[Vaginal swab in pediatric age]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gynecology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

• Vulvovaginitis is common in young patients.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on proper vaginal secretion sampling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of different sampling tools for vaginal secretions in pediatric patients.
• To assess patient tolerance and compliance with various sampling instruments.

Main Methods:

• A randomized prospective study involving 100 children (4 months-8 years) with suspected vulvovaginitis.
• Four instruments were tested: classical cotton swab, urethral cotton swab, balloon shape cotton swab, and cyto-brush.
• Sampling success, patient compliance, and discontinuation rates due to intolerance were evaluated for each tool.

Main Results:

• The urethral cotton swab had the highest sampling success rate (96%), with only 1 of 25 patients discontinuing the procedure.
• The classical cotton swab had a success rate of 84%, the balloon shape cotton swab 72%, and the cyto-brush 68%.
• Patient intolerance led to discontinuation in 32% of cases with cyto-brush, 28% with balloon shape swab, 16% with classical swab, and only 4% with urethral swab.

Conclusions:

• All tested instruments can obtain vaginal secretions in young children.
• The urethral cotton swab is the most effective and well-tolerated instrument for vaginal secretion sampling in pediatric vulvovaginitis cases.
• Optimizing sampling techniques is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management in pediatric gynecology.