to 88000 visits.
4. AETIOLOGY
PID is a polymicrobial infection.
NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE and
CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS are most
frequently recognized pathogens.
GARDNERELLA VAGINALIS anaerobes
and other organisms may also be
implicated.
5. Young Age < 25
Multiple Sexual Partners
Past History of STD
Termination of Pregnancy
Insertion of IUCD within 6
Weeks
Hysterosalpingography
In-vitro Fertilization
Post partum endometritis
Bacterial vaginosis
Lower socioeconomic group
Lack of condom use
6. PID can be symptomatic or asymptomatic
Lower abdominal pain typically
bilateral
Deep dyspareunia
Abnormal vaginal bleeding including
postcoital, intermenstrual bleed or
menorrhagia
Abnormal vaginal or cervical discharge
which is often purulent
7. SIGNS
Signs associated with PID are usually non
specific.
Lower abdominal tenderness(usually
bilateral)
Adnexal tenderness on bimanual vaginal
examination
Cervical motion tenderness on bimanual
examination
Fever >38 c
Right upper abdominal pain(Fitz-Hugh-
curtis syndrome)
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9. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
Ectopic Pregnancy(pregnancy should be excluded in all
women suspected of having PID)
Acute appendicitis
Endometriosis
Complications of an ovarian cyst i.e torsion or rupture
Urinary tract Infection
Functional pain
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16. MANAGEMENT
Delaying treatment increases risk of long term
sequelae
Because of lack of definitive diagnostic criteria
and sequelae, a low threshold for impirical
treatment of PID is required.
Broad spectrum antibiotics should be given as
soon as possible
17. GENERAL ADVICE
Rest
Appropriate analgesia
Intravenous therapy is recommended for patients with
more severe disease e.g pyrexia >38, clinical signs of
tubo-ovarian abscess, signs of pelvic peritonitis
Avoid unprotected sex until they and their partner have
completed treatment and follow up.
Detailed information about PID should be given.
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19. RECOMMENDED REGIMENS
Factors important in selecting a
regimen:
Local antimicrobial sensitivities
Local epidemiology of infections
Cost
Patient preference and likelihood
of compliance
Severity of disease
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22. FOLLOWUP
Review at 72hrs and Substantial improvement should be
present.
Failure to show improvement suggest the need for further
investigation, parenteral therapy and/ or surgical
intervention.
Further review at 2-4 weeks after therapy may be useful to
ensure: -adequate clinical response to treatment
-compliance with oral antibiotics
-screening and treatment of sexual contacts
23. TEST OF CURE
It is not usually recommended following completion of
treatment but should be performed in pregnancy, where
symptoms persists. Test of cure should be performed no
earlier then 3 weeks.
Repeat testing should be performed 3-6 months after
treatment in under 25 yr olds diagnosed with chlamydia.
24. SEXUAL PARTNERS
Current male partners of women with PID should be contacted and
offered screening for gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
Screening-tracing of contacts within 6 month period of onset of
symptoms is recommended.
Gonorrhoea and chlamydia diagnosed should be treated appropriately.
Broad spectrum antibiotics should be offered to male partners. e.g
azithromycin 1gm single dose
If screening of gonorrhoea is not available , additional antibiotics
effective against N.gonorrhoea should be offered e.g I/M ceftriaxone
single dose.
25. PREGNANCY AND LACTATION
PID in pregnancy is associated with increased
maternal and fetal morbidity.
Antibiotics like erythromycin, azithromycin
and metronidazole can be used in pregnancy
26. PID & IUCD
The randomized control trial evidence for whether an IUCD
should be left insitu or removed in women with PID is
limited.
The decision to remove IUCD should be balanced against
the risk of pregnancy.
Single 1gm dose of azithromycin should be given as
prophylaxis before IUCD insertion.