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Cervical bacterial flora in patients with gynecologic malignancies
American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|June 15, 1978
Summary
Intrauterine radiation can cause perplexing temperature elevations. This study found no increase in bacterial growth or unusual pathogens in cervical cancer patients undergoing treatment, suggesting infection exacerbation is unlikely.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Infectious Disease
- Radiation Oncology
Background:
- Pelvic irradiation in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease, parametritis, or pyometra can lead to severe complications.
- Temperature elevation during intrauterine radiation therapy is a perplexing clinical observation.
- A potential etiology for this fever is the exacerbation of a quiescent infection due to cervical necrosis in cancer patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of microbial growth as a cause of temperature elevation during intrauterine radiation.
- To determine if pre-existing cervical infections worsen with cesium therapy.
Main Methods:
- Aerobic, anaerobic, and fungus cultures were obtained from 32 patients before intrauterine cesium administration.
- Cervical flora was analyzed in relation to irradiation dosage and use of vaginal suppositories.
Main Results:
- Cultured organisms were consistent with normal cervical flora.
- No significant increase in bacterial growth or unusual pathogenic bacteria was observed.
- Organism frequency and quantity were independent of irradiation dose and vaginal cleansing practices.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence to support the exacerbation of quiescent infections as an etiology for fever during intrauterine radiation.
- The findings suggest that microbial overgrowth is not a significant factor in temperature elevations in this patient population.