Clinical Outcomes of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease with Tubo-Ovarian Abscess
Author Information
Author(s): Ying Chan, Winsome Parchment, Joan H. Skurnick, Laura Goldsmith, Joseph J. Apuzzio
Primary Institution: New Jersey Medical School
Hypothesis
How do the clinical outcomes and characteristics of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) complicated by tubo-ovarian abscess (TOA) compare to those without TOA?
Conclusion
PID complicated by TOA is usually responsive to intravenous antibiotic therapy without the need for surgical intervention.
Supporting Evidence
- The incidence of TOA in this study was 18%.
- Patients with TOA had a higher rate of prior hospitalization for PID (68% vs. 29%).
- Patients with TOA had significantly elevated WBC counts and erythrocyte sedimentation rates on admission.
- 42% of patients with TOA failed initial IV antibiotic therapy compared to 4% without TOA.
- The mean hospital stay was longer for patients with TOA (7.8 days vs. 4.4 days).
Takeaway
This study looked at women with a serious infection called pelvic inflammatory disease. It found that those with a specific complication called a tubo-ovarian abscess usually get better with antibiotics and don't need surgery.
Methodology
Chart reviews were performed for all PID admissions to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-University Hospital from January 1, 1992, to December 31, 1993.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and may not account for all variables affecting outcomes.
Participant Demographics
Patients included 85 with uncomplicated PID and 19 with PID complicated by TOA, with a mean age of 25 years for uncomplicated and 29 years for complicated cases.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0029
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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