Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: The Management of Lower Abdominal Pain
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common complication of
untreated gonococcal and/or chlamydial cervicitis and results in tubal scarring
and occlusion. This can lead to ectopic pregnancy — a serious, possibly
life-threatening complication. Most infertility problems in the developing world
are attributed to prior upper genital tract infections.21
An example of a clinical flowchart for detecting PID is shown in
Figure 6. Because of the serious complications of PID, the flowchart should
start with a very sensitive symptom. Lower abdominal pain is more sensitive for
PID than fever. It is important that surgical and obstetrical emergencies, such
as peritonitis and extra-uterine pregnancy, are immediately referred.
Figure - Example of a Flowchart for
the Management of Abdominal Pain - DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC
