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A rare case of foreign body causing recurrent vaginal discharge in prepubertal child
Vijayalakshmi R Gobbur1, Raghavendra H Gobbur2, Ashwini G Patil3
1Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Shri B.M.Patil Medical College Hospital & Research Centre , Bijapur, Karnataka, India .
Insights
Persistent vaginal discharge in young children can signal a foreign body. This case highlights a hair clip causing recurrent, blood-stained discharge, successfully treated by removal.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gynecology
- Medical Imaging
- Foreign Body Removal
Background:
- Vaginal discharge in prepubertal children is often linked to a hypoestrogenic state, causing thin, alkaline vaginal mucosa susceptible to pathogens.
- Persistent, foul-smelling, or blood-stained vaginal discharge unresponsive to antibiotics warrants investigation for a vaginal foreign body.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old girl presented with recurrent, occasionally blood-stained vaginal discharge that did not improve with antibiotic treatment.
- Pelvic X-ray revealed a radiopaque foreign body, identified as a hair clip, within the vagina.
Findings:
- The presence of a vaginal foreign body (hair clip) was confirmed via X-ray in a prepubertal child with persistent discharge.
- Successful removal of the foreign body under sedation resulted in complete resolution of symptoms.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering and ruling out vaginal foreign bodies in prepubertal children with persistent, unusual vaginal discharge.
- Prompt diagnosis and removal of foreign bodies can prevent complications and resolve symptoms effectively in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
Vaginal discharge in prepubertal children is mainly due to hypoestrogenic state of vaginal mucosa making it thin and alkaline leading to mucosal invasion by pathogen. In a paediatric case with persistent foul smelling , blood stained vaginal discharge not responding to medical therapy, vaginal foreign body should always be ruled out. Here, we report a 3 -year -old girl with complaint of recurrent vaginal discharge occasionally blood stained not relieved despite few antibiotics courses. On X -ray pelvis, a radioopaque foreign body hair clip was seen. Under sedation foreign body was removed by forceps following which child became asymptomatic.