An audit of outpatient management of pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common condition presenting to Genitourinary Medicine clinics in the UK. It is unclear what is the best therapeutic option in the outpatient setting. A clinical audit of current standard of care in women presenting with PID was conducted. A total of 150 women were diagnosed clinically during a six-month period. Chlamydia and gonorrhoea were identified in 30% and 4% of patients respectively. The clinical and microbiological cure rates of oral doxycycline and metronidazole were assessed. In 57% of patients their symptoms resolved, but 18% had persistent signs and symptoms; 25% did not attend for follow up visit. Partner notification was discussed in 87% of patients. With a treatment failure rate of 18% we felt it appropriate to change the antibiotic regimen of PID in our department.