Reproductive Function

Ms. P.C. is a 19-year-old white female who reports a 2-day history of lower abdominal pain, nausea, emesis and a heavy, malodorous vaginal discharge. She states that she is single, heterosexual, and that she has been sexually active with only one partner for the past eight months. She has no previous history of genitourinary infections or sexually transmitted diseases. She denies IV drug use. Her LMP ended three days ago. Her last intercourse (vaginal) was eight days ago and she states that they did not use a condom. She admits to unprotected sex “every once in a while.” She noted an abnormal vaginal discharge yesterday and she describes it as “thick, greenish-yellow in color, and very smelly.” She denies both oral and rectal intercourse. She does not know if her partner has had a recent genitourinary tract infection, “because he has been away on business for five days.
Microscopic Examination of Vaginal Discharge
(-) yeast or hyphae
(-) flagellated microbes
(+) white blood cells
(+) gram-negative intracellular diplococci
Case Study Questions

According to the case presented, including the clinical manifestations and microscopic examination of the vaginal discharge, what is the most probably diagnosis for Ms. P.C.? Support your answer and explain why you get to that diagnosis.
Based on the vaginal discharged described and the microscopic examination of the sample could you suggest which would be the microorganism involved?
Name the criteria you would use to recommend hospitalization for this patient

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Sample Answer

 

 

Ms. P.C.’s Diagnosis and Treatment

Based on the information provided, the most likely diagnosis for Ms. P.C. is Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Here’s why:

  • Symptoms: Lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and abnormal vaginal discharge are all classic symptoms of PID.
  • Sexual History: Unprotected sex, especially with a new partner or inconsistent condom use, increases the risk of PID.
  • Microscopic Examination: The presence of white blood cells indicates inflammation, and gram-negative intracellular diplococci are suggestive of bacteria commonly associated with PID, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia trachomatis.
  • No Evidence of Other Causes: The negative tests for yeast and flagellated microbes rule out other common vaginal infections like candidiasis (yeast infection) and trichomoniasis (parasitic infection).

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

Microorganism: The presence of gram-negative intracellular diplococci points towards bacteria like:

  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae: This bacterium causes gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can contribute to PID.
  • Chlamydia trachomatis: This bacterium is another STI commonly associated with PID. It often has no symptoms but can cause significant damage to the reproductive system if left untreated.

Hospitalization Criteria:

While hospitalization isn’t always necessary for PID treatment, there are situations where it might be recommended for Ms. P.C.:

  • Severity of Symptoms: If Ms. P.C. experiences severe pain, high fever, or signs of peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), hospitalization would be necessary for intravenous antibiotics and pain management.
  • Treatment Response: If she doesn’t respond well to oral antibiotics within 48 hours, hospitalization might be needed for more aggressive intravenous antibiotic treatment.
  • Risk Factors: Certain factors increase the risk of complications from PID. If Ms. P.C. has any of these, hospitalization might be recommended for closer monitoring:
    • Previous history of PID
    • Possible tubal blockage (increases risk of ectopic pregnancy)
    • Suspicion of an abscess (collection of pus) in the pelvis

Disclaimer: I am unable to provide medical diagnosis or treatment advice. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

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